Rich, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent, Mississippi Mud Cake is a legendary dessert straight from the heart of the American South. Known for its deep chocolate flavor, marshmallow layer, and velvety frosting, this cake is a chocoholic’s dream and a Southern staple. With its fudgy texture and unique assembly, Mississippi Mud Cake straddles the line between a cake and a brownie, delivering everything you love about both in a single bite.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this Southern delight, walk you through the best recipe for making it at home, and share tips on nutrition, presentation, and variations.
The Southern Roots of Mississippi Mud Cake
The name “Mississippi Mud Cake” is inspired by the dark, dense appearance of the dessert, reminiscent of the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. Although no single story pinpoints its exact origin, the cake began appearing in Southern cookbooks in the mid-20th century and quickly became a beloved part of regional cuisine.
Like many Southern desserts, it’s all about comfort, richness, and bold flavors. This cake became especially popular during the 1970s when home bakers began to experiment with creative and extravagant chocolate cakes, and the Mississippi Mud Cake—with its layers of cake, marshmallow, and chocolate frosting—stood out as a showstopper.
What Makes Mississippi Mud Cake Special?
What sets this dessert apart from other chocolate cakes is its layered structure and texture:
- Dense, Fudgy Base: It’s a chocolate cake, but closer in texture to a brownie.
- Melted Marshmallow Layer: Warm mini marshmallows melt over the hot cake straight from the oven, creating a gooey topping.
- Glossy Chocolate Frosting: Poured on top while everything is still warm, the frosting seeps into the marshmallows and cake, creating an irresistible swirl of sweetness.
It’s a cake best served in squares rather than slices—and always with a big napkin!
Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
For the frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar (about 3¾ cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12–16 servings (depending on portion size)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and cocoa powder. Stir in sugar and eggs, mixing until smooth. Add flour, salt, vanilla, and nuts if using. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
4. Add Marshmallows
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the hot cake. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes, just until marshmallows puff up. Remove and set aside.
5. Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools slightly, make the frosting. In a saucepan, melt butter, milk, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
6. Frost the Cake
Pour the warm frosting over the marshmallow layer, spreading gently to cover. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature or chill in the fridge to set the topping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 16 servings, each square contains approximately:
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 43g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Note: Values can vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Presentation Tips
Mississippi Mud Cake is rich and rustic, but you can still give it a polished touch:
- Cut Clean Squares: For neat slices, chill the cake for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for visual flair.
- Serve Warm: Reheat slices slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Fun Variations
- Bourbon Twist: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter or frosting for a grown-up version.
- Mocha Mud Cake: Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the chocolate frosting for a coffee kick.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts and add crushed graham crackers or toffee bits for texture.
A Slice of Southern Heaven
Mississippi Mud Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and Southern tradition. Whether served at a family reunion, potluck, or casual weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its layered decadence appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a perfect recipe to keep in your baking rotation.
So go ahead—indulge in this ooey-gooey Southern classic. It’s messy, it’s rich, and it’s absolutely worth it.