Mayonnaise Cake Recipe: Ever thought about putting mayonnaise in a cake? It might sound a bit odd at first, but this classic Depression-era recipe has stood the test of time—and for good reason.
The mayonnaise cake is incredibly moist, rich, and full of flavor. It’s a clever baking hack that’s both budget-friendly and surprisingly delicious.
The idea of using mayo in place of eggs and butter came during times when those ingredients were scarce, and now it’s back as a secret weapon for home bakers everywhere.
Ready to try something different? Let’s dive into this unique but delightful cake recipe!
What is a Mayonnaise Cake?
A mayonnaise cake is essentially a chocolate cake (though vanilla versions exist too) that uses mayonnaise instead of eggs and butter. If that sounds strange, just remember: mayo is made from eggs and oil, two ingredients found in nearly every cake recipe. This cake bakes up moist and tender, with a dense but not heavy texture. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream with a deep, rich flavor.
Don’t worry—the final product doesn’t taste like mayonnaise. It’s just soft, chocolatey, and impossible to stop eating. Think of it as a hack rather than a flavor booster.
Why Mayonnaise Works in Cake Baking
Let’s talk science for a sec. Mayonnaise is mostly made up of oil (fat) and eggs, both essential for creating a soft, rich crumb in baking. The oil keeps the cake moist, while the eggs bind everything together. When mixed into your cake batter, mayo replaces these individual components with a single ingredient.
This trick also simplifies the recipe. No need to cream butter or worry about room-temperature eggs—just scoop and stir. It’s genius. The result? A cake that stays moist for days and has a velvety texture that’s hard to beat.
Taste and Texture Profile
If you’re wondering what this cake tastes like—don’t expect it to taste like a sandwich spread. The mayonnaise vanishes into the background, doing its job quietly. The texture? Think fudgy and rich, like a cross between a brownie and a traditional chocolate cake.
You get all the deep cocoa flavor you crave, with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t need a lot of fancy frosting or filling to shine. It’s perfectly satisfying on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your go-to shopping list. Simple pantry staples, nothing too fancy:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, not low-fat or fat-free)
- 1 cup water (room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (for deeper chocolate flavor)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (for added texture)
You probably have most of these in your kitchen already. Just make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the baking soda, for the best results.
Choosing the Right Mayonnaise
Not all mayo is created equal when it comes to baking. The best option? Full-fat, traditional mayonnaise. Avoid anything labeled low-fat, light, or flavored—they often have added sugars or emulsifiers that can mess with the texture.
Some great brands to consider include Hellmann’s (Best Foods), Duke’s, or even a good-quality homemade version if you’re into DIY. Just keep it simple and creamy.
Essential Baking Tools
Let’s gear up for success. Here are the must-have tools for this recipe:
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans)
- Cooling rack
- Oven thermometer (if you want precision)
A stand mixer or hand mixer is optional here—you can easily mix this cake by hand since there’s no butter to cream.
Prepping Your Workspace
Before you begin, make sure your kitchen is ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and flour your baking pan or line it with parchment paper
- Measure out all ingredients ahead of time
- Keep your utensils within easy reach
Being organized makes baking so much smoother. Plus, you’ll be less likely to forget a step (like adding the vanilla—we’ve all been there).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mayonnaise Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s super important to bake with a properly heated oven so your cake rises correctly and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed and lump-free.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter will look a bit looser than traditional cake batter, but that’s okay.
Step 5: Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using round pans, start checking at the 25-minute mark.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t frost until the cake is totally cool or your frosting will melt.
Frosting and Topping Ideas
Now that your cake is baked and cooled, let’s talk toppings. While this mayonnaise cake is so rich and moist it can absolutely stand on its own, a little frosting never hurt anybody. Here are some delicious ideas to take your cake to the next level:
- Classic Chocolate Frosting: A smooth and creamy butter-based chocolate frosting complements the cocoa-rich cake perfectly.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you like a little tang with your sweet, this is a great choice. It adds contrast and depth of flavor.
- Ganache Glaze: Want something glossy and rich? Heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped dark chocolate to make a silky ganache.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a fresh note—perfect for summer serving.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: When you’re in a hurry, a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar gives it that elegant touch without extra work.
Want to get fancy? Add crushed nuts, shaved chocolate, or a few fresh berries. You can even drizzle a bit of caramel or raspberry sauce. It’s your canvas—decorate it however you like.
Serving Suggestions
Mayonnaise cake is incredibly versatile. You can dress it up for parties or enjoy a quiet slice with coffee. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Afternoon Tea: Cut into small squares, serve with tea and tiny forks.
- Birthday Party: Layer the cake with frosting, stack it high, and add candles.
- Dessert Bar: Cut into cubes and arrange with other desserts like brownies and cookies.
- With Ice Cream: A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Heaven.
- Next-Day Breakfast (No Judgment): It’s got eggs and oil—kind of like breakfast, right?
It’s a cake that plays well with others. Pair it with cold milk, coffee, or even a bold red wine if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Tips
Mayonnaise cake is super forgiving and stays moist for days. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Room Temperature: If unfrosted, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerated: With frosting or fillings, store in the fridge to keep things fresh. Just let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back that soft texture.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Tip: If you freeze individual slices, you can grab a piece whenever the craving hits. Midnight snack, anyone?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can go wrong with a few missteps. Watch out for these common issues:
- Using Low-Fat Mayo: This can ruin the texture. Always go with full-fat, real mayonnaise.
- Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, stir until just combined. Overmixing leads to a dense, chewy cake.
- Skipping the Sift: Cocoa powder and flour can clump. Sifting helps create a smoother batter.
- Underbaking: This cake is moist, but it still needs to be fully baked. Check with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
- Frosting a Warm Cake: Don’t do it! Wait until the cake is completely cool to avoid a melted mess.
Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll have a flawless cake every time.
Nutritional Breakdown
Let’s take a quick look at the approximate nutritional info for one slice (assuming 12 slices per 9×13 cake, without frosting):
| Nutrient | Amount per slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–300 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
This cake isn’t exactly diet food—but it’s a delicious, occasional treat that’s worth every bite.
FAQs about Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
1. Can you taste the mayonnaise in the cake?
Nope! The mayo blends seamlessly into the batter. All you’ll taste is rich, chocolaty goodness—no tang or savory notes.
2. Is this cake suitable for kids?
Absolutely. It’s soft, sweet, and fun. Kids won’t even know there’s mayo in it unless you tell them.
3. Can I make this eggless?
Technically, mayo already contains eggs, so this recipe isn’t eggless. But if you’re looking for an egg-free option, try vegan mayonnaise and see how it goes!
4. What if I don’t have cake flour?
All-purpose flour works great here. No need to sub with cake flour—the texture will still be moist and tender.
5. Can it be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.
Conclusion
There you have it: the ultimate mayonnaise cake recipe. It’s rich, moist, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this cake is a show-stopper that doesn’t require complicated ingredients or steps.
Next time you open your fridge and spot a jar of mayo, don’t just think sandwiches—think dessert. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to chocolate cake recipe.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get baking. And hey, don’t knock it ’til you try it!
