If you have a serious sweet tooth and crave a dessert that’s as rich and indulgent as it is comforting, the Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist, deep chocolate cake layered with gooey marshmallows and a glossy, luscious chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. This classic Southern treat captures the essence of cozy gatherings and special moments, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this cake promises to be the star of the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of rich flavor, irresistible texture, and inviting appearance. From the smooth butter to the fluffy marshmallows, these staples come together effortlessly to create magic in the kitchen.
- 1 cup butter, melted: The foundation of moisture and richness that makes the cake tender and decadent.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and that signature dark color.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding structure and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate notes and adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the cake body and keeps it light but sturdy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and highlights the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps the batter combine smoothly.
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows: The gooey surprise layer that melts delightfully over the cake.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting): Creates a rich, creamy texture in the chocolate frosting.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for frosting): Gives the frosting its intense chocolate kick.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 1/4 cup milk (for frosting): Helps achieve a smooth, pourable frosting consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and warmth to the final layer of sweetness.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Having your baking dish ready allows you to pour the batter in smoothly when it’s time.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar first. This trio creates the rich chocolate base that sets the tone for the cake. Then, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This helps the flavors blend beautifully and adds moisture.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now it’s time to fold in the flour, salt, baking powder, and milk. Mixing these carefully ensures your cake has the right crumb and texture—light but still dense enough to hold all those marshmallows and frosting later. Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will smell heavenly, and the edges might start pulling away slightly from the pan—signs of a perfectly baked base ready for the next delicious layer.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows
While the cake is still warm, scatter the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for an extra 2-3 minutes, just until the marshmallows soften and become delightfully gooey. This step creates the signature marshmallow “mud” layer that makes this cake so irresistible.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the marshmallows melt, prepare the frosting by melting butter and cocoa powder together over medium heat. Then whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and glossy. This rich chocolate topping ties everything together and adds an unbeatable finishing touch.
Step 7: Finish and Cool
Pour the luscious frosting over the warm cake, spreading it out evenly. If you like a little crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Allow the entire cake to cool completely before cutting into squares to let the layers set for that perfect slice every time.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe by adding garnishes such as a light dusting of cocoa powder, a handful of fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These little touches can add a pop of color and flavor that makes each slice feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake shines bright on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess balances the rich chocolate and marshmallow sweetness, making the dessert experience even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve your Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe in individual ramekins topped with toasted marshmallows or decorate the whole cake with a sprinkle of edible gold dust for an elegant touch. Layering it with fresh fruit on the side can also add a fresh contrast to the dense chocolate flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Mississippi Mud Cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually mature and meld more when left overnight, so you might find it tastes even better the next day. Just ensure it’s well covered to keep the marshmallows moist and the frosting fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers, gently microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a low oven until warmed through. This will restore the gooey marshmallows and slightly melted frosting that make the Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe so decadent and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can, but you might want to chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and create that signature gooey layer without overwhelming the cake surface.
Is this recipe nut-free?
This Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe can be nut-free by simply omitting the chopped pecans or walnuts. The cake remains delicious and gooey without them.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too to maintain the rise.
Why do the marshmallows need to be added while the cake is still warm?
The warmth from the freshly baked cake softens the marshmallows quickly, melting them slightly to create that iconic gooey “mud” texture that defines this cake.
How rich is the frosting? Can I make it lighter?
The frosting is quite rich and chocolatey, designed to complement the dense cake. For a lighter version, you could reduce the butter slightly or use a whipped cream topping instead, though it won’t have quite the same decadent finish.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe feels like passing along a secret treasure of chocolatey joy. It’s one of those rare cakes that’s effortless to make yet delivers such drama on the taste buds. Whether for everyday indulgence or a special occasion, this classic Southern delight always brings smiles and leftovers begging to be devoured. Give it a go and enjoy every rich, gooey bite!
Print
Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mississippi Mud Cake is a rich, decadent chocolate dessert featuring a moist cocoa-flavored cake topped with gooey mini marshmallows and a luscious chocolate frosting. This indulgent treat combines a soft cake base with a fudgy topping, finished with optional crunchy nuts for added texture, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Stir well to blend before adding the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and even.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: Incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and milk into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring a uniform batter without overmixing. Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Add Marshmallows: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the warm cake. Return it to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are soft and slightly melted.
- Cool Slightly Before Frosting: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes so it’s warm but not hot, preparing it for the frosting step.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cocoa powder together. Once smooth, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a creamy, smooth frosting forms.
- Frost the Cake: Pour the warm chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to spread and seep into the marshmallow layer. Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top if using for added crunch and flavor.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Let the cake cool completely to room temperature so the frosting sets perfectly. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve this rich, gooey chocolate delight.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts completely for a nut-free version.
- Ensure the marshmallows are added right after baking while the cake is still warm to allow proper melting.
- For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat individual servings slightly to enjoy the gooey marshmallow texture warm again.
