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.
I’ve followed you recipe exactly, but my cake always sinks in the middle. I’ve tried this a few time snow and seems to happen every time.
What am I doing wrong? How do I fix this??
Hi, Aaron! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. Check your oven temperature for accuracy with an oven thermometer. An oven that is too hot or too cold will have negative effects on baking. In addition, make sure all your measurements are accurate (specifically, not using too much baking soda). I hope this helps, and have a great day!
Has anyone tried this cake in three 9 in round pans? If so how long did you bake them?
Can this be baked in a Bundt cake pan or an angel food cake pan ? Please let me know. Thank you
I grew up eating this cake and we used miracle whip because that is what mom bought and it is GREAT. Also never had fudge sauce on it, had Mocha Frosting on it. Much better!! and this was the go to birthday cake for all us kids.
I grew up eating this cake, always a favorite. We always liked peanut butter icing on ours
This is the best love it sooo yummy den making this cake go over 60 years
Love all your recipes, especially the chocolate cakes. I am a lover of chocolate. I will try the mayonnaise cake. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us.
I wanna learn how to be the Best baker
How do you think this cake will work for a petit four? I need a recipe that mayo is a prominent ingredient. Should anything be added/taken away to make a more sponge like cake?
Lovely
What if all I have is 8×8 or 10×10 . What do I use ? Thank you