Homestyle Chocolate Cake

This decadent, easy-to-make chocolate cake beats store-bought cake hands down! What's the secret ingredient that gives it such a rich, to-die-for texture? You won't believe it, but it’s mayonnaise, and it's probably in your fridge right now!

Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and flour lightly.
    
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa, mayonnaise, water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; blend with an electric beater on medium speed until well combined.
    
3. Pour the batter into the baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
    
4. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; blend until smooth. Frost cooled cake.