Name: Mississippi Mud Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped pecans (optional); 2 cups mini marshmallows; ½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting); ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting); ⅓ cup milk; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Why You’ll Love Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

Deep, intense chocolate flavor in every bite
Soft, fudgy texture with a gooey marshmallow topping
Smooth, homemade chocolate frosting that melts into the cake
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or holiday desserts
Can be customized with nuts or other mix-ins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 cups mini marshmallows

For the Chocolate Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans if using.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return the cake to the oven for about 3 minutes, just until the marshmallows begin to soften and melt.

To prepare the frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, mixing until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined and glossy.

While the frosting is still warm, drizzle it evenly over the marshmallow layer. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations

For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.

Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Swap the pecans for walnuts for a slightly different crunch.

Stir chocolate chips into the batter for an extra fudgy texture.

Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.

For a richer frosting, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store Mississippi Mud Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to prevent the frosting from becoming too soft.

To refrigerate, place the cake in an airtight container and store for up to 5 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to restore that soft, gooey texture.

FAQs

What makes Mississippi Mud Cake different from regular chocolate cake?

Mississippi Mud Cake is denser and fudgier than a traditional chocolate cake. It also features a layer of melted marshmallows and a warm chocolate frosting poured over the top.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Do I have to use pecans?

No, the pecans are optional. You can omit them or replace them with another type of nut.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, but you may want to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even melting across the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

Why do I add the marshmallows while the cake is hot?

The residual heat helps the marshmallows soften and melt slightly, creating the signature gooey layer.

Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?

You can use two smaller pans, but baking time may vary. Keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Is the frosting supposed to be poured while warm?

Yes, pouring the frosting while warm helps it spread easily and settle into the marshmallow layer.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan for a crowd. Adjust the baking time as needed and monitor closely.

Conclusion

Mississippi Mud Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With its moist, fudgy base, gooey marshmallow topping, and silky chocolate frosting, it delivers layers of texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this indulgent cake is sure to impress and quickly become a family favorite.