Who would have thought that mayonnaise could be the secret ingredient to making the most moist and tender chocolate cupcakes? Yes, you read that right!
Using mayonnaise in your cupcake batter might sound unusual, but it’s a fantastic way to add richness and moisture without the need for butter or oil. This chocolate cupcake recipe with mayonnaise produces cupcakes that are incredibly soft, with a deep chocolate flavor and a velvety crumb.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual get-togethers.
Mayonnaise, which is essentially oil, eggs, and vinegar, blends beautifully into the batter, ensuring your cupcakes stay fresh and luscious for days. Plus, it’s a great way to use up mayonnaise that’s sitting in your fridge!
So, if you’re ready to try a fun twist on classic chocolate cupcakes, keep reading for this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate cupcake recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the use of mayonnaise keeps the cupcakes moist and tender without being greasy or heavy.
The vinegar in the mayo reacts with baking soda, helping the cupcakes rise perfectly with a light texture.
Secondly, it’s an easy recipe that uses common pantry ingredients, making it ideal for last-minute baking or when you want a quick homemade dessert. The cupcakes have a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with any frosting—whether it’s a classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a vegan alternative.
Finally, the versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize it by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a hint of espresso powder for a mocha twist. If you enjoy baking hacks and creative recipes, you might also like our Cocoa Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Absolutely Adore or our Best Vegan Frankfurt Recipe for Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more kitchen inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use regular or light)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients well ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, warm water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy. The mayonnaise acts as both fat and moisture here, so no additional oil is needed.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This helps the cupcakes rise properly without overflowing.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Tips & Variations
For the best cupcakes, make sure your mayonnaise is fresh and at room temperature before mixing.
If you want to add a little extra indulgence, try mixing in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking. They melt slightly, adding delightful pockets of gooey chocolate in each bite.
For a richer flavor, sprinkle a pinch of instant espresso powder into the batter. This enhances the chocolate and adds depth without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
You can also substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier, healthier cupcake. Just replace up to 1/3 of the flour for best results.
Not a fan of traditional mayonnaise? Try using vegan mayonnaise to make this recipe plant-based.
For more vegan recipe inspiration, check out our Vegan Mayo Recipe Tofu: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cupcake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate cupcakes are delicious on their own or topped with your favorite frosting. A classic chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting works beautifully and complements the rich chocolate flavor.
For a lighter option, try dusting the cupcakes with powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fresh, elegant touch.
Looking to serve these cupcakes for a party? Consider pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
They also make a delightful companion to other treats like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or a fruit salad for a balanced dessert spread.
Conclusion
This chocolate cupcake recipe with mayonnaise is a delightful surprise for anyone who loves moist, tender, and flavorful cupcakes. The mayo adds a richness and moisture that’s hard to beat, while the recipe itself is simple enough to whip up anytime.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving some homemade chocolate goodness, these cupcakes will not disappoint.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own!
For more baking inspiration, check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy and Best Vegan Kale Dip Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacking for ideas to complement your cupcake treats.
Go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the rich, moist, and decadent chocolate cupcakes that mayonnaise helps create. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Cupcake with Mayonnaise
Description: These moist chocolate cupcakes use mayonnaise to add richness without extra butter. Perfectly tender and chocolatey for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, water, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just blended.
- Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 11 g | Carbs: 28 g
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