This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake (Easy, Moist & No Eggs or Butter!)

If you’re looking for a rich, chocolatey cake that’s incredibly moist and surprisingly easy to make, this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a must-try. Don’t let the mayonnaise fool you; this classic, old-fashioned recipe has been loved for generations for its soft texture and deep chocolate flavor.

This old-fashioned recipe dates back to the Great Depression, when home bakers used mayonnaise as a substitute for scarce ingredients like butter and eggs. The mayonnaise companies would print recipes on the back of their jars. Because mayonnaise is made from oil and eggs, it adds both moisture and structure, without any noticeable mayo flavor.

Mayonnaise acts as a shortcut ingredient; the mayonnaise in this recipe replaces the eggs, oil, and salt to create a tender, perfectly moist cake every time.

Whether you’re baking for a family dessert or need a quick, budget-friendly treat, this simple chocolate cake is always a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-bowl recipe with minimal cleanup
No eggs or butter needed
Incredibly moist and tender crumb
Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
Perfect for frosting or serving plain

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup cold water
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking soda until well combined.
Add mayonnaise
Stir in the mayonnaise.
Add water gradually
Slowly pour in the cold water and vanilla, mixing just until the batter is fully combined and lump-free.
Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & frost
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding your favorite frosting or serving as-is.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Use real mayonnaise – It contains oil and eggs, which give the cake its signature moisture and structure.
Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.
Sift cocoa powder if it’s clumpy for a smoother batter.
Make it richer by swapping water for brewed coffee (optional).

Does the Cake Taste Like Mayonnaise?

Not at all! Once baked, the mayonnaise flavor completely disappears. Instead, it leaves behind a rich, moist texture and enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like mayo.

Frosting Ideas

This cake pairs well with almost any frosting, including:

Classic chocolate buttercream
Cream cheese frosting
Peanut butter frosting
Coconut/pecan frosting
Powdered sugar glaze for a lighter option

Storage Tips

Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is one of those timeless recipes that proves simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. It’s quick, affordable, and practically foolproof—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute desserts.

Once you try it, this might just become your go-to chocolate cake recipe!

You may also be interested in Quick Mayonnaise Biscuits made without eggs or yeast.

Print Recipe