Description
Indulgent chocolate mayonnaise cake delivers rich, moist layers of pure delight from Depression-era baking ingenuity. Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly for a surprisingly tender dessert you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) creamy salad dressing (Miracle Whip or mayonnaise)
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup (240 ml) lukewarm water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an optimal baking environment for the chocolate mayonnaise cake.
- Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease, then dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking vigorously until the batter becomes smooth and completely integrated, with no visible lumps.
- Carefully pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, periodically checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which helps stabilize its texture and enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
Notes
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a healthier twist that keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Enhance chocolate depth by adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder, which amplifies the rich cocoa flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Customize texture by folding in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the batter for extra crunch and excitement.
- Prevent dry edges by checking the cake a few minutes early and using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, guaranteeing a perfectly moist chocolate cake every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 256 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg