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Triple Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Byabigail Updated:
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The secret ingredient that makes this cake so moist is Mayonnaise! Adding 3 kinds of chocolate makes it totally indulgent. With layers of chocolate cake, chocolate filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping, this Triple Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a chocolate dream come true. This old-fashioned vintage chocolate cake will satisfy any chocolate lover!

I was looking at the file photos of my unpublished recipes and lo and behold I found a few digital copies of this chocolate cake. I was surprised that I haven’t shared this yet.

I recall baking this for a kind friend and neighbor who helped us paint our house last year before we moved to Connecticut. I made him chocolate cake whenever he was at our place because I knew it is his favorite dessert.

I guess it must have been the crazy busyness of the move that I forgot about some recipes I made last year that have yet to grace this blog. Oh well, I am rectifying that mistake and sharing today this classic Southern chocolate cake before I forget about it again!

Being the chocoholic that I am, I added more chocolate to the mix – apart from cocoa powder you have extra chocolate goodness from the semi-sweet choco chips and to top it off – a dark chocolate ganache for the ultimate chocolate indulgence! Whether you wish to go all the way by adding all the chocolate flavors in there or you simply want a subtle chocolate taste, you will enjoy this moist cake!

This unique cake gets its incredible moisture and richness from an unexpected ingredient – mayonnaise. Don’t worry, you won’t taste any mayonnaise flavor. It simply makes the cake ultra-moist and velvety. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this showstopping chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe!


What Makes This Cake So Special?

While mayonnaise may seem like an odd ingredient in a cake, it’s actually a genius way to create an incredibly moist and rich chocolate cake. The oil and egg in mayonnaise work to tenderize the crumb and lock in moisture. You’ll be amazed at how light and velvety the texture is.

With three layers of chocolate – the cake itself, a luscious chocolate filling, and a poured chocolate ganache topping – this cake is a chocoholic’s dream. The depth of chocolate flavor is simply unbeatable. It’s the perfect cake for birthdays, holidays, or any time you need an over-the-top chocolate fix.

INGREDIENT LIST FOR  Triple Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

For the Cake

  • Flour
  • Unsweetened Cocoa powder
  • Baking Soda – make sure it’s still fresh. Check the date.
  • Baking Powder – same as above.
  • Instant Coffee – this enhances the chocolate cake but may be left out if you don’t like coffee.
  • A pinch of Salt – enhances the flavor of the cake so don’t leave out.
  • Eggs – use room temperature eggs.
  • Mayonnaise – use your favorite brand. A good quality mayonnaise would work best.
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Chocolate Chips

For the Chocolate Filling

  • Use either your favorite store-bought chocolate frosting (I used one when I first made this cake) or your favorite homemade recipe, if you have a favorite one.) 
  • Here’s a homemade chocolate frosting recipe that we love to use for our chocolate cakes. You can adjust the amount and use only half since it’s just a filling.
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder,
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, adjust the amount to taste

For the Dark Chocolate Ganache (use milk chocolate if that is preferred)

  • Dark Chocolate (65-70%) – use eating chocolate (your favorite choice) because it tastes so much better than the baking ones. It makes a difference! If you don’t like dark chocolate – semi-sweet or milk chocolate should be fine, too. Use the chocolate you enjoy eating regardless of the sweetness level.
  • Heavy Cream
  • Honey, Corn, Agave or Maple syrup or your favorite liquid sweetener (adjust sweetness to taste)

HOW TO MAKE Triple Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Make the Cake Batter: Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, sugar, water and vanilla. Fold in chocolate chips.

Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter between two greased cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Chocolate Filling: Beat together butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake: Let the cakes cool completely, then spread the chocolate filling between the two cake layers.

Make the Chocolate Ganache: Gently heat the cream and chocolate together until melted and smooth. Top with Ganache: Pour the warm ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Let Set and Enjoy!: Allow the ganache to set completely before slicing and serving this ultra-decadent chocolate cake.

    Triple Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake (FAQs)

    Can I taste the mayonnaise in the cake?
    No, you cannot taste the mayonnaise at all! It simply adds incredible moisture and richness to the cake without any mayonnaise flavor.

    Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
    Of course! While dark chocolate is used in the recipe, you can substitute milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer.

    How should I store this cake?
    This cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

    Can I make this cake in advance?
    A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

    Do I need to use instant coffee powder?
    A: No, the coffee powder is optional but it does enhance the chocolate flavor nicely. You can omit it if you prefer.

    With its incredible moisture, rich chocolate flavor, and stunning presentation, this triple chocolate mayonnaise cake is sure to become a new favorite! Don’t be intimidated by the mayonnaise – just trust that it creates an unbelievably delicious chocolate cake. Give this unique recipe a try for your next special occasion!

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    Triple Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

    Manila Spoon
    The secret ingredient that makes this cake so moist is Mayonnaise! Add 3 kinds of chocolate and it’s chocolate indulgence at its highest.
    4.41 from 40 votes
    Print Recipe Save
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 slices

    Ingredients
     

    For the Mayonnaise Cake

    • 2 cups Flour
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened Cocoa powder
    • 1 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • 1 teaspoon instant Coffee
    • pinch of Salt
    • 3 Eggs
    • 1 cup Mayonnaise
    • 1 cup Sugar
    • 1 1/4 cup Water
    • 1 teaspoon pure Vanilla Extract
    • 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

    For the Chocolate Filling (Use either Store-bought or Homemade Frosting)

    For the Homemade Chocolate Frosting

    • 1 cup (8 oz) unsalted Butter,  softened
    • 1/3 cup unsweetened Cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
    • 1/8 tsp Salt
    • 3 cups powdered sugar,  adjust amount to taste

    For the Store-bought Frosting

    • 1 tub store-bought frosting/filling (like Betty Crocker or Hershey's) Use the filling/frosting when making the cake in 2 pans.

    For the Dark Chocolate Ganache

    • 4 oz Dark eating Chocolate 65-70%, broken into pieces (use milk chocolate if that is preferred)
    • 4 oz Heavy Cream
    • 1 Tablespoon Honey Corn, Agave or Maple syrup or your favorite liquid sweetener (adjust sweetness to taste)

    Instructions
     

    For the Mayonnaise Cake

    • Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter 2 round cake pans (9-inch ones) and line with parchment paper.
    • Mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, coffee and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
    • Add the eggs, mayonnaise, sugar, water and vanilla into the flour mixture. Stir until well-blended but do not overmix.
    • Fold in the chocolate chips. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary so adjust the time accordingly. Make sure not to overbake.
    • Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack. Cool the cakes completely before adding the chocolate filling/frosting in between the cakes and coating with the ganache.

    For the Chocolate Filling (Use either Homemade or Store-bought Frosting

      For the Homemade Chocolate Frosting

      • In the bowl of an electric or stand mixer, beat together the butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add powdered sugar in two batches, beating until smooth after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat until frosting reaches desired consistency. It should be light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
      • Once the cakes have cooled down completely, place one cake onto a serving platter and spread it with some chocolate filling/frosting. Place the other cake on top and then completely coat it with the dark chocolate ganache.

      For the Dark Chocolate Ganache Topping

      • Place the heavy cream, chocolate pieces and the liquid sweetener of your choice in a small saucepan. Melt the chocolate using low heat and by stirring until it becomes very smooth and shiny.
      • Remove from the heat and immediately drizzle/pour it on the cake spreading it evenly to cover the entire cake.
      • Allow the ganache to fully set before serving.

      Notes

      TIPS & TRICKS
      NOTE!!! The homemade chocolate frosting recipe is meant to cover an entire cake (we use it for other chocolate cakes) but if you’re using it for filling in this cake, just use enough or as needed or adjust the recipe to make just half a batch.
      Keyword chocolate coffee mayonnaise cake, chocolate mayonnaise cake, chocolate mayonnaise cake with frosting, chocolate mayonnaise cake with ganache, grandma’s chocolate mayonnaise cake, old-fashioned chocolate mayonnaise cake, vintage recipe chocolate mayonnaise cake
      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

      Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 08:15 pm

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      117 Comments

          1. 5 stars
            I made this today and we will have it for dessert tonight. I have made mayonnaise cakes before and they are always tender and very yummy. I hope this one is the same. Thanks for the recipe.

            Reply

        2. I grew up in the 80’s an this was a popular cake. It is so moist. I have taken to many dinners and always get great comments. It was my “secret” recipe. Now, I never use the chocolate icing recipe over the top. Just made the old fashion Cocoa, butter and evaporated milk. I used a lot more cocoa and did go for the darker after many years. Thanks for sharing.

          Reply

      4. I have never tried baking with mayonnaise, but I can only imagine how it must enhance the cake. This chocolate cake looks decadent and beautiful. Pinning. xo, Catherine

        Reply

      13. Looks delicious, but I think there is a mistake in the recipe. There is no cocoa listed among the cake ingredients, but the directions refer to adding cocoa and flour. Anyhow sounds like a wonderful cake.

        Reply

        1. Updated and corrected! 🙂 Thanks for pointing that out – I manually code my recipes so that particular portion got cut-off for some reason. Glad you stopped by. 🙂

          Reply

        2. I guess you should revisit, unsweetened cocoa is the second item in the ingredients. Will make it for my family. Thanks for sharing this ingredients.

          Reply

        1. Hi Lisa, I read somewhere that mayo makes the cake moist and tender due to its egg and oil content and the vinegar in it punches up the chocolate flavor a little. I also add a little coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor more. The cake in the photo uses the frosting as filling and then the chocolate ganache as topping. But you can just use the frosting, too or keep the cake plain. Thanks. Hope you like it.

          Reply

            1. The recipe instruction states that the coffee should be added with the other dry ingredients. That’s how I’ve done it and I like it that way but you can try the other method if you like but you need to adjust the rest of the ingredients. Thank you!

              Reply

      22. I absolutely love mayonnaise cakes, Thank you for the recipe. …Have you ever tried a peanut butter butter cream icing on your mayonnaise cake? I have to tell you it is the most rich and decadent combination I have ever eaten, just have a gallon of milk ready to wash it down 🙂

        Reply

      23. Hi Abby,

        Thank you for the walk down "Memory Lane". My Gram and Mom use to make mayonnaise cakes…they were awesome. Also, have you ever tried a "Tomato Soup" cake? It is much like a spice cake and when topped with a sour cream frosting will blow your socks off. 😀 Finally, have you ever heard of Redj Baron Saguin? He is a yound chef and has a TV show in the Philippines called "Cook, Eat Right". He is a very good friend and it might be nice if you two could hook up and share your recipes and cross-culture experiences. He is on FB so just look him up. Feel free to mention my name. And, you keep on doing what you're doing, young lady…I got money on you. Hugggs…:-D

        Reply

      24. what is in middle layer? it looks like a filling, but not the ganache?????? you cant just put 2 dry cakes together without a filling. I love chocolate mayonnaise cakes…so excited to try this thanks

        Reply

        1. Hi Genet! I apologize for the late response. I had been sick during the holiday season and have only just started to get back to blogging. At any rate, the answer is above now. For whatever reason, I mistakenly deleted that portion when I updated the recipe and added the ganache. I actually used a store bought frosting when I first made this but feel free to follow the recommended recipe I provided above if you wish or use your favorite one and the chocolate ganache is also included. This recipe is pretty flexible that way and on Pinterest some people used their own frosting and simply followed the recipe of the cake. Anyway, thank you for asking and pointing that out. Have a Happy New Year!! 🙂

          Reply

      25. It looks yummy and crazy, Mayo? I'm a big fan of chocolate cake so I will make this one. Would it taste different if I don't use coffee? don't love it. Can't wait to try it ��

        Reply

        1. It's ok not to use coffee – I added it because it intensifies the flavor of chocolate – so even if it's there – you won't even taste it at all – just a good chocolate flavor enhanced by coffee. Just like the mayo – it's there but you won't taste it. But it's up to you – perhaps you can just add an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder. At any rate, however way you do it hope you like it. Thanks for asking!

          Reply
      4.41 from 40 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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