Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a chocolate cake that’s unbelievably moist, tender, and downright easy to make, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake turns out every time—rich chocolate flavor with a surprising twist thanks to the mayonnaise, which keeps it super moist without a hint of mayo taste. Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll become a staple in your baking rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here all work so well together. The cocoa and cinnamon deepen the chocolate flavor, while the mayonnaise replaces oil or butter to keep your cake moist and tender. When you shop, try to get good-quality cocoa and fresh baking soda for perfect rise.

• All-purpose flour: Look for unbleached for a bit better flavor and texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa: Opt for Dutch-processed if you prefer a milder, smoother taste.
• Baking soda: Make sure it’s fresh to get that nice lift.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances chocolate depth.
• Table salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps give the cake an airy rise along with baking soda.
• Shortening: For greasing the pan so the cake releases easily.
• Eggs: Bring richness and structure; I like using large eggs as called for.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramelly notes.
• Vanilla extract: Always boosts overall flavor.
• Mayonnaise: The secret to moistness, don’t skip it!
• Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa for deep chocolate flavor.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the season or occasion, and this Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe is great for personalization. You can easily tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing any of that rich chocolate goodness.

• Add a coffee kick: Once, I stirred in a tablespoon of espresso powder with the dry ingredients, and it made the chocolate flavor pop so beautifully.
• Nutty twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded in just before baking add a nice crunch.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Swap mayonnaise with a vegan version and use a plant-based milk for the batter, and it still turns out fantastic.
• Frosting swaps: Try a peanut butter or salted caramel frosting for something different that’s still decadent.

How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and then whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This step is key because it evenly distributes your leavening agents and spices, giving you a consistently flavored cake with a nice rise. I always sift or whisk these really well to prevent lumps—your batter will thank you later!

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease a 13- by 9-inch pan liberally with shortening and then dust it with flour. This double-layer protection ensures that your cake slides out smoothly after baking without sticking to the edges. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step often leads to sad, broken cake pieces that nobody wants.

Step 3: Beat Eggs, Sugar & Vanilla

Using a heavy-duty electric stand mixer, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is very light brown and thick enough to leave ribbons when you lift the beaters. This aeration is what adds a velvety texture, so don’t rush here! I sometimes set a timer to be precise because it makes such a noticeable difference.

Step 4: Add Mayonnaise

Next, add the mayonnaise and beat on low speed just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix here—just enough to get a smooth, uniform batter. I discovered this trick when I accidentally overbeat, and it made my cake dense instead of light, so keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Mix and Hot Water

Alternate adding the flour mixture and hot water to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Hot water blooms the cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor, and alternating ingredients keeps the batter from breaking down. I always scrape the sides of my bowl between additions to make sure everything mixes evenly.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. I usually start checking around 28 minutes because ovens vary, and you don’t want to dry it out. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack—about one hour—before frosting.

How to Serve Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a classic chocolate-cream cheese frosting because it adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes, I sprinkle crushed nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for a little texture and extra chocolate oomph.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an adult twist, serve it alongside a small glass of coffee or even a port wine to bring out those chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties, I’ve decorated it with colorful sprinkles and piped frosting borders—simple but festive. I also like cutting it into bite-sized squares and presenting it on a pretty platter for potlucks or casual get-togethers, which makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 4 days. I’ve found that once you wrap it well, it stays moist and the frosting remains delicious.

Freezing

Freezing works great with this cake. I slice it first, then place parchment paper between pieces and seal tightly in a freezer bag. When I thaw, I leave it overnight in the fridge and it tastes almost as fresh as the day I baked it.

Reheating

If you like a warm slice, I gently microwave leftover cake for 10-15 seconds. It’s best eaten slightly warm so it’s soft and luscious, but I avoid longer microwaving to keep the frosting from melting too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe has been such a delightful discovery for me—one that I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and forgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, you’ll enjoy how easy and satisfying it is to make. Pour a cup of coffee, grab a fork, and enjoy a slice knowing you just nailed a dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery but was made in your own home. You’re going to love sharing this one with friends and family!

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