There are chocolate cakes… and then there are deeply moist, impossibly tender chocolate cakes that stop people mid-bite. This Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting belongs firmly in the second category. It’s rich without being heavy, chocolatey without being bitter, and unbelievably soft thanks to one surprising ingredient: mayonnaise.

Before you scroll past in disbelief, let’s clear something up. Mayonnaise in cake does not make it taste savory. Instead, it replaces oil and eggs with a perfectly emulsified blend of fat and moisture, producing a cake crumb that stays plush for days. This is not a novelty recipe — it’s a vintage, Depression-era baking secret that has stood the test of time.

Paired with a tangy, lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting, this cake strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and comforting. It’s the kind of dessert that works just as well for birthdays and holidays as it does for a quiet afternoon with coffee.

If you’ve ever struggled with dry chocolate cake, this recipe is about to become your go-to.

Why Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Works

The brilliance of chocolate mayonnaise cake lies in simple food science. Mayonnaise is made from oil and eggs, already perfectly blended into a smooth emulsion. When used in baking, it delivers:

Consistent moisture throughout the cake
A soft, even crumb with no dryness
Rich mouthfeel without excess oiliness

Unlike butter-based cakes that can dry out quickly, this cake remains tender even after refrigeration. The cocoa flavor shines because the fat coats cocoa particles evenly, intensifying chocolate richness without overwhelming sweetness.

Ingredients

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
1 cup warm water or brewed coffee
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm water (or coffee) until smooth.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes (9-inch pans) or 40–45 minutes (9×13), until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool cakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light. Add cream as needed for spreadable consistency.
Frost cake generously and serve.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Espresso Chocolate Cake: Replace water with strong brewed coffee for deeper chocolate notes
Chocolate Orange: Add orange zest to the batter and frosting
Double Chocolate: Fold chocolate chips into the batter
Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines on its own, but it’s also perfect with:

Fresh berries for contrast
A dusting of cocoa or shaved chocolate
A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
Hot espresso or cold milk

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
Cake layers can be baked and frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months

Fun Fact: A Cake Born from Simplicity

Chocolate mayonnaise cake became popular during the Great Depression when butter and eggs were scarce. Home bakers discovered that mayonnaise provided both fat and structure — and the result was shockingly delicious. Today, it remains one of the most reliable ways to bake a fail-proof chocolate cake.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting proves that great baking doesn’t require complicated techniques — just smart ingredients. It’s rich, tender, nostalgic, and incredibly forgiving. Once you try it, you’ll understand why generations of bakers have kept this recipe close.