Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

Chocolate mayonnaise cake is the kind of unexpected classic that surprises you with its simplicity and richness. Using mayonnaise as the secret ingredient, this moist chocolate cake skips traditional fats like butter and oil, yet delivers a deep, tender crumb that’s hard to beat. With pantry staples like pure vanilla extract, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder, it comes together in just 30 minutes and cools beautifully on a wire rack. Whether you top it with chocolate frosting, ganache frosting, or a light buttercream frosting, it’s a reliable, no-fail dessert—and yes, this page may contain affiliate links for tools that make it even easier.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Chocolate mayonnaise cake isn’t just a clever twist—it’s a reliable go-to for anyone who wants a rich, moist chocolate cake without the hassle of melting butter or separating eggs. The secret ingredient, mayonnaise, blends oil and egg into one convenient addition, making this cake incredibly soft and flavorful without tasting anything like mayo. With simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and a total bake time of around 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy days, sudden cravings, or nostalgic weekends. Frost it with a smooth chocolate frosting, glossy ganache frosting, or creamy buttercream frosting, and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

Top reasons to love this cake:

Incredibly moist texture: Thanks to the mayonnaise, this cake stays soft and tender without needing extra oil or eggs.
Easy and fast: From mixing to baking, it takes about 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute desserts.
Minimal ingredients: With pantry staples like baking powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and pure vanilla extract, no fancy items are required.
Versatile toppings: Finish with any frosting you like—chocolate, ganache, or buttercream—each adds a delicious twist.

Ingredients for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

This chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe calls for basic baking ingredients and one game-changing element: mayonnaise. It replaces traditional fats while keeping the cake light, tender, and full of flavor. For the best results, make sure the wet ingredients, including the mayonnaise and vanilla, are at room temperature before mixing. Below is everything you need to create a deeply moist chocolate cake in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise (the secret ingredient for moisture)
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup cold water

How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Making a chocolate mayonnaise cake is a straightforward process that yields rich, tender results with minimal effort. The use of mayonnaise as the secret ingredient eliminates the need for separate oil or eggs, delivering a deeply moist chocolate cake with a soft crumb and incredible flavor. Start by bringing key ingredients like mayonnaise and pure vanilla extract to room temperature for better blending. The batter comes together quickly, and the cake bakes in about 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Step-by-step instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add dry ingredients: Sift in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 teaspoons baking soda.
Add water: Slowly stir in 1 cup cold water and mix until the batter is well combined and smooth.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frost and serve: Top with your choice of chocolate frosting, ganache frosting, or buttercream frosting, and serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect chocolate mayonnaise cake, it helps to keep a few essential baking principles in mind. This cake may use an unconventional secret ingredient, but it still benefits from traditional techniques, including proper mixing, accurate measurements, and correct baking times. Whether you’re topping it with a silky ganache frosting or a smooth buttercream frosting, the foundation begins with a well-baked, balanced cake.

Helpful tips for best results:

Use room temperature ingredients: Let the mayonnaise and vanilla come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder, mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
Check your baking soda: Make sure your leavening agents, especially the baking powder or soda, are fresh for proper rise.
Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake rest on a wire rack until fully cool to prevent your chocolate frosting or ganache frosting from melting.
Try different frostings: The simple flavor profile of this cake works well with many toppings—don’t hesitate to switch between buttercream frosting, ganache, or even a dusting of cocoa.

Equipment Needed for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

To create a perfectly moist chocolate cake using the iconic chocolate mayonnaise cake method, having the right tools can make the process smoother and more efficient. Each piece of equipment helps ensure the batter blends well, the cake bakes evenly, and your final presentation is beautiful. While some items may be optional, others—like a wire rack and quality baking pan—are essential for success. Where applicable, affiliate links may lead to trusted tools used regularly in our test kitchen.

Essential equipment includes:

Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before bringing the batter together.
Whisk or hand mixer: Helps achieve a smooth consistency when mixing mayonnaise, sugar, and pure vanilla extract.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters, especially for ingredients like baking powder and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Sifter or fine mesh strainer: Ensures dry ingredients like cocoa and flour are lump-free for a smoother batter.
9×9-inch baking pan: Ideal size for even baking and a manageable portion for slicing.
Wire rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly at room temperature before frosting.
Offset spatula or knife: For spreading your chosen chocolate frosting, ganache frosting, or buttercream frosting smoothly.

Variations of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

The beauty of a classic chocolate mayonnaise cake lies not only in its simplicity but also in how easily it can be adapted. Whether you’re experimenting with frostings, adjusting for dietary needs, or layering flavors, this moist chocolate cake provides a flexible foundation. In just 30 minutes, you can create something new and personal by swapping or adding just a few ingredients—all while maintaining that signature soft crumb from the secret ingredient: mayonnaise.

Creative variations to try:

Spiced chocolate twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the batter along with the unsweetened cocoa powder for a warm kick.
Layered cake version: Double the recipe and bake in two round pans for a tiered cake finished with rich ganache frosting.
Mini cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats that bake in 10–12 minutes and pair well with a swirl of buttercream frosting.
Mocha flavor: Substitute half the cold water with brewed coffee to enhance the depth of the chocolate, then frost with mocha-infused chocolate frosting.

No matter how you customize it, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, use ingredients at room temperature, and enjoy the reliable richness of this time-tested recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

A slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right elements can take your dessert to the next level. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or after it’s cooled on a wire rack, this moist chocolate cake adapts beautifully to different occasions and toppings. From a generous layer of chocolate frosting to an elegant dollop of whipped cream or fruit on the side, there are plenty of ways to serve it. Make sure the cake is at room temperature before slicing to keep its texture intact and flavor full.

Try these serving ideas:

Frost and slice: Top with a smooth ganache frosting or creamy buttercream frosting and serve with coffee or milk.
A la mode: Add a scoop of vanilla or espresso ice cream for a rich contrast to the warm, soft cake.
Elegant finish: Dust lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa and serve with fresh berries.
Casual snack: Cut into squares and pack as a lunchbox dessert or serve plain with afternoon tea.

Frequently Asked Questions – Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

1. Can you put mayonnaise in chocolate cake?
Yes, and it’s more common than you might think. Mayonnaise acts as the secret ingredient in many retro and modern recipes, replacing oil and eggs to create an incredibly moist chocolate cake with a tender crumb.

2. How to make a chocolate mayonnaise cake?
To make a chocolate mayonnaise cake, combine unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder (or baking soda), cold water, mayonnaise, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, pour into a greased pan, and bake for about 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack, then frost.

3. How to make chocolate cake with mayonnaise?
It’s easy: mix your wet ingredients—including mayonnaise and vanilla—at room temperature for a smoother batter. Add dry ingredients, pour into a baking pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost with chocolate frosting, ganache frosting, or buttercream frosting.

4. Is there mayonnaise in Portillo’s chocolate cake?
Yes, many copycat recipes for Portillo’s famous cake call for mayonnaise as the moisture enhancer. The result is a dense, rich texture similar to a classic chocolate mayonnaise cake.

Final Thoughts on Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Chocolate mayonnaise cake is proof that a simple pantry staple can transform an everyday dessert into something rich, tender, and unforgettable. With mayonnaise as the secret ingredient, this moist chocolate cake delivers a perfect crumb in just 30 minutes, using familiar items like unsweetened cocoa powder, pure vanilla extract, and baking powder. Whether topped with chocolate frosting, ganache frosting, or buttercream frosting, it’s a reliable, no-fuss recipe that belongs in every home baker’s collection.