Description
A surprisingly moist and rich chocolate cake that uses mayonnaise as a secret ingredient for a perfect texture, topped with a creamy chocolate frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups mayonnaise
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups water
For the Frosting (Optional):
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup butter, (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups powdered sugar
½ cup milk (or more, if needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda to remove any lumps.
- Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vanilla, and water until smooth.
- Step 4: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Step 8: To make the frosting, place the cocoa powder and melted butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 9: Using a mixer, beat the ingredients until combined and smooth.
- Step 10: Add the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth, beating for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 11: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over the top.
- Step 12: Place the second cake layer on top and use the remaining frosting to ice the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
The frosting is optional, but highly recommended.
Do not overmix the cake batter to ensure a tender crumb.
You may need to add more milk to the frosting to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American