Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with boxed cake mix is an easy dessert that’s unbelievably moist and tender. It’s made with cake mix, mayo, eggs, and water, and it bakes into rich, fluffy cake that tastes like it was made from scratch.
Chocolate lovers, hang onto your hats. Because this is seriously the best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake I’ve ever tried.
And it’s truly easy! We’re going to use a boxed cake mix to make this recipe quick and simple. Since we’re taking a shortcut on the cake, we’ll make a classic chocolate fudge frosting for the top.
It’s over-the-top delicious, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, events, potlucks, and more.
“I've tried so many ways to make boxed cake mix taste good, and this one "takes the cake!" It was moist, delicious, and made the perfect centerpiece for my son's birthday party!” -Sarah
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Why Add Mayonnaise to A Box of Cake Mix?
First things first. Why are we putting a whole cup of mayonnaise in chocolate cake mix? Mayonnaise is made with eggs and oil, which are two things that cake mixes already call for. So this idea isn’t as crazy as it sounds!
Mayonnaise adds richness to the cake, keeps it moist and tender, and creates a light and velvety crumb to the cake.
And no, you cannot taste the mayonnaise in the cake.
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Top tips
- This cake is baked at 325°F. The lower oven temperature prevents the cake from forming a large dome on top.
- Use full-fat (regular) mayonnaise here. I used Duke’s but that’s just a personal preference. Low-fat mayonnaise won’t create the same moist, tender cake.
- You can find unsweetened chocolate (for the frosting) in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. One popular brand is called Baker’s and it comes in a brown and orange box.
How to make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Box Mix
Place the chocolate cake mix, mayonnaise, eggs, and water in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to mix on high for 2 minutes.
Pour the batter into a greased 13×9 inch pan, and bake for 30-35 minutes at 325°F.
Allow the cake to cool completely before making the frosting. I’ll often put the cake near an open window with a cool breeze, or even in the refrigerator to cool if I’m in a hurry.
For the frosting, melt 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate in the microwave in 20 second increments. Stir until it’s completely melted. Place the melted chocolate in a large bowl with softened butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Beat on high with a hand mixer until creamy.
You may need to add more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it seems thin. The goal is to create a spreadable consistency.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. I like using an offset spatula to create pretty lines and swirls in the frosting.
That’s it! That’s all there is to making a Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake.
Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake can be made up to 2 days in advance of serving it. Keep it covered tightly and store at room temperature, or in the refrigerator.
If you choose to refrigerate it, let it come to room temperature before serving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
To freeze the cake, make it as directed, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost it overnight at room temperature. You can freeze it with or without the frosting.
You can leave the cake at room temperature or refrigerate it. It’ll last several more days if refrigerated.
The cake will keep for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Make sure it is tightly covered before storing it.
Yes! This recipe works nicely with white cake mix, yellow cake mix, funfetti cake mix, etc. They all work.
More chocolate cake recipes
The top three cakes are also made with a box of chocolate cake mix. I love a good shortcut!
- Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake
- Turtle Cake (SO gooey!)
- Ding Dong Cake (a reader favorite!)
- Old Fashioned Wacky Cake
- Zucchini Cake with Chocolate Chips
- Dr. Pepper Cake
- Cherry Chocolate Cake
Lastly, if you have a little more time on your hands, Chocolate Delight is an old fashioned favorite!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake (with Cake Mix)
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 eggs
For the frosting:
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- Place the cake mix, water, mayonnaise, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 3 minutes. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, place the unsweetened chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second increments until melted.
- Place the softened butter, melted chocolate, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk in a large bowl. Use a handheld mixer to mix until it reaches frosting-like consistency and the powdered sugar is incorporated. Add an additional tablespoon of milk if the mixture looks too stiff.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Cut into slices and serve.
I made this recipe in a bundt pan. It came out great! Frosted the cake with my whoopie pie filling. 😋
That sounds delicious! Thanks for leaving a review, Nancy!
I’ve tried so many ways to make boxed cake mix taste good, and this one “takes the cake!” It was moist, delicious, and made the perfect centerpiece for my son’s birthday party! I used the instructions as written for two 8-inch rounds and it still came out perfectly.
Thanks, Sarah! So glad that you liked it! <3
Yes! It also tasted delicious when I tried it with a box of white cake mix for my other son’s birthday a few weeks later 😊
Woohoo! 🙌 Thanks for reporting back!
Very nice and easy
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review.