Gooey Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe: A Sweet Southern Classic

Decadent chocolate cravings meet their match in this classic mississippi mud cake that oozes pure indulgence.

Rich, moist layers promise an unforgettable dessert experience.

Marshmallows and chocolate create a sinful combination that melts hearts.

Pecans add a delightful crunch to every heavenly bite.

Southern baking tradition shines through in this irresistible treat.

Chocolate lovers will fall head over heels for this gooey, irresistible dessert.

One slice promises to transport you to chocolate paradise.

Why Mississippi Mud Cake Is a Chocolate Lover’s Dream

• Unbelievably Easy Dessert: Perfect for baking novices with minimal cooking skills and maximum deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Guaranteed to wow friends and family with its rich chocolate flavor and gooey marshmallow topping, making it ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and special celebrations.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: Requires basic ingredients found in most pantries, straightforward mixing technique, and minimal prep time, allowing even beginners to create a decadent chocolate masterpiece with confidence.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: Serves as a fantastic dessert for multiple occasions, from casual weekend treats to elegant dinner parties, satisfying chocolate lovers of all ages with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

What You’ll Need for Mississippi Mud Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple with soft, fine texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet crystal that makes everything delicious.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate powder that brings deep flavor.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create smooth cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer with sweet notes.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide delightful texture.

• Mini Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy clouds that melt beautifully.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Powdery sweet ingredient for smooth frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Chocolate base that deepens icing flavor.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps blend icing ingredients.

How to Make Classic Mississippi Mud Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Base

Grab your mixing bowl and whip together butter and sugar until they become a dreamy, creamy mixture.

• Eggs
• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Blend everything until it looks like a smooth chocolate paradise.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your chocolate magic into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly and slide into the oven.

Bake for about 25 minutes.

Check doneness by poking a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Marshmallow Magic

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

Let them get all soft and puffy for a few minutes, then gently spread them to cover every inch of the cake.

Step 5: Whip Up the Luxurious Frosting

• Confectioners' sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Softened butter

Slowly add milk, stirring until you’ve got a silky smooth chocolate river.

Step 6: Final Drizzle and Delight

Once the cake has cooled a bit, pour that gorgeous chocolate frosting over the marshmallow layer.

Spread it around so every bite gets maximum deliciousness.

Let it set for a few moments before diving in and enjoying your masterpiece.

Handy Tips for the Best Mud Cake Texture

• Use fresh, high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract for a richer, more decadent Mississippi Mud Cake flavor profile.
• Remove cake from oven and immediately add marshmallows while cake is hot, allowing them to soften and create a gooey, smooth layer without burning.
• Add milk gradually to the icing mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, spreadable texture that covers the cake evenly.
• Lightly toast chopped pecans before folding into the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch to the cake's texture.
• Allow the cake to cool at room temperature, giving the icing time to set and marshmallow layer to stabilize for the best slice and presentation.

Saving and Reheating Mississippi Mud Cake

• Store leftover Mississippi Mud Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the marshmallow and chocolate layers remain intact.
• Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the marshmallow layer from sticking or getting damaged.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore its soft, gooey texture.
• For best taste and texture, consume the cake within 2-3 days of baking, as marshmallows tend to lose their fluffy consistency over time.

What Goes Well With Mississippi Mud Cake

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the cake's deep chocolate flavor and cut through its sweetness.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside each slice to balance the rich, warm chocolate and create a delightful temperature contrast.
• Match with Strong Coffee: Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to enhance the cake's intense chocolate notes and provide a delicious bitter counterpoint.
• Enjoy with Toasted Pecan Garnish: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top of each slice to amplify the nutty undertones and add a satisfying crunch to the dessert.

Fun Twists on Mississippi Mud Cake Ideas

• Gluten-Free Mississippi Mud Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and select dairy-free chocolate for a completely plant-based version of the classic dessert.
• Nutty Alternative: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile, or remove nuts entirely for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar and reduce overall sugar content in marshmallow and icing layers to create a lighter, less sweet cake.

FAQs

• What gives Mississippi Mud Cake its unique texture?

The combination of soft, moist chocolate cake, gooey marshmallow layer, and rich chocolate icing creates a decadent and indulgent dessert with multiple layers of texture.

• Why are pecans included in the recipe?

Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate, providing a wonderful contrast to the soft cake and marshmallow layers.

• Is this cake considered a traditional Southern dessert?

Yes, Mississippi Mud Cake originated in the Southern United States and is known for its incredibly rich, chocolate-heavy profile that resembles the muddy banks of the Mississippi River.

• How difficult is this cake to make for beginner bakers?

This recipe is relatively straightforward and perfect for intermediate bakers. The steps are simple, but attention to detail during marshmallow and icing stages is important for achieving the perfect result.

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful Mississippi mud cake beckons chocolate lovers with its gooey marshmallow layer and rich fudge frosting. Indulgent Southern comfort meets pure dessert bliss, promising a decadent experience that melts hearts and satisfies deepest chocolate cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Main Cake Toppings and Fillings:

• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Frosting Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by generously coating it with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly blending 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, ensuring no lumps remain and achieving a consistent chocolate base.
5. Enhance the batter’s depth by stirring in vanilla extract and gently folding chopped pecans throughout the mixture for added crunch and nutty flavor.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading it into an even layer to promote uniform baking.
7. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 25 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, blanket the warm cake with mini marshmallows, allowing them to melt slightly and create a gooey, pillowy layer.
9. Gently press and spread the marshmallows to ensure complete cake coverage, creating a smooth, white surface.
10. Craft the rich chocolate icing by whisking confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and softened butter until fully incorporated.
11. Gradually introduce milk to the chocolate mixture, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
12. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the chocolate icing over the marshmallow layer, using a spatula to create an even, glossy finish.
13. Allow the icing to set completely before slicing and serving this decadent Mississippi Mud Cake.

Notes

• Swap out pecans for different nuts like walnuts or almonds to create unique flavor variations and accommodate nut allergies.
• Reduce sugar by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version that still maintains the cake’s rich taste.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
• Cool cake completely before adding icing to prevent it from becoming too runny and ensure a smooth, even chocolate coating that sets perfectly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 52 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg