Decadent Mayonnaise Chocolate Cake
This cherished recipe, a true gem passed down through generations, hails from the heart of Oklahoma. It's the beloved creation of my father-in-law's mother, who had a knack for baking cakes that made every family gathering feel like a special occasion. The mayonnaise adds a unique twist, resulting in an incredibly moist and dense cake that stands out on any dessert table. Traditionally topped with a boiled sugar frosting that my father-in-law's father adored, this cake is now beautifully complemented with a rich chocolate frosting that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for modern bakers. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is delightful both at room temperature and chilled. With a touch of nostalgia and a simple yet scrumptious taste, this decadent mayonnaise chocolate cake is sure to win over hearts just as it has with ours.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 1/4 cups (granulated)
cocoa powder
3 tablespoons, heaping (unsweetened)
mayonnaise
1 cup (preferably Hellman's)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons plus 1/8-1/4 teaspoon (divided)
cool water
1 cup, plus 2-3 tablespoons (as needed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
powdered sugar
1 1/3 cups (sifted)
cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
milk
2 tablespoons (whole or 2%)
vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (pure)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x12 inch baking pan lightly to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of sugar, 3 heaping tablespoons of cocoa, 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 cups of flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3
Using a hand mixer or whisk, mix the batter until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps of flour.
4
Gradually mix in 1 cup of cool water and adjust with 2-3 tablespoons more if needed, continuing to blend until the mixture is well incorporated.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8
For the chocolate frosting, sift together 1 1/3 cups of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of cocoa in a medium bowl.
9
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of milk in the microwave until the butter is melted—take care to avoid splattering.
10
Gradually pour the melted butter mixture into the powdered sugar and cocoa mixture, beating until the frosting is smooth.
11
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
12
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the warm chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
31
Carbs
2.4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Mayonnaise Chocolate Cake?
It is a moist and dense chocolate cake that uses mayonnaise as a key ingredient to provide a unique texture and richness.
Where does this recipe originate?
This cherished family recipe hails from Oklahoma and has been passed down through generations.
Why is mayonnaise used in this chocolate cake?
Mayonnaise adds a unique twist that results in an incredibly moist and dense cake that stands out on any dessert table.
What brand of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe recommends using Hellman's mayonnaise for the best results.
How many calories are in a serving of this cake?
Each serving of this chocolate cake contains approximately 220 calories.
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a 9x12 inch baking pan that has been lightly greased.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically takes about 30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should the cake be cooled before frosting?
Yes, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
What ingredients are in the chocolate frosting?
The frosting is made with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
What was the traditional frosting for this recipe?
Traditionally, this cake was topped with a boiled sugar frosting favored by the family.
What tools are needed to mix the batter?
You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the batter until it is smooth and lump-free.
How much water is added to the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cool water, with 2 to 3 additional tablespoons added if necessary.
What type of flour is required?
The cake requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much cocoa powder is in the cake?
The batter includes 3 heaping tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much cocoa powder is in the frosting?
The frosting requires 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Is vanilla extract included in the cake?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is mixed into the cake batter.
Does the frosting contain vanilla extract?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added to the chocolate frosting.
How is the butter for the frosting prepared?
Heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of milk in the microwave until the butter is melted.
What type of milk is used in the frosting?
You can use whole or 2% milk for the frosting mixture.
How much granulated sugar is in the cake?
The batter uses 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
How much powdered sugar is in the frosting?
The frosting calls for 1 1/3 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9 grams of fat in each serving of the cake.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 31 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 2.4 grams of protein per serving.
How much salt is used in the cake?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
How much baking soda is required?
The cake uses 1 1/4 teaspoons plus an extra 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How should the cake be stored or served?
The cake is delightful whether served at room temperature or chilled.
What occasions is this cake suitable for?
This decadent cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special family gathering.