Mississippi Mud Cake

Few desserts capture Southern comfort quite like the rich, gooey delight of a Mississippi Mud Cake. This old-fashioned chocolate cake combines a fudgy base, a layer of toasted marshmallows, and a nutty crunch that melts into pure decadence. It’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

With a soft, brownie-like texture and the sweet gooeyness of melted marshmallows, this Mississippi Mud Cake is every chocolate lover’s dream. The best part? It’s made in one pan and ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason Mississippi Mud Cake has stood the test of time—it’s indulgent, nostalgic, and easy to make. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Decadently rich: Each bite is filled with a deep chocolate flavor and a chewy marshmallow topping.
• Easy ingredients: Uses pantry staples like sugar, cocoa, butter, and flour.
• Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and looks impressive with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like chocolate chips or caramel drizzle.
• Classic Southern comfort: It’s a slice of sweet history that never goes out of style.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this heavenly dessert, here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, fudgy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the cocoa’s bitterness and enhances sweetness.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
• All-purpose flour: Provides a soft yet sturdy crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of this dessert, giving it that deep, chocolatey flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Chopped pecans: Provide crunch and a nutty flavor typical of Southern desserts.
• Mini marshmallows: Create the signature gooey, golden topping that makes this cake irresistible.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Mississippi Mud Cake

1. Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined for a soft, fudgy texture.
2. Watch the broiler closely: Marshmallows can burn quickly; 1–2 minutes is usually enough.
3. Use high-quality cocoa powder: It makes a big difference in flavor depth.
4. Let it cool slightly: This allows the marshmallow layer to set but stay gooey.
5. Add chocolate frosting (optional): For extra richness, drizzle a simple chocolate glaze over the top once cooled.

Variations and Customizations

Want to make your Mississippi Mud Cake your own? Try these creative twists:

• Double Chocolate: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra gooeyness.
• Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and top with crushed graham crackers or cookies.
• Rocky Road Style: Mix in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer before serving.
• Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

This rich, chocolatey dessert pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.
• Hot coffee or espresso: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cocoa flavor.
• Cold milk: A classic pairing for chocolate desserts.
• Fresh berries: Add a refreshing, slightly tart contrast.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps maintain that deliciously gooey texture:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days; reheat slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and thaw overnight before enjoying.

Popular Questions

What makes it “Mississippi Mud Cake”?

The name comes from its dark, rich, and dense texture that resembles the thick mud of the Mississippi River—but in the most delicious way possible!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake and store it at room temperature. Add the marshmallows and broil just before serving for the freshest topping.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts offer a similar crunch and pair nicely with chocolate.

Do I have to broil the marshmallows?

You can skip broiling if you prefer them soft and melted rather than toasted. However, the golden top adds amazing flavor and texture.