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

There’s something magically simple about the Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe that always impresses everyone without a fuss. Its rich, tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor make it a total crowd-pleaser that you just can’t help but love.

This image shows a close-up of a single piece of chocolate cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is a thick, moist, and dark brown chocolate sponge with a rough texture, and the top layer is a thick, creamy, smooth chocolate frosting with a swirled pattern and slightly shiny appearance. The frosting extends evenly across the top of the cake and slightly down the sides. The background is softly blurred in warm brown tones. 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

This cake has been one of my go-to quick fixes when I want moist, indulgent chocolate cake that doesn’t require any weird ingredients or complicated steps. I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too, especially when you see how simple it is to whip up with mayonnaise instead of butter or oil!

Unexpected Ingredient: Mayonnaise adds unbelievable moisture and richness without an eggy taste.
Minimal Ingredients: Just seven staple items, so no special trips to the store.
Easy Prep: Mix everything in one bowl and bake — perfect for beginners.
Deliciously Moist: The texture is buttery soft and melts in your mouth every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe is there for a reason, from the cocoa’s deep flavor to the mayonnaise’s secret moisture boost. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand why this cake turns out so wonderfully.

Flat lay of a small bowl of all-purpose flour, a small bowl of granulated sugar, a small bowl of cocoa powder, a small bowl of baking soda, a small bowl of water, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a small bowl of vanilla extract, all fresh and natural, each ingredient in simple white ceramic bowls, perfectly arranged with balanced layout and symmetry, placed 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: Provides the structure; I always sift it lightly before mixing to avoid lumps.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the bitter cocoa, plus helps with tenderness.
Cocoa powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa for that intense chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes the cake rise perfectly.
Water: Keeps the batter thin enough for that tender crumb.
Mayonnaise: This is the surprise superstar, replacing butter or oil, lending moisture and a soft texture without the heaviness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.

📝

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

While I usually keep this cake classic, I've found that playing with small tweaks can personalize it to your taste or dietary needs. I encourage you to experiment and find your perfect spin!

Variation: Adding a pinch of espresso powder in the dry ingredients really amps up the chocolate flavor—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Dairy-free: Swap regular mayonnaise for a vegan mayo to accommodate plant-based diets without losing moisture.
Frosting swaps: While I love it plain, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can make it party-ready.
Mix-ins: Stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and surprise bites.

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

A white plate holds a single square piece of chocolate cake with two visible layers: a thick, moist dark brown cake layer at the bottom and a smooth, thick layer of shiny, dark chocolate frosting spread evenly on top, with slight swirls and peaks visible in the frosting. A fork is breaking into the cake from the left side with a small bite-sized piece on its prongs. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, measure out everything precisely—this recipe responds really well to accuracy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment for an easy release later.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Taking this extra step helps distribute everything evenly and prevents lumps from forming. I always give it a few good stirs to get that mixture nice and consistent.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the water, mayonnaise, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer on low speed to combine everything just until smooth. Don’t overmix! The batter should be silky and pourable but not runny.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. After about 30 minutes, check with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. That’s your sign to pull it out and let it cool.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that help it come out beautifully every time. Let me share what worked wonders for me so you can nail this cake from your very first try.

Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your cup instead of scooping directly to avoid dense cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps everything combine smoothly—especially the mayonnaise and water.
Don’t Overmix: Too much mixing develops gluten, which can toughen the crumb.
Test Before Pulling Out: Ovens vary; start checking a few minutes early to avoid drying it out.

How to Serve Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on top. Sometimes I dollop whipped cream, especially if it’s a casual weekend treat. The fresh fruit adds a tart contrast that brightens up the chocolate.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream on the side is heavenly. For brunch, I like serving it alongside fresh berries and a cup of strong coffee or tea—makes the whole experience feel cozy and special.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve topped it with chocolate curls and edible flowers for a gorgeous look. Layering it into a trifle bowl with whipped cream and berries is another favorite—turns a humble cake into an elegant dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—this cake stays moist without refrigeration. If your kitchen tends to be warm, a fridge is fine, but bring it back to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

Yes! I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back that “just baked” softness, I pop slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm briefly in a toaster oven. It’s amazing how fresh it tastes after a quick reheat!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is mayonnaise really necessary for the moisture?

Absolutely! Mayonnaise is mostly oil and eggs, which create a tender, moist crumb in the cake without making it greasy or eggy-tasting. It’s a brilliant swap for butter or oil.

Can I use different types of flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour, but expect a denser cake. Stick to all-purpose if you want the lightest texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly—start checking at 25 minutes and add time as needed.

What frosting pairs well with this cake?

A classic chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar works beautifully to complement the rich chocolate flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe has been a little kitchen secret that always brings smiles, and I genuinely hope it becomes yours too. It’s one of those rare cakes that anyone can make with confidence, and the results feel so special despite how simple it is. Give it a try, and I bet you'll find yourself baking it again and again.