Mississippi Mud Cake is a rich Southern dessert that delivers pure chocolate comfort in every bite. With a moist chocolate cake base, a gooey layer of melted marshmallows, and a smooth chocolate frosting poured on top, this Mississippi Mud Cake is soft, fudgy, and deeply satisfying. It is the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic, indulgent, and perfect for sharing.
Because Mississippi Mud Cake uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it works just as well for beginner bakers as it does for experienced home cooks. Whether you serve it at a potluck, family gathering, or quiet evening at home, this Mississippi Mud Cake always disappears quickly. The layers come together effortlessly, yet the final result tastes rich and special every single time.
Why Mississippi Mud Cake Is a Southern Classic
A Dessert Built on Texture and Flavor
Mississippi Mud Cake stands out because of its unmistakable layers. The cake itself stays moist and tender thanks to melted butter and eggs. Cocoa powder gives it a deep chocolate flavor without making it too heavy. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, marshmallows melt into a soft, gooey layer that sinks slightly into the warm surface.
That marshmallow layer creates contrast. It adds sweetness and lightness that balances the rich chocolate base. Then comes the frosting, poured on while still warm. It seeps gently into the marshmallows, creating a smooth, fudgy topping that holds everything together. Because of this structure, every bite of Mississippi Mud Cake feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
Comfort Food With a Crowd-Pleasing Reputation
Mississippi Mud Cake has earned its place at gatherings for good reason. It feeds a crowd easily, slices cleanly, and travels well. Since it stays moist for days, it works beautifully as a make-ahead dessert. Even after sitting overnight, the flavors deepen, and the texture remains soft.
Because it tastes familiar and comforting, Mississippi Mud Cake appeals to both kids and adults. The chocolate-forward flavor feels bold, while the marshmallows keep it playful. As a result, this cake often becomes a requested favorite once people try it.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix melted butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
- Bake until set, then top with marshmallows and melt briefly.
- Make frosting by heating butter, cocoa, and milk, then whisk in sugar and vanilla.
- Pour frosting over marshmallows and cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Ingredients That Make Mississippi Mud Cake Work
The Cake Base
The foundation of Mississippi Mud Cake relies on melted butter and sugar. This combination creates richness and moisture without needing complicated techniques. Eggs provide structure, while flour holds everything together. Cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor, and salt balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract rounds out the chocolate notes, making the cake taste fuller. Chopped nuts are optional, but they add crunch and texture if you enjoy contrast in your desserts. Whether you include them or not, the cake stays soft and tender.
Marshmallows and Frosting
Mini marshmallows work best because they melt quickly and evenly. They create that signature gooey layer that defines Mississippi Mud Cake. As they soften, they cling to the cake and form a cushion for the frosting.
The frosting itself uses butter, cocoa powder, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla. When heated together, these ingredients create a glossy, pourable frosting that sets softly. Because the frosting is poured warm, it spreads easily without tearing the marshmallow layer underneath.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake Step by Step
Mixing and Baking the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Proper greasing ensures the cake releases easily when sliced.
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix just until smooth. Overmixing is unnecessary and can make the cake dense.
If you choose to use nuts, fold them in at this stage. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
Adding the Marshmallows
Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot surface. Return the pan to the oven for three to five minutes. The marshmallows should puff up and melt, but not brown.
This step defines Mississippi Mud Cake. The heat softens the marshmallows just enough so they melt into a gooey layer without disappearing completely.
Making the Chocolate Frosting
Creating a Smooth, Pourable Topping
While the marshmallows melt, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Remove the pan from heat.
Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting becomes glossy and smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, add a small splash of milk. If it seems too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Finishing the Cake
Pour the warm frosting evenly over the marshmallow layer. The frosting will spread easily and settle into the marshmallows, creating a unified topping. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set while keeping the cake soft and fudgy.
A Short Personal Story Behind This Cake
Mississippi Mud Cake always brings back memories of gatherings where dessert was the highlight. It was the kind of cake that sat proudly on the table, still warm, with frosting barely set. People cut generous squares, knowing one piece might not be enough. The mix of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate frosting felt special, even though the ingredients were simple. Over time, Mississippi Mud Cake became one of those desserts everyone expected to see again. It never needed decoration or explanation. One look at those layers was enough.
Tips for the Best Mississippi Mud Cake
Avoiding Dry Cake
Do not overbake the cake. Pull it from the oven as soon as it sets. Because the frosting adds moisture later, the cake stays perfectly tender when baked just right.
Getting the Perfect Marshmallow Layer
Add the marshmallows while the cake is still hot. This ensures they melt properly without needing extra baking time that could dry out the cake.
Smooth Frosting Every Time
Whisk the frosting off the heat to avoid graininess. Pour it while warm so it spreads evenly over the marshmallows without sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day and stays moist for several days.
Do I have to use nuts?
No, nuts are optional and can be omitted without affecting the cake.
How should I store Mississippi Mud Cake?
Store covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze individual slices well wrapped for up to two months.
What should I serve with Mississippi Mud Cake?
It pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
Mississippi Mud Cake is bold, comforting, and unforgettable. With its moist chocolate base, gooey marshmallow center, and smooth frosting, it delivers everything a chocolate dessert should. Because it is easy to make and feeds a crowd, this Mississippi Mud Cake earns its place as a go-to recipe for gatherings and everyday treats alike. Once you serve it, expect it to be requested again and again.
