Most people will never know

Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, water, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.

🍫 Why It Works

Mayonnaise is essentially eggs and oil, which are ingredients in most cake recipes anyway. The difference is in the texture—it creates an ultra-moist crumb that stays fresh longer, and it adds richness without making the cake dense.

Plus, there’s no hint of “mayo” in the final flavor—just deep, delicious chocolate.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Let Them Guess

So go ahead—bake this cake, serve it at your next gathering, and soak in the compliments. When someone inevitably asks what makes it so special, you can smile and say, “Just a family secret.”

Because most people?
They’ll never know.

Would you like me to create a printable recipe card or a version using boxed mix with the same secret trick?