Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of pure chocolate bliss—with layers of dense, fudgy cake, gooey melted marshmallows, and a glossy, rich chocolate icing. That’s the magic of Mississippi Mud Cake! Beloved in Southern kitchens for generations, this decadent dessert is famous for its irresistible, “muddy” appearance and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a celebration, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this cake promises an unforgettable treat that never fails to wow and comfort all at once.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes a Mississippi Mud Cake shine isn’t a mountain of fancy ingredients, but a thoughtfully-chosen lineup that brings big, nostalgic flavor. Each simple staple plays an essential role—from building that moist, almost brownie-like crumb to delivering melty marshmallow pockets and a silky chocolate finish.

• Butter: This creates a dreamy, tender crumb and a deep, rich flavor base for every bite.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and ensures that fudgy, satisfying texture throughout.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder delivers that classic, robust chocolate profile Mississippi Mud Cake is known for.
• Eggs: Eggs lend structure, richness, and a beautifully cohesive cake.
• All-purpose flour: The perfect foundation, keeping things sturdy yet soft.
• Vanilla extract: Just the right touch of warmth and aromatic depth, boosting all the other flavors.
• Pecans (optional): For extra crunch and a Southern finish, stir in chopped pecans.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt into sticky, sweet puddles, giving that signature gooey layer.
• Milk: Adds moisture and gentle richness to both the cake and icing.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for a creamy, smooth chocolate icing that sets beautifully atop the marshmallows.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures the Mississippi Mud Cake lifts out effortlessly and bakes evenly, setting you up for gooey, chocolatey success.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

Cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the cocoa powder, then add eggs one at a time. Gradually fold in the flour and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined for that fudgy, tender crumb. Gently stir in chopped pecans if you’re using them—it’s that classic Southern twist.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, just until a tester comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want it rich and dense, like Mississippi riverbank “mud.”

Step 4: Add Marshmallows

While the cake is still piping hot from the oven, immediately scatter mini marshmallows over the top. Pop the pan back in the oven for just 3-5 minutes until the marshmallows are soft and puffy (but not browned). This transforms the cake into a gooey, irresistible delight.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Icing

While the marshmallows are melting, whisk butter, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla in a saucepan until smooth. Remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar until glossy and silky. Pour the warm icing over the marshmallow layer, letting it cascade and mingle into all the nooks and crannies—this is what gives Mississippi Mud Cake its signature look!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so the layers can set. Once cooled, slice into generous squares—don’t worry if it’s a little messy, that’s half the fun! Mississippi Mud Cake is meant to be rich, oozy, and absolutely indulgent.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake

Garnishes

A Mississippi Mud Cake is a showstopper all on its own, but you can definitely take it up a notch with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few chocolate curls on top. For an extra-special finish, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream—their creamy coolness is the perfect match for the cake’s warm, gooey richness.

Side Dishes

This cake is a meal in itself, but if you’re thinking of rounding out dessert, pair it with fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a tall glass of ice-cold milk to cut through all that glorious chocolate. For fancier affairs, a drizzle of raspberry sauce brings a sweet-tart contrast that complements every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Mississippi Mud Cake for a crowd, cut into bite-sized bars for a neat finger-food dessert display. For a whimsical touch, layer slices in Mason jars with extra marshmallows and sauce for individual “mud pie” parfaits. You can even dress it up on a fancy cake stand with swirling piped whipped cream for a true Southern belle presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mississippi Mud Cake keeps beautifully. Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake actually gets fudgier as it sits, absorbing all that rich icing and marshmallow—if you can resist it that long!

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, slice the cooled cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, just thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

For an experience straight out of the oven, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warm. The marshmallow gets gooey, and the icing softens to a lovely, fudge-like texture all over again.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! If mini marshmallows aren’t handy, just chop large ones into smaller pieces. Spread them out evenly for that signature gooey topping.

Is it possible to make this cake nut-free?

Definitely. The pecans are completely optional and can easily be left out. Mississippi Mud Cake will still have all its iconic richness and flavor.

Can I halve the recipe for a smaller group?

Yes! Simply halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may finish a little sooner.

What’s the best type of cocoa powder to use?

Use an unsweetened, high-quality natural cocoa powder for the deepest chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa powder also works beautifully and will give the cake a slightly mellower taste.

Why is my icing runny?

If your icing seems thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency. It will also firm up slightly as it cools atop the marshmallows.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Mississippi Mud Cake—it’s pure comfort, celebration, and fun all rolled into one. Whether you’ve loved it since childhood or you’re trying it for the first time, this cake is bound to steal your heart (and maybe your willpower!). Go ahead and treat yourself; you’ll be making memories along with every fudgy, gooey bite.

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