The Best Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe: Gooey Chocolate Heaven

Mississippi mud cake whispers decadence from the moment you catch its aroma wafting through the kitchen.

Dense chocolate layers promise an irresistible journey into Southern comfort desserts.

Marshmallow clouds and crunchy pecans upgrade an ordinary cake into an extraordinary experience.

Rich, gooey textures melt together like a delicious chocolate symphony.

Each forkful delivers a nostalgic blend of sweet, nutty, and indulgent flavors that dance across your palate.

Rustic yet elegant, this dessert captures the essence of homemade comfort with its luxurious chocolate embrace.

Prepare to surrender to a slice of pure, unapologetic chocolate paradise.

Why Mississippi Mud Cake Is a Chocolate Dream

• Create a Decadent Chocolate Experience: This Mississippi Mud Cake delivers an intensely rich chocolate adventure with layers of gooey marshmallow and silky smooth chocolate icing that melts in your mouth.
• Super Easy Weekend Baking Project: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Southern Comfort Dessert: Packed with classic Southern charm, the cake combines crunchy pecans, soft marshmallows, and deep chocolate flavors that make it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations.
• Quick Indulgence in Under an Hour: From start to finish, you can create this impressive dessert in less than 45 minutes, making it a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.

The Sweet, Sticky, and Nutty Components You’ll Love

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cake base.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Butter: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and aids in browning.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and traditional southern texture.
• Marshmallows: Creates signature gooey, soft topping layer.

• Confectioners Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable icing consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides chocolate depth to the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps blend frosting.
• Milk: Thins and smooths the frosting texture.

How to Build Layers of Fudgy Decadence

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

• Flour
• Cocoa powder

Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Add Marshmallow Layer

Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, top with marshmallows. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften and melt slightly, then gently spread them across the surface.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Icing

• Confectioners' sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Softened butter

Gradually stir in milk until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Spread the chocolate icing evenly over the marshmallow layer. Allow the cake to cool and set completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy this rich, decadent Mississippi Mud Cake that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving!

Tips to Nail That Gooey Texture and Crisp Top

• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick at the cake's center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for the perfect texture.
• Marshmallow Melting Trick: Spread marshmallows while cake is hot to ensure they melt evenly and create a smooth, gooey layer.
• Toast Pecans for Extra Flavor: Lightly toast pecans before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, rich taste and aroma.
• Icing Consistency Matters: Add milk gradually to the icing to control thickness, ensuring it spreads smoothly without being too runny.
• Cool Completely Before Serving: Let the cake cool entirely to allow flavors to meld and icing to set perfectly, creating a more delicious dessert.

Keep Leftovers Moist and Just as Rich

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Mississippi Mud Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve its gooey marshmallow and chocolate goodness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can maintain its delicious flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore the soft, melty marshmallow texture. For best results, heat at 50% power to prevent the cake from becoming tough or rubbery. Enjoy the cake slightly warm for maximum indulgence.

Serve It Up With These Creamy or Crunchy Companions

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel to complement the cake's rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors, cutting through the sweetness with tannic depth.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop cold, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside each slice to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast that enhances the cake's warm, gooey chocolate profile.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee with hints of chocolate or caramel notes to amplify the cake's deep cocoa undertones and provide a smooth, warming accompaniment.
• Pair with Nutty Bourbon: Choose a smooth bourbon with subtle caramel and oak hints that will beautifully echo the cake's pecan elements and intensify its decadent chocolate character.

Flavor Add-Ons That Make the Mud Even Deeper

• Chocolate Walnut Wonder: Swap pecans for walnuts and add a hint of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor, creating a richer, more complex dessert.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this decadent cake without compromise.
• Salted Caramel Mississippi Mud: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer before adding chocolate icing, introducing a luxurious salty-sweet element to the classic recipe.
• Mocha Mud Madness: Incorporate strong brewed coffee into the cake batter and icing, transforming the dessert into a coffee lover's ultimate chocolate experience.

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Rich Mississippi mud cake delivers a chocolate lover’s dream with layers of gooey marshmallow and fudgy frosting. Indulgent Southern classic promises pure comfort and irresistible sweetness that will sweep you into chocolate paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (150 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 cups mini marshmallows

Chocolate Components:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) whole milk
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform mixture and proper emulsification.
4. Sift together all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder, then gradually fold into the butter mixture, maintaining a consistent texture.
5. Gently stir in pure vanilla extract and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for enhanced flavor and crunch.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, cover the warm cake’s surface with mini marshmallows, allowing them to soften and create a gooey layer.
9. For the chocolate icing, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and softened butter in a mixing bowl, whisking until a crumbly consistency forms.
10. Gradually add milk, stirring until the icing becomes smooth and spreadable, adjusting liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency.
11. Once the marshmallow layer has slightly cooled and set, carefully spread the chocolate icing over the entire cake surface.
12. Allow the cake to cool completely, letting the icing set and flavors meld before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Elevate your baking game with this Southern classic that transforms a simple chocolate cake into a decadent, gooey masterpiece.
• Marshmallow layer creates an irresistible cloud-like texture that melts perfectly between rich chocolate cake and fudgy frosting.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture.
• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, though it rarely lasts that long with hungry friends around.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg