Dreamy Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe: A Heavenly Sweet Treat

Mississippi mud cakes blend rich chocolate with marshmallow magic in an irresistible Southern dessert.

Layers of decadent cocoa merge with gooey textures that dance across your palate.

Chocolate lovers can’t resist this classic treat’s deep, intense flavors.

Soft cake creates a perfect canvas for pillowy marshmallow landscapes.

Creamy frosting cascades like silky rivers over each delectable slice.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this indulgent masterpiece of sweet comfort.

Why Mississippi Mud Cake Stands Out

Whip Up Southern Comfort: Reasons to Love Mississippi Mud Cake

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A decadent chocolate cake that brings smiles to everyone's faces, perfect for family gatherings and potluck parties.
• Foolproof Baking Experience: Beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps and readily available ingredients, making it easy for home bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning dessert.
• Textural Chocolate Paradise: Combines rich, moist chocolate cake with gooey marshmallow layer and creamy chocolate icing, delivering an irresistible mix of textures that chocolate lovers will adore.
• No-Fuss Entertainment Showstopper: Impressive dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for casual and special occasions.

What’s in Mississippi Mud Cake

• Butter: Soft and creamy for a rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet foundation of the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent for smooth consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall taste.
• Pecans: Adds nutty crunch.

• Mini Marshmallows: Soft and fluffy layer.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens the icing.
• Additional Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor.

• Whole Milk: Helps create smooth icing.
• Butter: Adds richness to the icing.

Mississippi Mud Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray or rub it down with butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder

Mix until everything is perfectly blended.

Stir in vanilla extract and sprinkle in chopped pecans, giving the batter a final gentle mix.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Marshmallow Magic

Right after pulling the cake from the oven, shower the top with mini marshmallows.

Let them sit for a few minutes until they become soft and pillowy, then gently spread them to create a complete marshmallow blanket.

Step 5: Chocolate Drizzle

• Confectioners' sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Softened butter

Slowly pour in whole milk, stirring until you’ve got a silky smooth chocolate icing.

Step 6: Final Touch

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the chocolate icing over the marshmallow layer.

Spread it evenly and let it set before slicing into this decadent Southern treat.

Helpful Tips for Mississippi Mud Cake

• Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles, or skip nuts entirely for nut-allergic guests.
• Let marshmallows sit on hot cake for 2-3 minutes before spreading to create a perfectly smooth, gooey layer.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent cake texture.
• Add milk gradually to control icing thickness – less milk for thicker spread, more milk for drizzling consistency.
• Bake cake a day ahead and store covered at room temperature, adding marshmallow and icing layers just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storing & Reheating Mississippi Mud Cake

• Store leftover Mississippi Mud Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the icing and marshmallow layer for the best texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moist texture and prevent marshmallows from becoming too crispy.

Pairing Ideas for Mississippi Mud Cake

• Pair Rich Chocolate Flavor: Select bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complement the cake's deep cocoa notes and cut through its sweetness.
• Enhance Nutty Undertones: Serve alongside a smooth bourbon or dark roasted coffee to highlight the pecans' warm, toasted characteristics and intensify the dessert's richness.
• Balance Sweet Indulgence: Offer a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a cool, creamy contrast against the warm, gooey chocolate cake and marshmallow layers.
• Refresh Palate Cleanser: Prepare a light, tangy raspberry sorbet to introduce a bright, acidic element that prevents the dessert from feeling too heavy and cleanses the taste buds between bites.

Mississippi Mud Cake Flavor Twists

• Gluten-Free Mississippi Mud Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, use almond milk instead of whole milk, and select dairy-free marshmallows to create an allergen-friendly version.
• Nut-Free Option: Eliminate pecans completely or substitute with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cake's decadent chocolate character without compromising taste.
• Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce granulated sugar by half, use monk fruit sweetener, and select dark cocoa powder to create a less sweet, more intense chocolate experience for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

• What gives Mississippi Mud Cake its unique texture?

The combination of rich chocolate cake, gooey marshmallow layer, and decadent chocolate icing creates a soft, moist texture with a delightful marshmallow cushion that makes this cake incredibly indulgent.

• Are pecans essential to the recipe?

While pecans add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, you can omit them if you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free dessert. The cake will still taste delicious without them.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for the cake?

Cocoa powder is recommended, but you can experiment with different cocoa percentages or even substitute some cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate to intensify the chocolate flavor.

• Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Mississippi Mud Cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, birthdays, and holiday celebrations. Its impressive appearance and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love.

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful Mississippi mud cake delivers a chocolate lover’s dream with layers of rich, gooey indulgence. Marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs create a dessert that melts in your mouth and satisfies deep chocolate cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 cups mini marshmallows

Icing Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to create a uniform batter with a rich, velvety texture.
4. Sift together flour and cocoa powder, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients, blending until a consistent chocolate batter forms.
5. Gently stir in vanilla extract and fold in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the cake mixture.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading it to create an even layer that will bake uniformly.
7. Slide the cake into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
8. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, blanket the surface with mini marshmallows, allowing their heat to soften and slightly melt.
9. Craft the decadent chocolate icing by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and butter until smooth and well-incorporated.
10. Gradually introduce milk to the icing mixture, stirring until you achieve a luxurious, pourable consistency.
11. Once the marshmallow layer has slightly set, drizzle the chocolate icing over the top, using a spatula to create an even, glossy coating.
12. Allow the Mississippi Mud Cake to cool completely, permitting the icing to set and the flavors to meld before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature for smoother, more even cake batter mixing.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer, more intense chocolate taste in the cake and icing.
• Ensure marshmallows are distributed evenly to create a uniform, gooey top layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 64 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg