Zesty Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 9
★★★★★
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This Zesty Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, marrying rich cocoa flavors with a hint of citrus. Perfect for when you want a moist, decadent cake with a surprise ingredient that will have everyone talking.

Ingredients for Zesty Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

The star here is mayonnaise, which might sound odd at first, but trust me, it keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender without leaving any mayo flavor. All-purpose flour provides the structure, while granulated sugar sweetens the cake just right. Unsweetened cocoa powder is your source of rich chocolate flavor, and baking soda helps the cake rise. Water works as a simple liquid base, while vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor. The orange zest is the zesty twist that elevates the chocolate, making every bite refreshing and unique.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
  • Use a microplane or fine grater for the best orange zest results.
  • If you’re out of mayonnaise, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple chocolate ganache or dust with powdered sugar. It’s also perfect for brunch gatherings alongside fresh fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise works fine, but the texture might be slightly less rich.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Zesty Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan lightly. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick and slides out smoothly once baked.

In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda. Sifting not only combines these dry ingredients well but also helps aerate the flour, which can make your cake lighter.

Next, add in the wet ingredients: 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Mix everything gently until you have a smooth batter. You don’t want to over-mix; just make sure there are no lumps.

Pour your batter into the greased baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even surface for baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly moist texture thanks to a surprising ingredient.
  • Quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup.
  • A delightful pairing of chocolate and orange zest for a refreshing twist.
  • No need for eggs or butter, making it a bit more accessible.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
3. Add mayonnaise, water, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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