Are you ready to bake a cake that's as easy as it is unbelievably delicious? Then get ready to be amazed! This Old Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. This recipe is a keeper – a quick dinner idea, a perfect dessert for a weeknight, or a showstopper for a casual gathering. It's a family favorite, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to experience the rich, moist texture and intensely chocolatey flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Frosting: Your favorite chocolate frosting (recipe below)
Easy Chocolate Frosting (Makes enough for the cake):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients, making it easy to incorporate the wet ingredients later.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Don't be intimidated by the mayonnaise; it adds incredible moisture and richness to the cake!
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle.
- Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin; that’s perfectly fine.
Baking the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your oven; cooking times can vary.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of your cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
- Get creative with frosting: Feel free to use your favorite frosting recipe or even try a cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use different extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique flavor profile.
- Make cupcakes: This recipe can easily be adapted to make delicious chocolate mayonnaise cupcakes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. It’s always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Its simple recipe and incredible taste make it a perfect addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes and easy recipes. Enjoy baking this delicious and easy dessert!