Mayonnaise Cake Recipe: A Surprisingly Delicious Treat
Are you ready to bake a cake that's both incredibly moist and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This mayonnaise cake recipe is a hidden gem, delivering a tender crumb and subtle tang that will leave you wondering why you haven't tried it sooner. Forget everything you think you know about cakes – this one's a game-changer.
Why Mayonnaise in Cake?
The addition of mayonnaise might seem unusual, but it's the secret ingredient to this cake's incredible texture. Mayonnaise acts as a superb emulsifier, binding the ingredients together beautifully and creating a moist, incredibly tender crumb that's far superior to many traditional recipes. The fat content in the mayonnaise adds richness and keeps the cake from drying out, resulting in a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Don't worry; you won't taste the mayonnaise! It simply enhances the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent for a lighter texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The secret ingredient! Use your favorite brand.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins: Customize your cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This will prevent sticking and ensure your cakes bake evenly.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. This ensures the wet ingredients are well blended before combining with the dry ingredients.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are okay!
Adding Mix-ins (Optional):
- If you're adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter now.
Baking the Cake:
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your cakes.
Cooling and Frosting:
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before frosting.
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Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite frosting. You can use buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or any other frosting you enjoy.
Tips for Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and milk will help the batter incorporate more smoothly.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Serving and Storage:
This delicious mayonnaise cake is best served at room temperature. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy your surprisingly moist and delicious mayonnaise cake! It's a perfect treat for any occasion. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
