Hellmann's Super Moist Chocolate Cake
Adapted from the original Hellmann's Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise packaging. Back of the Bag is not affiliated with Hellmann's.
"The secret to an incredibly moist texture."

The Story
Also known as the 'Mayonnaise Cake,' this recipe became a staple of the Depression era and World War II when oil and eggs were rationed. Since mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and egg yolks, it served as a perfect shelf-stable substitute. It was printed on Hellmann's (and Best Foods) jars for decades to showcase the product's versatility.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise with sugar and vanilla.
- 3
In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- 4
Alternately add the dry ingredients and water to the mayonnaise mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- 5
Pour into prepared pan.
- 6
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 7
Cool before frosting.