How to Make a Decadently Delicious Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: A Surprisingly Easy Recipe

Have you ever heard of a chocolate mayonnaise cake? It might sound unusual, but trust me, this hidden gem is a must-try! This moist and incredibly delicious cake gets its secret weapon from a surprising ingredient – mayonnaise! Don’t worry, you won’t taste the mayonnaise at all. Instead, it acts as a magic ingredient, lending a rich, tender crumb and an unbelievably moist texture to the cake.

This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a delicious and easy dessert. So, put on your apron, and let’s dive into this surprisingly simple recipe that will make you the star baker of the day!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For this surprisingly easy chocolate mayonnaise cake, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for an even lighter texture)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mayonnaise (use full-fat mayonnaise for best results)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (this helps bloom the cocoa and creates a fudgy texture)

For the frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Tools of the Trade:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer works fine)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Serrated knife (for splitting the cake layers if desired)
• Piping bag and tip (optional, for frosting)

Baking the Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent cake.

3. Wet Ingredients Get Cozy: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well using your electric mixer until the batter is smooth.

4. Combine and Conquer: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.

5. Boiling Water Surprise: Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin, but don’t worry, that’s what we want for a moist and tender cake.

6. Pan and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes completely prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean, even layers.

Whipping Up the Frosting:

While the cakes are cooling, let’s make the frosting:

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

2. Sweeten the Deal: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth.

3. Chocolate Power: Add the cocoa powder and milk to the frosting, beating until well combined and the desired consistency is reached.

4. Vanilla Magic: Stir in the vanilla extract for that final touch of flavor.