Introduction

This Ultimate Mississippi Mud Cake recipe delivers the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and gooey marshmallow topping that makes this classic Southern dessert so irresistible. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring no special skills or equipment. If you enjoy quick treats, try these Ultimate Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes for another delicious option.

Ingredients

This Mississippi Mud Cake delivers an intensely rich chocolate experience with a fudgy base, gooey marshmallow layer, and creamy frosting that creates the perfect textural contrast.

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows (one bag)
• For Frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Mississippi Mud Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. This ensures your Mississippi Mud Cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sifting the cocoa powder helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, rich chocolate base for your Mississippi Mud Cake.

Step 3 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified. Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter.

Step 4 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few streaks of flour are okay. The batter will be thick but pourable.

Step 5 — Add Boiling Water and Pour Batter

Stir in 1 cup of boiling water until the batter becomes thin and glossy. Immediately pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. The hot water enhances the cocoa flavor and gives the Mississippi Mud Cake its signature moist texture.

Step 6 — Bake Until Set

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The cake should spring back lightly when touched. Avoid overbaking to keep the mud cake fudgy.

Step 7 — Prepare Marshmallow Topping

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, evenly spread 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the top. Return the pan to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the marshmallows are soft and puffy. Watch closely—they can melt quickly.

Step 8 — Make Chocolate Frosting

While the cake cools slightly, melt 1/2 cup butter with 1/3 cup milk and 1/4 cup cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in 3–4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. The frosting should be pourable but not runny.

Step 9 — Frost and Cool Completely

Pour the warm chocolate frosting over the marshmallow-topped cake, spreading gently to cover. Let the Mississippi Mud Cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the layers to set for clean, gooey slices.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	68g
Fat	23g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for sour cream — Boosts protein while maintaining moistness and tangy flavor in your Mississippi Mud Cake.
• Almond or coconut flour — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb base with nutty undertones.
• Applesauce instead of oil — Reduces fat content while adding natural sweetness and moisture.
• Coconut oil or avocado oil — Dairy-free fat alternatives that contribute rich texture.
• Dark chocolate chips — Lower sugar option that intensifies chocolate flavor in this decadent dessert.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Cuts sodium without affecting the Mississippi Mud Cake’s rise.
• Monk fruit or stevia — Zero-calorie sweeteners that maintain sweetness for lower-carb diets.
• Oat flour blend — Gluten-free whole grain alternative adding fiber and mild flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm Mississippi Mud Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast.
• Serve alongside strong black coffee to balance the rich chocolate flavor of this decadent dessert.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings where this crowd-pleasing cake can be the star of the dessert table.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.
• Cut into generous squares and serve on individual plates with fresh berries for a colorful presentation.
• Transform leftovers into a trifle by layering crumbled cake with whipped cream and chocolate pudding.

This Mississippi Mud Cake makes an excellent birthday alternative or celebration dessert when you want something different from traditional layer cakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overbaking the cake, making it dry. Fix: Use a toothpick test; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients, leading to a dense texture. Fix: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for better aeration.
• Mistake: Skipping the coffee in the batter, missing depth. Fix: Add brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
• Mistake: Pouring hot frosting on a hot cake, causing a soupy mess. Fix: Let the cake cool completely before adding the marshmallow and chocolate layers.
• Mistake: Not toasting the marshmallows, resulting in a gummy layer. Fix: Briefly broil the marshmallows until golden for a toasted flavor and better texture.
• Mistake: Using low-quality cocoa powder, yielding a flat taste. Fix: Opt for Dutch-process cocoa for a richer, more complex chocolate profile.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter, developing too much gluten. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the crumb tender.
• Mistake: Cutting the Mississippi Mud Cake too soon, making it fall apart. Fix: Allow it to set fully, ideally overnight, for clean slices.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cover the Mississippi Mud Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm slice, microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Always let your Mississippi Mud Cake cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

This rich and decadent Mississippi Mud Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. We hope you love making it as much as we do! Be sure to try our Ultimate Oreo Brownies – Family Favorite Dessert next. Leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Mississippi Mud Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Mississippi Mud Cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature. The flavors often improve after resting.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftover Mississippi Mud Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely, you can omit nuts or use alternatives like pecans or walnuts. This substitution will not affect the overall texture of your Mississippi Mud Cake.