Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

[Carolyn]

I am in a play which takes place in the '50s. One of the scenes calls for a presentation gift of a "chocolate mayonnaise cake". Since we have to eat the cake onstage for 6 nights, I thought I'd like to make the real thing one of those nights, rather than eating supermarket cakes every night. This is one cake I've never heard of. Anybody have a recipe for one? I'd love to have it! Also, any ideas for a frosting that would look nice and chocolately but wouldn't be too disasterous for the actors faces and fingers for the rest of the play?

[Jen]

I've never made this, but I've heard of it. I pulled this recipe off the web. There are lots, and several variations...but at least here's a place to start!!

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 heaped tablespoons cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
pinch of salt
1 cup water
1 cup mayonnaise (not to be confused with 'salad dressing!)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

In large mixing bowl sift together (or just mix well) dry ingredients.
Add wet ingredients. Mix until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Pour into greased and floured pan (8"x8", 9"x9", or tube pan.
Bake at 350F for 35-45 minutes. Use toothpick test.

I grabbed this off rec.food.cooking about 2 years ago - mainly out of curiosity that anyone would think to use mayo as a cake-making ingredient. I have to tell you that the results are stunning - a very moist, richy and chocolatey cake that everyone wants more of!

HTH,
Jen

[Carolyn]

Thanks Jen! This sounds both good and easy and I am sure will make a welcome change from some of the store bought ones. The cast will give you lots of thanks!