Mayonnaise Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful spice cake featuring the richness of mayonnaise, warm spices, and cocoa. Perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons, this cake combines sweet and spicy notes with a tender crumb, appealing to those who love a classic dessert with a twist of spice and depth.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa

Instructions

  1. Mix mayonnaise, sugar, and honey together until well combined.
  2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa.
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with warm water, mixing after each addition.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra moist cake, try substituting half the sugar with applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you prefer a lighter flavor, consider replacing the cocoa with additional flour and a splash of vanilla extract. Make sure your mayonnaise is at room temperature for easier mixing. This cake pairs beautifully with Jane'S Cranberry Chutney for a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the mayonnaise spice cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a salad like Orange Spinach Salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a toaster oven until slightly warm. This cake also freezes well; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mayonnaise Spice Cake contains roughly 539 calories, with 12g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (200% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and calcium (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2654mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).

539 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 23.3g 30% DV
Carbs 121.9g 44% DV
Fiber 56.1g 100% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2653.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 1740mg 37% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 16.9mg 19% DV
Calcium 1278mg 98% DV
Iron 19.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fat instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with an equal amount of yogurt or sour cream for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegan option, use silken tofu blended until smooth, which will maintain the moisture and texture of the cake.

What can I do if my cake is too dense?

If your cake turns out too dense, ensure that you are measuring your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Additionally, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to a denser texture.

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

This mayonnaise spice cake can be adapted to fit various diets. For gluten-free options, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, for vegan recipes, use a plant-based mayonnaise and follow the tips provided for fat substitutions.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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