Can you use mayonnaise instead of oil in a cake mix?

Here's why:

* Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil, eggs, and vinegar. The vinegar will react with the baking soda in the cake mix, causing it to rise too quickly and potentially create a dense, rubbery cake.

* Mayonnaise also has a strong flavor that will likely overpower the flavor of the cake.

* The texture of mayonnaise is different from oil. It will not incorporate into the batter properly, resulting in an uneven cake.

If you are out of oil, you can try using these substitutes instead:

* Applesauce: Use a 1:1 ratio of applesauce to oil.

* Melted butter: Use the same amount of melted butter as the oil called for in the recipe.

* Yogurt: Use full-fat plain yogurt, but reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly.

Remember, it's always best to follow the recipe as written unless you are experienced with baking and understand how ingredients interact.