Mississippi Mud Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, fudgy, and irresistibly indulgent. This cake features a dense chocolate base topped with gooey marshmallows and a luscious chocolate frosting that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect Mississippi Mud Cake.
Mississippi Mud Cake gets its name from the dense, rich texture of the cake that resembles the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. With layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and a velvety frosting, this cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. The combination of textures—chewy, gooey, and creamy—makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe to make your own delicious Mississippi Mud Cake at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 package (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until the batter is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the hot cake.
- Return the cake to the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the marshmallows begin to puff up and melt slightly. Be careful not to let them brown.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the milk and unsweetened cocoa powder, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until the frosting is smooth and thick.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
- Pour the warm chocolate frosting over the top of the marshmallow-topped cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. The frosting will set as it cools, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut the Mississippi Mud Cake into squares and serve. The cake is rich and indulgent, so smaller portions may be sufficient.
- Enjoy the layers of chocolatey goodness, gooey marshmallows, and creamy frosting with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cook’s Notes
- Nuts: If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts. The cake will still be deliciously rich and chocolaty.
- Marshmallows: Be careful not to overbake the marshmallows when returning the cake to the oven. You want them to be soft and gooey, not browned.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Variations
Peanut Butter Mississippi Mud Cake
For a peanut butter twist, add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the frosting mixture after removing it from the heat. Stir until fully incorporated and proceed with frosting the cake as usual.
Triple Chocolate Mississippi Mud Cake
For an extra indulgent treat, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting for a triple chocolate effect.
Coconut Mississippi Mud Cake
Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut over the top of the frosting for added flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free Mississippi Mud Cake
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, Mississippi Mud Cake can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze Mississippi Mud Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use regular-sized marshmallows cut into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can skip the marshmallows, but the cake will have a different texture.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
While the chocolate frosting is traditional, you can use any frosting you like. A cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze would also work well.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the weather is warm, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator.
Mississippi Mud Cake is a decadent, chocolate lover’s dream dessert. With its rich chocolate cake base, gooey marshmallows, and velvety chocolate frosting, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious. Follow this guide to create a Mississippi Mud Cake that’s perfect every time, and enjoy every bite of this Southern classic.
