Name: Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Unsweetened cocoa powder; Baking powder; Granulated sugar; Unsalted butter; Large eggs; Vanilla extract; Mini marshmallows; Pecans or walnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for a little slice of Southern magic, because Mississippi Mud Cake is the kind of irresistible dessert that gathers folks around the table with smiles and spoons at the ready. This rich, chocolatey cake gets its name from the way melty marshmallows and silky glaze ripple through the fudgy base, just like the muddy banks of the mighty Mississippi. With layers of gooey, rustic goodness and a serious wow-factor from the marshmallow topping, you’ll find this classic cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—whether you’re treating the family, inviting friends, or simply giving yourself a well-deserved sweet reward.

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the sheer decadence of this dessert—the magic of Mississippi Mud Cake comes from a lineup of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings its own special charm to the mix, building the cake’s unforgettable texture and depth of flavor.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, providing just the right crumb without being too dense.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that bold, chocolatey punch and the beautiful dark color we all crave.
Baking powder: Lends a gentle lift, ensuring the cake isn’t too heavy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that signature fudgy bite.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help create structure and that lovely soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle, aromatic backbone.
Mini marshmallows: Essential for the classic gooey top that makes this cake stand out in a crowd.
Pecans or walnuts (optional): Give the cake a nutty crunch and extra depth—especially delicious if you love texture!

How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Grease your baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well) generously—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the cake corners get beautifully crisp.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar. This step ensures that every bite is evenly chocolatey and that the leavening agent does its job. Take your time here—a thorough mix means no sneaky flour pockets later on!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the eggs and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture turns velvety and smooth—this trio provides fat, flavor, and binding, setting the stage for an ultra-moist Mississippi Mud Cake.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently, just until the flour disappears; overmixing could make the cake tough, and we want that signature fudge-like tenderness! If you’re adding nuts, now’s the perfect time to fold them in.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Base

Scrape the batter into your prepared baking dish and level it out. Slide it onto the middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes—your kitchen will start to smell like pure chocolate heaven. When a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 6: Add the Marshmallow Magic

With the cake still hot, scatter mini marshmallows all over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, just long enough for the marshmallows to puff up into golden, gooey clouds that make the whole cake irresistible.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools slightly, melt chocolate chips with a little butter to make a shiny glaze. Give the Mississippi Mud Cake a decadent drizzle, letting the chocolate seep into all those valleys created by the marshmallows. Let it set up a bit—but if you can’t wait, grab a fork and dig right in while it’s still warm and extra messy!

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake

Garnishes

To make your Mississippi Mud Cake look as special as it tastes, finish each square with a little flourish. Try a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a southern touch, a squiggle of extra chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. A scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each serving takes things completely over the top!

Side Dishes

This cake is quite the showstopper, so pair it with something light and simple. A crisp glass of cold milk, hot black coffee, or even a tart berry salad provides a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness. If you want to keep the southern vibes going, a sweet iced tea makes a classic companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Break away from plain squares and serve Mississippi Mud Cake as layered parfaits in glass jars—crumble pieces of cake with extra marshmallows and chocolate sauce for a portable treat. For parties, cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with decorative toothpicks. Or try baking the batter in muffin tins for individual mini cakes, perfect for packing in lunchboxes or sharing at a picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Mississippi Mud Cake left (and that’s a big ‘if’!), keep it fresh by covering the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transferring slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five—just know that the marshmallow topping gets a little gooier each day!

Freezing

For longer storage, Mississippi Mud Cake freezes beautifully. First, let it cool completely, then wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature—and enjoy a chocolatey treat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To capture that just-baked gooey magic, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds until the marshmallows get soft again. If reheating a larger batch, cover the cake with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, you’ll revive the cake’s signature texture.

FAQs

Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake without marshmallows?

You certainly can, but the marshmallows are what give this cake its distinctive gooey top and playful texture. If you have dietary restrictions, swap them out for a dairy-free or vegan marshmallow alternative, or skip them and add an extra drizzle of glaze.

What size pan is best for this recipe?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for a classic Mississippi Mud Cake, yielding slices that are thick enough to enjoy but easy to portion. If you prefer a taller cake, use a slightly smaller pan—just adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I use different nuts or skip them entirely?

Absolutely! Pecans and walnuts are the traditional choices, but feel free to use almonds, hazelnuts, or even leave out the nuts altogether. The cake will still be plenty rich and delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, swap the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check that your other ingredients (like baking powder and marshmallows) are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still moist and satisfying.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center after 25 minutes; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the base is ready for its marshmallow topping. Be careful not to overbake, as part of the cake’s charm is its fudge-like consistency.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts can match the charm and indulgence of Mississippi Mud Cake—it’s the kind of treat you make once and crave forever. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking an extra piece for yourself, let this fudgy, marshmallow-topped classic bring a little Southern sweetness into your kitchen. Give it a try and prepare to fall head over heels!

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of this decadent Mississippi Mud Cake. A moist chocolate cake topped with gooey marshmallows and a velvety chocolate glaze, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

Unsalted butter
Large eggs
Vanilla extract

Toppings:

Mini marshmallows
Pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix melted butter with eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Drizzle with Chocolate Glaze: Drizzle with melted chocolate glaze made from chocolate chips mixed with butter.

Notes

You can add a crunchy texture by including pecans or walnuts to the cake batter.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American