Original Best Foods Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

add review
#2874

Mayo is the secret ingredient in this cake that keeps it super moist

serves/makes:

ready in:

1-2 hrs

15 reviews
3 comments

ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/3 cup water

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 9-inch cake pans.

Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.

In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 3 minute or until uniform in color. Add the mayonnaise and beat on low speed for 1 minute or until incorporated.

With the mixer running, slowly add the flour mixture alternating with the water until both ingredients are incorporated.

Transfer the cake batter to the prepared cake pans. Place in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes.

Let the cakes cool in the pans then remove them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Frost as desired. Store the chocolate mayonnaise cake in an airtight container.

common recipe questions

Can you use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Miracle Whip salad dressing will work in place of mayonnaise.

nutrition data

414 calories, 21 grams fat, 56 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein per serving.

more recipes like original best foods chocolate mayonnaise cake

BLACK BOTTOM CUPCAKES (OR CAKE)

TOTALLY DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE

BASIC CHOCOLATE CAKE

BLACK FOREST CAKE FROM SCRATCH

SPLENDA CHOCOLATE CAKE

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE

reviews & comments

kucook REVIEW:
April 11, 2021

This is one of our favorite cakes. It turns out perfect every time. Super moist and the right amoutn of chocolate flavor.
Sacha REVIEW:
October 3, 2020

this recipe is a waste of time. The instructions were followed exactly and the cake although looked really good, tasted awful. You could taste the mayonnaise in it and it was far from light. More like a stodgy mayonnaise brownie. I am a home baker and have baked many cakes before all oh which highly impressive and I was disappointed in this.
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  Sorry you weren't happy with the cake. This recipe has been around a long time and is quite popular. I'd try a different brand of mayonnaise (the original recipe is from Hellman's so maybe try that brand?). Definitely avoid generic or store brands.
  
  See Also
  Cranberry Dutch Baby Pancake with Orange Syrup Recipe
Carolyn Ellertson REVIEW:
March 8, 2020

I have made this cake for half a century or more. Growing up it was my son's favorite chocolate cake.. so much so he asked for the largest tier of his wedding cake to be of it. (I made the cake..)..and people loved every bite! Today I am making it because it popped into my head, and we were hungry for chocolate cake.. a rich, moist, wonderful piece..which by the way, this cake will mold before it gets dried out! And remember..the mayo replaces the oil and eggs..so keep it handy in case you don't have any. That little boy's son will be married in July..our first grandchild to marry, and it made me think of his own wedding and that cake. Umm. I have to get back to the kitchen.. I couldn't find my recipe, so headed for the computer. Thank you for having it!!
Ianaday REVIEW:
November 24, 2019

I am 71 and I remember my Mom and my grandmother making the original mayonnaise cake. The recipe was on the back of the label on the quart of mayonnaise. It was and Iâd the best chocolate cake ever
Lorna REVIEW:
March 1, 2019

Made this cake for my granddaughter's birthday. It was delicious. I will make it again.
Ray REVIEW:
October 3, 2017

Excellent version of the Hellman's Original Chocolate Cake. I had copied it and left out the amount of sugar (!) so have been improvising for years. I never measure vanilla...just a healthy dash and this cake is best made with Hershey's Original Cocao, not the Extra Dark. I added a sprinkle of cinnamon to dry ingredients and used the traditional hot coffee. Whether coffee or water, try to use HOT because it effects the baking soda to leaven the cake. Just hoping I have enough 10x to make frosting, also baked in a bundt pan, buttered/floured.
Karen REVIEW:
April 20, 2017

This cake was so easy to make that I didn't really think it would taste like anything special. WRONG. My guests literally moaned in delight. I've never received so many positive comments on a cake before. I'm still astounded that something so easy to prepare could be so incredibly moist, chocolaty, and delicious. I used cake flour and a very high quality cocoa. I love Hellmans/Best Foods mayonnaise and here's another reason to make sure there is always an extra jar in the pantry. My family has promoted me to "Star Baker!"
Guest Foodie June 15, 2016

The original Mayonnaise cake from my mom in the 50's is2 cups sifted cake flour1 cup sugar1 tsp baking power1 tsp baking soda1/4 tsp salt1/2 cup cocoaCombine & sift tog. then add 1 cup mayonnaise,1 cup cold water1 tsp vanilla, blend well pour into cake pan.Bake 350 30 to 35 mins. Moms was the best I have ever eaten.She made her own frosting but can't find her recipe (so sad)
Guest Foodie March 4, 2016

The original Does NOT have eggs. Look for Vintage picture online with birthday candles on the cake. However the actual original is one layer 9 inch cake. There are many online but they do not all agree on measurements. The real original was printed in 1937.
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
February 25, 2016

I have the 1979 "That Amazing Ingredient: Mayonnaise!'Recipes in the tradition of Hellman's and Best Foods Mayonnaise'" and the posted recipe is exactly as written. It is a killer cake. Enjoy!
djbaker REVIEW:
July 3, 2013

This is the first mayonnaise cake I've tried but I'm sold! I can't believe how good it was! I'm going to make another one soon.
Alimuffmtl REVIEW:
April 24, 2011

I have made this recipe many times - always a winner. Very moist and tasty!
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
March 21, 2011

We have made this in my family for many years. We also use regular Miracle Whip and 1 tsp vanilla.This cake is so easy to make and very tasty.
Rich K REVIEW:
September 30, 2009

I did not make the cake as indicated in this recipe, but the $100 cake has been a favorite in our family and extended family for over 50 years.The differences are as follows:-We use regular Miracle Whip instead of light-Use cold coffee (brewed or instant) instead of water-Increase vanilla to 1 teaspoon
Robertshowse REVIEW:
February 18, 2008

We have a recipe from an older magazine that is the same with the exception that it calls for 4 eggs. This cake turns out noticeably richer than the 3 egg version.
TinaMarie REVIEW:
July 18, 2007

BEST Choc Cake EVER!!!TRY IT, do yourself a Favor!
holconrad REVIEW:
January 28, 2007

This recipe is not only easy to prepare it is absolutely delicious!!
baychel3 May 25, 2006

This recipe is NOT the original 'Mayonnaise' cake -- the original cake did not use eggs at all -- that's what was so special about it -- I remember (in the 50s) when this cake came out and was the "RAGE"!

');

Original Best Foods Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put mayonnaise in a cake? ›

All this means that adding mayonnaise to the cake batter boosts the moisture of the final product—and leaves none of its characteristic taste. Testing showed that using oil or butter instead of mayo made for a drier cake, but keeping the eggs in addition to the mayonnaise improved richness and springiness.

Explore More ›

What does mayonnaise replace in a cake? ›

Yes, baking with a scoop of mayonnaise can improve your baked goods, and it can serve as a substitute for eggs and fats in a recipe.

What is the secret to baking a moist cake? ›

Seven Bakery Secrets to Incredibly Moist Cakes Every Time

Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk.
Add Vegetable Oil.
Use Instant Clearjel or Instant Pudding Mix.
Use the Right Recipe.
Don't Overbake.
Bake in Sheet Pans Instead of individual Cake Pans.
Use a Simple Syrup or Glaze.

Apr 23, 2021

Find Out More ›

What does adding mayonnaise to cake mix do? ›

It's more convenient and less time consuming than making cakes from scratch. The mayonnaise in this cake makes it really moist. You cannot tell the mayonnaise is in it. Since mayonnaise is made with eggs and oil, there is no need to add oil to this recipe and it uses less eggs.

Discover More ›

What happens when you use milk instead of water in cake mix? ›

Baking tip #2: adding milk to your box cake mix in place of water adds a dense texture to your dessert leaving it moist and flavorful like a homemade cake. Or, if you prefer, you can add buttermilk, giving your cake a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.

Get More Info ›

Can I use peanut butter instead of eggs in cake mix? ›

Nut butter

Nut butter like peanut, cashew, or almond butter can also be used to substitute eggs in most recipes. To replace one egg, use 3 tbsp (60 g) of nut butter.

How do you make a cake more moist? ›

Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise. Adding a dollop of mayonnaise to your batter can help make your freshly baked cake softer with an added boost of moisture.

Learn More Now ›

How do you use mayonnaise in cake mix? ›

Beat cake mix, mayonnaise, water, and eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes. Divide evenly between 2 pans. Bake for 30-34 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then turn out onto cool rack to cool completely.

See Details ›

What is the purpose of mayonnaise? ›

Mayonnaise (/ˌmeɪəˈneɪz/), colloquially referred to as "mayo" (/ˈmeɪoʊ/), is a thick, cold, and creamy sauce commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, composed salads, and French fries. It also forms the base for various other sauces, such as tartar sauce, fry sauce, remoulade, salsa golf, ranch dressing, and rouille.