Name: Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (256 g); 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g); 6 tablespoons cocoa powder (44 g); 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 cup water (237 g); 1 cup mayonnaise (232 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There's something so delightfully surprising about a cake made with mayonnaise, right? This Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe is hands down one of my go-to secrets for a rich, tender chocolate cake that doesn’t dry out. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple with just a handful of ingredients.

A close-up view of a single square piece of chocolate cake on a white plate, showing two layers: the bottom layer is a rich, moist dark brown chocolate cake with a soft and crumbly texture, and the top layer is a thick, smooth, and creamy chocolate frosting with a slightly glossy surface that spreads evenly over the cake with gentle swirls. The background is softly blurred with warm brown tones, and the scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I was hesitant to try mayo in cake at first, but after a few bites of this Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe, I was hooked. It’s got all the chocolatey goodness you want with a texture that's unbelievably moist and tender—way beyond your average chocolate cake.

Ridiculously moist texture: Thanks to the mayonnaise, the cake stays incredibly soft and lush, even days later.
Simple pantry ingredients: You don’t need any fancy stuff—just basics like flour, sugar, cocoa, and of course mayo.
Super easy and quick: Mix everything in one bowl and pop it in the oven—no need for complicated steps or double-bowl cleanups.
Foolproof for home bakers: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is forgiving and turns out great every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

One thing I appreciate about this Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe is how each ingredient plays such a straightforward but key role. You can grab these from any supermarket, and the combo really brings out the best in this easy dessert.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep brown cocoa powder, two fresh whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy mayonnaise, and a small white ceramic bowl holding golden vanilla extract placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure without weighing the cake down.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
Cocoa powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa for that deep chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Gives the cake lift and a nice light crumb.
Water: Keeps the batter smooth and balances the dry ingredients.
Mayonnaise: This is the magic—acts as fat plus moisture, keeping the crumb soft and velvety.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to enhance all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe is how easily you can tweak it for your taste or occasions. I like to keep it classic, but once in a while, I'll play with mix-ins or toppings to switch things up.

Add espresso powder: I love adding a teaspoon for a mocha kick that deepens the chocolate flavor.
Use flavored mayo: Tried it once with a garlic mayo accidentally—definitely stick to plain for this cake!
Top with frosting: While the cake is perfect on its own, a simple cream cheese frosting or dusting of powdered sugar elevates it wonderfully.
Dairy-free option: You can substitute vegan mayo and plant-based milk for an allergy-friendly version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

A single square piece of chocolate cake sits on a white plate with a rich, thick layer of glossy chocolate frosting on top. The frosting has a smooth texture with soft swirls and ridges, creating a creamy, inviting look. The cake layer beneath is dark brown and dense with a slightly moist appearance and small crumb texture. A silver fork lifts a bite from the bottom left corner, showing the contrast between the smooth frosting and the textured cake inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

Before you start, I always recommend measuring out all your ingredients and having them ready. It makes the mixing process smoother and helps avoid skipping anything. Also, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s set when you’re done mixing.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda. This step ensures even distribution, so you won’t get bitter pockets of cocoa or uneven rising.

Step 3: Add wet ingredients and mix

Pour in the water, mayonnaise, and vanilla extract directly into the dry mix. Use a whisk or a hand mixer on low to combine everything until just smooth. Don’t over mix—I’ve found that stopping when you see no dry lumps keeps the cake tender.

Step 4: Bake and cool

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes—or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once out of the oven, let the cake cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Top Tip

After making this cake a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks to nail that perfect moist texture every single time. These tips saved me from a couple of baking mishaps and I’m happy to pass them on!

Mayonnaise Matters: Always use plain mayo with real eggs for the best texture and flavor; avoid flavored or low-fat types that change the moisture balance.
Don’t Overbeat: Mix just until combined—overmixing develops gluten, which can toughen the crumb.
Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake especially toward the end to prevent drying out; ovens can vary.
Cooling Counts: Patience is key—letting it cool fully before cutting keeps slices neat without crumbling.

How to Serve Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

chocolate mayonnaise cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this cake, a simple dusting of powdered sugar feels just right to highlight the cocoa’s richness. Sometimes I top it with fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream—those tangy, creamy contrasts bring a nice balance to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing is easy—vanilla ice cream or a scoop of salted caramel gelato runs wonderfully alongside. For a cozy touch, a cup of hot coffee or tea really complements the chocolate flavors without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special dinners, I’ve layered this cake with cream cheese frosting and sliced strawberries between the layers. A sprinkle of toasted nuts on top also adds texture and a rustic vibe that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature if eating within 2 days. Beyond that, refrigeration helps but I let the cake come to room temp before serving to bring back its soft feel.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. I slice it first, wrap each piece individually, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Whenever a chocolate craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy without losing that moist goodness.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warm—this brings back that soft, freshly-baked feel. Avoid overheating to keep it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the mayonnaise flavor noticeable in the cake?

Not at all! The mayonnaise acts more like butter or oil in this recipe, adding moisture and richness without imparting a mayo taste. Most people can't even tell it’s there.

Can I substitute the water with milk or coffee?

Yes! Swapping water for milk makes the cake richer, and using brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. Just use the same amount as the water called for.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so start checking about 25 minutes in.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely, just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or divide the batter between two pans. Keep the baking time about the same but do the toothpick test to be sure.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe has become my little baking secret to impress friends and family without any fuss. It’s a perfect mix of simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and that irresistible moist texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as I do—give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears!