Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Chocolate Cake:

  • 3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F.

For layer cakes: Grease two 9-inch round pans and line the bottoms with waxed paper.

For a sheet cake: Grease one 9 x 13-inch pan.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in the mayonnaise until well blended. Gradually add the water and vanilla, stirring until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes for the round pans or 40–45 minutes for the 9 x 13-inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting or serving.

Yield: Two 9-inch layers or one 9 x 13-inch cake



Caramel Butter Frosting:

  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons whole milk or half and half
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 
  • 4 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted


Instructions

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, or until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Stir in the milk.

Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth and of spreading consistency.


Alternate icing method:

In a medium saucepan over medium low heat blend the butter and brown sugar, bring to a boil. Add and blend in heavy cream, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Transfer the brown sugar mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the vanilla and then powdered sugar, alternating with milk. Turn the mixer speed up to medium and continue mixing until creamy and combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Spread with icing warm for a slick smooth look.

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