The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: An Amazingly Moist & Easy Recipe

When my best friend requested a **Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake** for her birthday, I admit I was a little taken aback. It sounded like an unusual choice for a celebratory dessert. However, the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. This old-fashioned recipe holds a special place in many hearts, evoking a sense of nostalgic comfort. Beyond its comforting familiarity, it’s a remarkably rich, intensely chocolatey, and delightfully moist cake – making it a truly decadent treat for any birthday or special occasion.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with a slice cut out, showcasing its moist texture. The full cake is visible in the background.

Its enduring popularity sparked a question that many first-timers ask: **Why put mayonnaise in a cake?** The answer lies in both its resourceful origins and its surprising culinary benefits, which we’ll explore in detail. This easy, old-fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake leverages mayonnaise in the batter, expertly replacing traditional eggs and oil to produce a chocolate cake that is incredibly rich, undeniably delicious, and exceptionally moist. It’s truly a perfect dessert for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply whenever you crave a comforting, homemade treat.

This remarkable cake has graced dinner tables for generations, predating even my own childhood memories. It’s a testament to a truly good recipe when it not only withstands the test of time but also thrives across decades. I discovered my own copy of this cherished recipe, neatly tucked away in my binder since 2002. While my personal copy dates back to the early 2000s, the cake itself has been a culinary staple since at least the 1930s. The precise origin of my particular recipe remains a bit of a mystery, though a note on it suggests it came from a colleague whose father received it from his mother – a cake she famously prepared during the trying times of the Great Depression.

The Enduring History of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

The story of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is deeply intertwined with economic hardship and human ingenuity. When the Great Depression cast its shadow over North America, families faced immense pressure to manage their budgets and make every ingredient stretch as far as possible. Luxurious desserts became rare, and home cooks had to become masters of substitution to keep comfort on the table. This era saw everyday ingredients ingeniously re-imagined. Butter was often replaced with shortening, milk with water, and precious eggs with other leavening agents like baking powder. It was in this environment that mayonnaise emerged as a brilliant and practical solution.

Mayonnaise, being an emulsified mixture of oil, egg yolks, and vinegar, offered a trifecta of essential baking components in one convenient jar. It replaced the fat (oil or butter) and the binding agent (eggs) while also contributing moisture and a touch of acidity that interacts beautifully with cocoa and baking soda. This clever substitution not only made baking more affordable but also resulted in a surprisingly moist and tender crumb. The cake’s popularity soared again during the Second World War when rationing made certain staple foods, including butter and eggs, scarce. What began as a necessity evolved into a beloved classic, cherished for its unique texture and rich flavor, long after the hardships of those eras had passed.

Close-up of the moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, showing the rich chocolate color and tender crumb.

Unpacking the Magic: Why Mayonnaise in a Cake?

So, the million-dollar question again: **Why put mayonnaise in a cake?** The answer lies in its unique composition, which makes it a surprisingly effective and efficient baking ingredient. Mayonnaise is a thick, rich emulsion, primarily made from oil, egg yolks, and an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice, along with a pinch of salt. When incorporated into a cake batter, it performs several crucial roles that contribute to the cake’s exceptional quality:

Egg Replacement: The egg yolks in mayonnaise act as a powerful emulsifier and binder, holding all the ingredients together, much like fresh eggs would. This is especially useful in times of scarcity or simply to simplify a recipe.
Oil/Fat Replacement: The high oil content in mayonnaise delivers the necessary fat to keep the cake tender, moist, and rich. It negates the need for adding separate oil or butter, streamlining the ingredient list.
Moisture Provider: Beyond just fat, mayonnaise also contains a small amount of water from the vinegar/lemon juice, further contributing to a super moist crumb.
Flavor Enhancer: While you might worry about a “mayonnaise taste,” rest assured there is none. The vinegar or lemon juice in mayonnaise subtly enhances the chocolate flavor, making it deeper and more complex, similar to how coffee or espresso powder can elevate chocolate baked goods. The salt content also naturally brings out the sweetness.
Economical Choice: Historically, and even today, using mayonnaise can be a budget-friendly way to achieve a rich cake without multiple expensive ingredients. The use of water instead of milk, for instance, further reduces cost, making this cake a practical choice during economically challenging times or for frugal bakers. Milk’s primary role in cake baking is to provide liquid for chemical reactions; water can serve this purpose just as effectively for structure, especially when fat is provided by mayonnaise.

Given that we’re generally not facing widespread scarcity, rationing, or severe poverty today, why does this chocolate mayonnaise cake remain so popular? The answer is simple: it’s incredibly delicious! For those of us who grew up with it, it’s the epitome of comfort food. Moreover, it’s inherently rich, incredibly moist, easy to prepare, and still wonderfully budget-friendly. In other words, with all these benefits, **why *wouldn’t* we eat chocolate mayonnaise cake?!**

For this delightful old-fashioned mayonnaise cake recipe, you’ll need a handful of common pantry staples:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
White granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Mayonnaise (I typically use Hellmann’s, but brands like Kraft, Duke’s, or even Miracle Whip can be used. You can also opt for light/low-fat or full-fat mayonnaise based on your preference.)
Water
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
For the frosting, I highly recommend my Chocolate Whipped Buttercream recipe for a perfect pairing.

*Refer to the full recipe card below for exact quantities.

Another perspective of the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, with a perfect slice ready to be enjoyed.

When I first introduced the idea of a mayonnaise cake to my family, their reactions were, to be frank, less than enthusiastic. There’s often a strange initial apprehension about putting mayonnaise in a sweet dessert. However, the unique texture that mayonnaise imparts is truly transformative. It creates an unexpectedly decadent, rich, and supremely moist crumb that silences all doubts. The moment my family tasted this cake, all their negative preconceived notions vanished – they absolutely LOVED this cake!

Choosing the Perfect Cake Frosting for Your Mayonnaise Cake

Selecting the ideal frosting or icing is an art form that can truly elevate or diminish a cake. For this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, I wholeheartedly recommend my Chocolate Whipped Cream Buttercream Frosting. It stands out as the lightest, airiest, and perfectly not-too-sweet homemade frosting you’ll ever encounter! Crucially, it contains no butter, which aligns perfectly with the historical context of the mayonnaise cake, as butter was a luxury and typically not used in frosting during the Depression era. More importantly, this particular chocolate frosting provides the perfect balance and complementary flavor to the rich chocolate cake, making it my personal go-to choice.

To prepare this exquisite chocolate frosting, you simply replace a small portion of the powdered/icing sugar with unsweetened cocoa powder, and voilà! You have created one of the best chocolate frostings to grace any cake.

Stand mixer paddle attachment covered in fluffy chocolate frosting in the foreground, with a bowl of whipped frosting in the background.

If you’re looking for an even quicker and easier option, I also love this Chocolate Frosting (without butter). It delivers a delicious chocolate flavor with minimal fuss, making it another excellent choice for this particular cake.

An old-fashioned sour cream chocolate cake decorated with no-butter chocolate icing, presented as a birthday cake.

One of the truly best aspects of this easy recipe is its straightforward nature. It’s simple to prepare, and there’s absolutely no fancy decorating required to make it look stunning. A casual swirl of frosting is often all it needs, embodying its rustic, old-fashioned charm.

Essential Equipment for Your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

To successfully bake this delicious chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe, you’ll need just a couple of standard kitchen items. First, gather two 9-inch round cake pans. These are crucial for achieving the classic layered cake structure. Secondly, an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer) will make the mixing process much easier and ensure your batter is smooth and well-combined. While not strictly required, a wire rack for cooling is also highly recommended to prevent the cake layers from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade chocolate mayonnaise cake for as long as possible. If you’re using a non-perishable frosting (such as my Chocolate Frosting without Butter), you can store this chocolate cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and prevents it from drying out.

If you want to extend its shelf life, or if you’ve used a perishable frosting (like one with dairy), you can freeze the cake. Ensure it’s stored in a sealed, freezer-safe container, and it will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or allow it to come to room temperature on the counter before serving.

Adjusting Your Serving Size

This homemade chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe, as written, yields 12 generous servings. However, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the serving size to suit your needs, whether you’re baking for a smaller gathering or a larger crowd. Many online recipe cards offer functionality where you can click on the serving number to select a desired quantity (e.g., half, double, or triple the recipe). The ingredient quantities will then automatically adjust for you, simplifying the scaling process. Just remember that if you’re significantly increasing the recipe, you’ll need additional cake pans to accommodate the larger volume of batter.

Expert Tips for a Perfectly Crumb-Free Frosted Cake

Achieving a smooth, crumb-free finish on your frosted cake can sometimes be a challenge, but with a few simple techniques, you can master it. Here are my top tips to avoid those pesky crumbs in your icing and ensure a professional-looking result:

Proper Pan Preparation: Begin by adequately preparing your cake pans. I highly recommend using a commercial cake release spray like Wilton Cake Release. Alternatively, you can grease and flour your pans thoroughly or line the bottoms with parchment paper for effortless removal.
Brush Away Loose Crumbs: Once your cake layers are completely cooled (this is crucial!), gently brush off any loose crumbs from the surfaces using a soft pastry brush. This prevents them from mixing into your frosting.
The Crumb Coat: Apply a very thin layer of frosting to the entire cake. This is called a “crumb coat.” Its purpose is to trap any remaining crumbs. Don’t worry about perfection; just aim for a thin, even layer.
Chill Before Final Frosting: After applying the crumb coat, place the cake in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This allows the crumb coat to firm up, effectively locking in all the crumbs.
Generous Frosting Application: For your final layer of frosting, use a flat spatula and be sure to apply generous amounts of icing. Work quickly and avoid going over the same spot too many times, as this can dislodge crumbs. For this particular mayonnaise cake, a perfectly smooth finish isn’t necessary; a casual, swirled look adds to its charm. You can see how to achieve this by clicking HERE for a visual guide.

If you’re eager for more delicious chocolate birthday cake ideas, be sure to explore my Genoise Chocolate Sponge Cake for an elegant option, or my Old Fashioned Sour Cream Chocolate Cake for another beloved classic!

This incredible chocolate mayonnaise cake is truly perfect any time of the year, offering a delightful treat for every season and celebration.

⭐ Reviews

Did you love this chocolate mayonnaise cake? If so, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and a comment below to share your experience! Your feedback helps other bakers discover and enjoy this wonderful recipe.

slice of mayonnaise birthday cake on white plate with cake in the background

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

This easy old-fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake uses mayonnaise in the batter to replace the eggs and oil for a rich and delicious chocolate cake. It’s perfect for birthday parties or any celebration!

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5 from 5 votes

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Course: dessert

Cuisine: American, Canadian, North American

Special Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 434kcal

Author: Terri Gilson

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

making frosting and decorating: 20

Total Time: 1

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Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
1 ½ cups water
2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting

1 Chocolate Whipped Buttercream recipe
Colored Celebration Candy Pearls (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and grease two 9-inch pans thoroughly (I use Wilton cake release).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Stir these dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed. Then, stir in the mayonnaise until just combined.
Gradually add the water and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Blend until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the two greased pans.
Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting (my recommended frosting is detailed in the post and recipe card).

Frosting

I highly recommend using my Chocolate Whipped Buttercream Frosting (see full recipe instructions in the blog post for details).

Decorations

Optionally, decorate your finished cake with colored celebration candy pearls or your favorite sprinkles for a festive touch.

Notes

*See the main blog post content for important recipe information, historical context, and additional baking tips!

Nutrition

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🍰 More Irresistible Chocolate Cake Recipes!

If you’ve fallen in love with the rich flavors and comforting essence of this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, you’re likely a fellow chocolate cake enthusiast! Here are some other fantastic chocolate cake recipes from my collection that you might enjoy exploring:

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Chocolate Fudge Cake: A classic cake known for its dense, moist crumb and intense chocolate flavor, often paired with a rich fudge frosting.
Chocolate Italian (Genoise) Sponge Cake with Berries: A lighter, airy sponge cake with a delicate chocolate hint, beautifully complemented by fresh berries, perfect for elegant gatherings.
Microwave Chocolate Banana Mug Cake: For those instant chocolate cravings, this single-serving mug cake is quick, easy, and satisfying, especially with the addition of ripe bananas.
Root Beer Float Cake: A fun and nostalgic cake that captures the unique flavors of a classic root beer float in a delicious dessert form, often topped with a creamy, airy frosting.
Red Wine Strawberry Chocolate Fudge Cake: A sophisticated and decadent cake where the notes of red wine deepen the chocolate flavor, beautifully paired with fresh strawberries for a touch of fruitiness.

Each of these recipes offers a unique take on chocolate cake, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every preference and occasion. Enjoy your baking adventures!