Chocolate May Cake is a moist and rich chocolate cake with mayonnaise as a key ingredient. This unexpected twist on a classic favorite is sure to delight your taste buds. And, this recipe is made with only seven ingredients that you probably already have on hand! If you love cake, be sure to try my Perfect Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream, too.
Why Add Mayonnaise to Chocolate Cake?
The mayonnaise cake originated during the Great Depression when eggs and oil were scarce. Mayonnaise, which is essentially an emulsion of egg yolk, oil, and vinegar, was a convenient substitute for these ingredients. In fact, some mayonnaise brands even included the recipe on the jar. Using mayo in a cake recipe simplifies the process by combining multiple ingredients into one, resulting in a velvety texture that’s difficult to resist. And no, you will not taste the mayonnaise.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Mayonnaise: I do recommend using full-fat mayonnaise* for this recipe. However, you could substitute light or reduced-fat mayonnaise if that is what you have. Or, make your own! Do not substitute miracle whip. Miracle Whip is different than mayonnaise and has a different taste, some would even say seasoned. So, for a sweet baked good like chocolate cake, it is best to stick to traditional mayonnaise.
Cocoa: Look for high-quality cocoa powder to use in this recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used for an even darker and richer cake.
*You can see there is no added salt in this recipe and that is because there is salt already in the mayonnaise.
How to Store Mayonnaise Cake
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last up to 3 days. For a little longer shelf-life, you could also store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I Freeze Chocolate Mayo Cake?
Yes, you can! It can be treated just like a traditional cake recipe. Make sure that the cake has fully cooled then wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Place in your freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw cakes, unwrap them and put them on a wire rack at room temperature. They should thaw out in 2-3 hours.
More Chocolate Cakes
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (44 g) cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup (237 g) water
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
- Add the water, mayonnaise, and vanilla. Mix until evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Video
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Can I bake this in a Bundt pan ?
Could these be made into cupcakes?
I made cupcakes and baked them for 15-18 minutes. They turned out great!
Maravilhosa receita
Sou brasileira e as vezes aqui não tem alguns ingredientes…mas acho suas receitas maravilhosas!
My Grandmother made this cake, every year, for my Birthday. I’m 62 years old. My favorite. I teach cooking class at the Boys and Girls Club where we’ve made it in the past, and recently, we made it as cupcakes. A hit!!
I have a recipe that calls for 2 eggs and a half-cup of oil. How much mayo should/can I use? What’s the ratio for eggs/or oil? I really would like to try the substitution!
On the pumpkin earthquake cake is there a sunsitute ing i could use for the choc chips or simply leave out.. im sure it taste great however i perfer the taste of the pumpkin spice, as my family loves my home made pumpkin bread. I just don’t want choc in my pumpkin recipe..
Love you dear Amanda❤️❤️❤️You are as awesome and sweet as your desserts and cakes ..Your chocolate mayonnaise cake is just perfect 👌🏼 and I’m baking it every other day on my kids’ demand.Loads of love and respect from all of us.Stay blessed forever ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I grew up eating this cake. So simple to make and so delicious. My mom did not frost hers. I will try your frosting recipe. Thanks for the memory
No eggs in this choc mayo cake recipe? I enjoy your recipes. Also, I’d like your Best Chocolate Cake Recipe. Thanks.