Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-moist and tender texture thanks to mayonnaise
- Deep, rich chocolate flavor with warm cinnamon undertones
- Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients
- Perfectly sized sheet cake ideal for gatherings and celebrations
- Versatile with your choice of frosting—chocolate cream cheese is a favorite
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Table salt
- Baking powder
- Shortening (for greasing pan)
- 3 large eggs
- Light brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Mayonnaise (substitutes oil or butter)
- Hot water
- Chocolate cream cheese frosting (your favorite recipe or store-bought)

Directions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Make Batter: In a stand mixer, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the batter is thin and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted.
- Add Mayonnaise: Beat in the mayonnaise until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and hot water to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Coat a sheet cake pan with shortening and flour. Pour the batter into the pan and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading with chocolate cream cheese frosting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 to 15
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and frosting)
Variations
- Use different frostings like classic chocolate buttercream or whipped cream for a lighter touch.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a simple finish if frosting is not desired.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Warm slightly before serving to refresh the moist texture.
FAQs
Does the cake taste like mayonnaise?
No, the mayonnaise adds moisture and tenderness without affecting the flavor.
Can I substitute mayo with oil?
You can, but mayonnaise provides a unique texture and richness that oil alone doesn’t achieve.
How do I ensure the cake is moist?
Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overbaking.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, bake in cupcake tins and reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes, it will add a deeper molasses flavor.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Use a hand mixer or whisk vigorously by hand.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to cool?
Allow at least 1 hour for the cake to cool before frosting.
What frosting pairs best?
Chocolate cream cheese frosting complements the cake beautifully, balancing sweetness and tang.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake is a moist, tender, and richly flavored dessert that surprises and delights with every bite. Its secret ingredient, mayonnaise, brings unmatched softness and decadence, making this cake a standout for any occasion. Whether for family gatherings or special celebrations, this cake will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake is an ultra-moist, tender chocolate cake made with mayonnaise as a secret ingredient to enhance richness and texture. With warm cinnamon undertones and a decadent chocolate cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and frosting)
- Yield: 12 to 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Table salt
- Baking powder
- Shortening (for greasing pan)
- 3 large eggs
- Light brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Mayonnaise (substitutes oil or butter)
- Hot water
- Chocolate cream cheese frosting (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
Instructions
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer, beat eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until thin and ribbon-like when whisk lifted.
- Beat in mayonnaise until fully combined.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and hot water, mixing until smooth.
- Prepare a sheet cake pan by greasing with shortening and dusting with flour.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cake completely before frosting with chocolate cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Try different frostings like chocolate buttercream or whipped cream.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for texture.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar if frosting is omitted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg