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Slice of rich and moist chocolate mayonnaise cake topped with frosting

Mayo Cake

A surprisingly moist and rich chocolate cake made with mayonnaise, utilizing pantry staples for an easy, delicious dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for consistent results.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Full fat is best for texture; avoid whipped dressing.
  • 1.5 cups warm water or warm coffee Using coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat your oven to 350°F. Grease your pan and line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the mayonnaise, warm water or coffee, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, leaving a few small lumps.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake. Start checking for a 9 by 13 pan at about 30 minutes; for two 8-inch pans, check around 25 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.

Notes

Serving ideas include chocolate frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar. This cake can also be made into cupcakes, filled about two thirds full, and baked for 18-22 minutes.