Decadent Mocha Mayonnaise Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Ever tried a cake so moist and rich that it leaves you speechless? This Decadent Mocha Mayonnaise Cake is just that — it’s a game-changer for chocolate lovers. With a surprising twist of mayonnaise and a hint of coffee, this cake promises a unique treat.

Ingredients for Decadent Mocha Mayonnaise Cake

All-purpose flour sets the structure of the cake, giving it body and form. The perfect mix with cocoa for a balanced texture.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is where our cake gets its rich chocolate flavor, so choose one you love.

Baking powder and baking soda are the dynamic duo ensuring the cake rises well and has a tender crumb.

Salt enhances all the sweet flavors, making everything pop just a bit more.

Granulated sugar and light brown sugar are used for sweetness and moisture, with the brown sugar adding a hint of caramel-like depth.

Mayonnaise might sound unusual, but it’s a tried-and-true secret for moist cakes, thanks to its fat content and acidity.

Brewed coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.

Eggs bind everything together and add richness to the cake’s texture.

Vanilla extract is the aromatic touch that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Use a good quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
  • Let the brewed coffee cool before adding it to the mix to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
  • Wrap the cooled cakes in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours before frosting for easier handling and cleaner cuts.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a classic cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer something lighter. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you just need a chocolate fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of coffee?
Sure! Any brewed coffee works, and you can even try a flavored one for a twist.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're out of mayo, try using sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, though the texture may vary slightly.

Decadent Mocha Mayonnaise Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is crucial for even baking, so don’t skip it. While it’s warming up, grease two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes don’t stick.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps mix the ingredients and avoid lumps, giving you a smooth batter later.

In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and mayonnaise until smooth. This might take a bit of elbow grease, but it’s worth getting it creamy and well-combined.

Gradually add the brewed coffee, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar-mayo mixture. Stir it all together until you have a smooth blend.

Now, it’s time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Slowly incorporate the dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle.

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. You want equal layers, so they bake evenly.

Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days.
  • The deep chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee kick.
  • Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
  • No need for butter — mayonnaise is the secret ingredient here!

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and mayonnaise until smooth.
4. Gradually add the brewed coffee, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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