Name: Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (120 grams); 1 cup granulated white sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended); ½ cup vegetable oil or canola oil; 2 large eggs; ½ cup boiling water or hot brewed coffee; ½ cup salted butter; 3 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup milk; ½ cup chopped pecans; Finely chopped pecans

If you’re looking for the ultimate decadent treat to share with friends and family, this Mississippi Mud Cake is the answer to every chocolate lover’s dreams! Imagine a base of ultra-moist chocolate cake, crowned with gooey marshmallows and smothered in a thick, fudgy chocolate pecan frosting—every bite is pure, nostalgic comfort with a Southern twist. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just need an excuse to indulge, this cake is destined to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mississippi Mud Cake comes together with simple pantry staples, but each ingredient has a vital role. These tried-and-true components ensure a rich chocolate flavor, irresistible texture, and that signature marshmallowy top everyone craves. Don’t skip the pecans—their buttery crunch is the perfect finishing touch!

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds the cake together without being dense.
Granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cake and keeps it deliciously moist.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Supplies that deep, chocolatey base so essential to Mississippi Mud Cake.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cake its light, fluffy rise—you need both for the perfect crumb.
Milk: Adds moisture and a hint of richness; whole milk is best if you have it.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra tender; you can use canola if you prefer.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add essential richness.
Boiling water or hot brewed coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a silky, thin pourable batter.
Mini marshmallows: Melt into a gooey, sticky cloud on top—absolutely iconic for Mississippi Mud Cake.
Salted butter: Gives the chocolate frosting a rich flavor with a hint of saltiness that balances the sweet.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the luscious chocolate frosting.
Chopped pecans: Add that Southern crunch and nutty depth to both the frosting and the garnish.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This guarantees every bite is evenly chocolatey and there are no lumps of dry ingredients later on!

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs straight into the bowl. Stir until everything is just combined and no dry streaks remain. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining helps prevent over-mixing, which keeps your Mississippi Mud Cake tender every time.

Step 3: Stir in Boiling Water or Coffee

Pour in the boiling water (or hot brewed coffee if you want to really boost that chocolate flavor) and stir gently. Don’t be surprised—the batter will be quite thin, and that’s the secret to a moist cake! Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures the cake is set but not overbaked—think fudgy, not dry!

Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Layer

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly on top. Pop the cake back in for 2 to 3 minutes until the marshmallows start to puff and melt, turning gloriously gooey. This step is what truly makes Mississippi Mud Cake irresistible.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

While the cake cools a bit, melt the salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until the mixture is smooth and luscious—no lumps allowed! Stir in the chopped pecans, let it bubble for about a minute, then take it off the heat.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Immediately pour the warm, fudgy frosting over the marshmallow layer, making sure to cover every spot. The heat will help the frosting melt slightly into the marshmallows, creating those delightful swirls. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the top if you like an extra nutty crunch.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake

Garnishes

There are so many ways to add a touch of pizzazz to your Mississippi Mud Cake. A shower of extra chopped pecans brings lovely texture and Southern flair, while mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce make every slice look party-worthy. You can even top each piece with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for over-the-top decadence!

Side Dishes

This cake is rich enough to be the star of any dessert table, but it’s fantastic served alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee. If you’re entertaining, a bowl of fresh berries (think strawberries or raspberries) brings a tart counterpoint to the chocolate, helping balance out the sweetness of Mississippi Mud Cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mississippi Mud Cake in individual mason jars for picnics or parties—just layer squares of cake, scoop marshmallows, and drizzle frosting for a fun, portable treat. Or cut the cake into small squares and stack on a tiered dessert tray for a charming, Southern-inspired centerpiece. It’s also a showstopper as a potluck dessert—watch it disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Mississippi Mud Cake extra moist, store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer it chilled (especially wonderful in summer months), pop it in the refrigerator, covered, and it’ll last for up to a week. The marshmallow and frosting top stay gooey and dreamy!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Mississippi Mud Cake for later! Once completely cooled, wrap each piece snugly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the cake thaw overnight in the fridge so the texture stays just right.

Reheating

If you love your Mississippi Mud Cake slightly warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds. This revives the gooey marshmallow layer and makes the chocolate frosting melty again—so irresistible. Be sure not to overheat, or the marshmallow may dissolve a bit.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can! Just cut large marshmallows into smaller pieces so they melt evenly across the cake. Mini marshmallows are preferable because they create a more uniform layer, but use what you have on hand.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is the classic choice and gives Mississippi Mud Cake its signature rich flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and slightly milder, earthier taste—both work, so use your favorite.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily! Mississippi Mud Cake can stay at room temperature for up to three days, but if your kitchen is very warm or you like a firm marshmallow layer, feel free to keep it in the fridge. Just cover it well to prevent drying out.

Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake nut-free?

Absolutely—just leave out the pecans both in the frosting and as a garnish. The cake will still be wonderfully gooey and delicious, making it perfect for anyone with a nut allergy.

Why is my cake batter so thin?

Don’t worry—a thin batter is exactly what you want for this recipe! It helps create a moist, tender crumb and makes the cake super fudgy. That’s one of the things that makes Mississippi Mud Cake unique and so craveable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving an unforgettable dessert that’s packed with chocolate, marshmallow, and Southern generosity, you absolutely have to try this homemade Mississippi Mud Cake. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make for every celebration, or just because you deserve something special. Gather your ingredients, share it with loved ones, and prepare for rave reviews!