Baker Becky Allsop from East Harling in Norfolk, who runs Becky's Bakes, has sparked online debate after revealing her unusual secret ingredient for achieving perfectly gooey brownies: mayonnaise. In a Facebook video, she showed viewers adding a generous dollop of the creamy condiment to brownie batter, claiming it creates an ultra-fudge, moist result.
Why Mayonnaise Works in Brownies
Mayonnaise is essentially an emulsion of oil and eggs, making it a direct substitute for butter or oil in baking. According to Sara Haas, a food and nutrition expert at AllRecipes, mayonnaise delivers moisture and keeps baked goods soft and tender. "For most recipes, it's a one-to-one substitution, and works in everything from cakes to muffins," she said, recommending swapping any oil in your brownie recipe for mayonnaise, whether baking from scratch or using a box mix.
Mixed Reactions Online
Despite the scientific backing, many viewers were horrified. One commenter said, "That's just gross," while another added, "Nooo not in my brownies!" However, others defended the hack. One user clarified, "Mayonnaise is only oil and egg," and another praised the baker: "Anyone who's ever tried one of your brownies will know that it works!" A third shared a nostalgic memory: "I remember making a chocolate cake back in the eighties using mayonnaise was the most amazing chocolate cake ever, wish I kept the recipe."
Expert Endorsement
Mayonnaise in brownies eliminates the need for additional butter or oil, resulting in an incredibly fudgy, dense, and moist texture without imparting a savoury taste. This technique has been used in baking for decades, often in chocolate cakes, where it enhances richness.
