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    Recipes » Cakes and Pies » Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

    Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

    Published: Sep 15, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake with a bite taken out.
    slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake with a bite taken out.
    slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake with a bite taken out.

    Mayonnaise turns chocolate cake into the most moist, tender cake ever! For this Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, we’ll use boxed cake mix and mayo to create the best chocolate cake you’ve ever eaten.

    slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake on a white plate with a bite taken out.

    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 homemade chocolate fudge frosting for the top.

    It’s over-the-top delicious, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, events, potlucks, and more.

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • Why put mayonnaise in chocolate cake?
    • Top tips
    • How to make Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
    • Make it ahead
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More chocolate cake recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes
    chocolate frosted cake next to a jar of mayonnaise.

    Why put mayonnaise in chocolate cake?

    First things first. Why are we putting a whole cup of mayonnaise in chocolate cake? Mayonnaise is made with eggs and oil—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.

    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 Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

    Place the chocolate cake mix, mayonnaise, eggs, and water in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to mix on high for 2 minutes.

    chocolate cake batter in a glass bowl with a hand mixer.

    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.

    homemade chocolate frosting in a white bowl with a hand mixer.

    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 nice lines and swirls in the frosting.

    an offset spatula spreading chocolate frosting onto a chocolate cake.

    That’s it! That’s all there is to this Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake.

    Make it ahead

    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.

    a spatula lifting a slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake out of a metal pan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you freeze chocolate mayonnaise cake?

    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.

    Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

    You can leave the cake at room temperature or refrigerate it. It’ll last several more days if refrigerated.

    How long is chocolate mayonnaise cake good for?

    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.

    a fork holding up a bite of chocolate mayo cake with chocolate frosting.

    More chocolate cake recipes

    These three cakes are also made with a box of chocolate cake mix. I love a good shortcut!

    • Mississippi Mud Cake
    • Turtle Cake (SO gooey!)
    • Ding Dong Cake (a reader favorite!)

    Lastly, if you have a little more time on your hands, Chocolate Delight is an old fashioned favorite!

    slice of chocolate mayo cake on a white plate next to a fork, with a bite taken out.

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    slice of chocolate mayonnaise cake with a bite taken out.

    Easy Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

    Published by Kate
    We'll use a box of cake mix and a cup of mayo to create the most rich, soft, and tender chocolate cake you've ever tasted.
    4.25 from 4 votes
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 servings
    Calories 376 kcal

    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.

    Notes

    Use full-fat (regular) mayonnaise for this cake. Low fat mayo will not create the same result.
    The cake can be stored at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Cover the cake tightly before storing.
    You can freeze the cake in a tightly covered container for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature overnight before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 378mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 202IUCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword chocolate mayonnaise cake
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

    Related recipes

    • Easy Mississippi Mud Cake
    • Turtle Cake
    • Easy Ding Dong Cake
    • Chocolate Delight
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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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