Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe

If you’ve never heard of a Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe, prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) blown. This cake isn’t just moist—it’s downright irresistible, thanks to that secret ingredient: mayonnaise. I love this recipe because it’s shockingly simple yet yields a cake so tender and chocolatey that my family always asks for seconds. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it perfectly at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe blends classic pantry staples with a few special touches like cinnamon and mayonnaise that really take it to the next level. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want on hand and why each ingredient plays its role.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use good quality here for that rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise perfectly without heaviness.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the chocolate notes.
• Shortening: For greasing the pan—helps get that nice clean release without adding extra flavor.
• Large eggs: They give the cake structure and richness.
• Light brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor depth.
• Mayonnaise: The secret star! It replaces butter or oil to keep the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Hot water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder and marry all the flavors smoothly.

Variations

I love how versatile the Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe can be. Once you get the hang of the base, you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences—plus, it’s fun to experiment and keep things interesting.

• Gluten-free version: I’ve had success swapping in a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour—just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results.
• Spicy twist: Try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dry ingredients; I did this once for a dinner party, and everyone was intrigued by the subtle kick.
• Mocha flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the hot water—this elevates the chocolate without overpowering it.
• Frosting swaps: You can go classic with chocolate buttercream or even a simple powdered sugar glaze if you’re short on time.

How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — warming things up early always helps. Then whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until it looks evenly combined. This step is key because it ensures every bite has a consistent flavor with no clumps of baking powder or cocoa hiding in there.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Next, grease your 13 x 9-inch pan with shortening, then lightly dust it with flour. This combo makes it super easy to remove the cake once baked, especially since this cake is quite moist and sticky.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg and Sugar Mixture

This part is where the magic starts. Using a heavy-duty mixer, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a light brown color and that ribbon effect—when you lift the beater, the batter should slowly fall back in thick ribbons. This aerates the batter and gives the cake a lovely texture.

Step 4: Add Mayonnaise

Beat in the mayonnaise on low speed just until it’s fully incorporated. I used to hesitate on this step—mayonnaise in cake sounded odd—but trust me, it does wonders for moisture without leaving any mayo flavor behind.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Hot Water

Now, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternated with the hot water in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix each addition on low speed just until blended—you don’t want to overmix here or the cake can get tough. The hot water hydrates the cocoa and helps everything blend seamlessly.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. I like to start checking around the 30-minute mark—poke a wooden pick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, about an hour.

How to Serve Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with the chocolate-cream cheese frosting, but sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for an added crunch. A light dusting of cocoa powder or even a few fresh raspberries also looks stunning and adds a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you want something refreshing on the side, a simple mixed berry salad with a hint of mint balances out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love cutting this sheet cake into small squares and serving them on a pretty slate board with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or caramel. You can also cut the cake into layers and add fresh strawberries and whipped cream between them for a quick layer cake upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for up to 4 days without drying out, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

If I’m making this for a big event ahead of time, I freeze the unfrosted cake (whole or sliced) wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes like a dream for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating

To refresh leftovers, I warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until they’re soft but not hot. Adding a little scoop of ice cream on the side is my favorite way to enjoy it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake Recipe enough—it’s been my go-to for casual family dinners and special celebrations alike. The way the mayonnaise keeps it moist without a hint of that ingredient’s flavor completely blew me away the first time I tried it. Once you bake it yourself, you’ll see why it’s such a well-loved Southern classic. So pop on your apron and give it a shot—you’re going to love how easy, rich, and downright delicious it turns out.

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