Mayonnaise Cake is a classic mid-20th-century baking recipe that reflects the ingenuity of home cooks during times when butter and eggs were either expensive or rationed. By using mayonnaise, already an emulsion of oil and eggs, bakers achieved a remarkably moist, tender chocolate cake with a rich crumb and subtle depth of flavor. Popular in community cookbooks and handwritten recipe collections, this cake became known for its reliability and simplicity. Cocoa powder provides chocolate richness without the need for melted chocolate, while the mayonnaise ensures softness that keeps well for days. Its charm lies in practicality, economy, and a surprisingly indulgent result from pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, warm water, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Add Flour
- Sift the flour and add it to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Add sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 4: Mix Batter
- Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour into a greased cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness
- Serve with whipped cream or berries
- Use coffee instead of water for deeper flavor
- Bake as cupcakes for portion control
- Frost with chocolate or vanilla icing
- Add chopped walnuts for texture
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 110IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.8mg
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