This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.

Want a cake made from a mix to taste like it was made from scratch? Add mayonnaise to it! It gives the cake extra moisture and improves the texture - making it more like homemade.
1 package (18.25 ounce size) chocolate cake mix with pudding in the mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
3 eggs
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans (or a 9x13-inch baking dish).
Combine the cake mix, mayonnaise, water, and eggs in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pans. Place the cakes in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until they test done with a toothpick.
Remove the pans from the pans from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
When cool, remove the cakes from the pans and frost as desired.
Make sure the mayonnaise and eggs are at room temperature before mixing with the other ingredients.
Do not overmix the batter once you have added the dry ingredients, as this can result in a tough cake.
Experiment with different cake mix flavors and frosting combinations.
Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or instant coffee powder to enhance the chocolate flavor in the cake.
Mayonnaise adds extra moisture and improves the texture of the cake, making it taste more like it was made from scratch.
For the best results, use a chocolate cake mix that includes pudding in the mix.
Mayonnaise is the key ingredient in this recipe for added moisture and texture. That said, you can use sour cream in place of the mayonnaise for a slight different cake texture and flavor.
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Chocolate or vanilla frosting would pair well with this chocolate mayonnaise cake.
Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
Yes, you can, just note that the flavor and texture may be altered due to any differences in fat content or lingering flavors.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the chocolate cake mix, mayonnaise, water, and eggs before beating with an electric mixer. Make sure it's a large enough bowl to prevent spills and splatters.
Electric Mixer: For beating the cake mix, mayonnaise, water, and eggs together for a smooth batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well-mixed.
9-inch Cake Pans or 9x13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the cake batter in the oven. Make sure to grease and flour the pans.
Toothpick: Used to test the doneness of the cakes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - if it comes out clean, the cakes are done baking. Hint: you can also use a strand of uncooked spaghetti if you don't have a toothpick.
Wire Rack: For cooling the cakes once they come out of the oven. Allowing air to circulate around the cakes helps prevent sogginess.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: the rich, creamy frosting will pair perfectly with the moist chocolate cake, creating a decadent dessert experience.
Fresh Berries: the tartness of the berries will balance out the sweetness of the cake.
Sea Salt Caramel Sauce: drizzle this salty-sweet sauce over the cake for a gourmet touch.
Crushed Pistachios: the crunchy nuts will add texture to the moist cake, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: the cold, creamy ice cream will provide a nice contrast to the warm cake, plus who can resist a la mode?
Chocolate Shavings: sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the cake for an elegant finish.
Espresso Whipped Cream: the hint of coffee flavor in the whipped cream will amplify the chocolatey goodness of the cake.
Wine Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold red wine with black fruit flavors can hold its own against the richness of the chocolate and enhance the cake's decadence. Look for one with a hint of oak.
Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay can add a touch of creaminess to the chocolate cake, while its oak notes can complement the flavors of the cake mix. Opt for a slightly oaked Chardonnay for a well-rounded pairing.
Moscato: If you prefer a sweeter wine, a Moscato with its floral and fruity notes can balance the intensity of the chocolate and mayo combo. Its light body and sweetness make it a fun match for this quirky cake.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Whiskey: A smooth whiskey with caramel and vanilla undertones can add a layer of complexity to the chocolate cake, making for a sophisticated pairing. The whiskey's warmth can also complement the richness of the cake.
Coffee Liqueur: Add a splash of coffee liqueur to your glass for a boozy coffee-chocolate treat. The coffee notes will enhance the chocolate flavor, and the liqueur's sweetness can round out the cake's profile.
Cream Stout: A creamy stout with hints of chocolate and coffee can amplify the cake's flavors, creating a blend of rich, roasted goodness. The beer's smooth texture can also contrast nicely with the cake's moist crumb.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy cup of hot chocolate with your chocolate mayo cake for a double dose of chocolatey goodness. The warm drink can bring out the cake's sweetness and create a comforting pairing.
Vanilla Milkshake: A creamy vanilla milkshake can provide a cool and refreshing companion to the rich chocolate cake. The milkshake's subtle sweetness can balance the cake's intensity.
Iced Chai Latte: For a spiced twist, try an iced chai latte with your cake. The blend of spices in the latte can complement the chocolate and mayo flavors, adding a playful kick to your dessert experience.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
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reviews & comments
October 7, 2013
I've been making cakes like this for years. It's the best way to add moisture to the cake. You can't tell it's a boxed mix with the mayo in it. You can do this with any cake flavor. You have to try it, you'll never make a cake from scratch again!