Mississippi Mud Cake

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Introduction

This Mississippi Mud Cake would be perfect to serve for guests!! If you’re searching for the ultimate old fashioned Mississippi mud cake recipe, you’ve just found it. This iconic Southern dessert combines layers of rich, fudgy chocolate cake, gooey marshmallows, and a glossy chocolate frosting that melts right into the warm cake. It’s a texture lover’s dream—soft, sticky, and irresistible.

It’s soooo gooey, marshmallow-y, and delicious! Whether you’re baking Mississippi mud cake at home for a potluck or whipping up a quick treat for your family, this dessert delivers on all counts. It’s simple to make, yet tastes like something straight from an old-school bakery. You can even customize it with toasted pecans, coconut, or a drizzle of caramel for your own twist.

This homemade Mississippi mud cake recipe carries a sense of nostalgia—it’s the kind of dessert that shows up at every family gathering, covered in marshmallows and smiles. My grandmother used to make it when we visited, always topped with pecans and love. Each bite feels like a little slice of home, rich with chocolate and comfort. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, this Mississippi mud cake recipe easy will quickly become one of your go-to desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s an easy Mississippi mud cake from scratch — no boxed mixes needed.
• Delivers a moist Mississippi mud cake texture that’s gooey in the center and slightly crisp on the edges.
• Brings nostalgic comfort — an old fashioned Mississippi mud cake recipe your family will ask for again and again.
• Perfect balance of marshmallow sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.
• Ideal for gatherings — it serves a crowd and looks stunning with minimal effort.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

This baking Mississippi mud cake at home recipe uses simple pantry staples you probably already have. Each ingredient plays a role in building that signature texture and flavor:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. It adds richness and helps the cake stay tender.
• Cocoa powder: Regular unsweetened cocoa gives deep chocolate flavor. For a darker, more intense taste, try Dutch-process cocoa.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that slightly crisp, chewy edge classic to mud cake.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to keep the cake moist but not too dense.
• Mini marshmallows: The signature gooey layer that melts right into the warm cake. You can substitute with large marshmallows cut into small pieces if needed.
• Pecans: Optional but traditional! They bring a nutty crunch that balances the soft cake and frosting.
• Frosting: The silky topping made with cocoa powder, butter, and milk ties everything together. Try adding espresso powder for a deeper chocolate note.

How to Make It (Step Insights)

What makes this dessert special isn’t just the steps—it’s the reason behind them. Creaming the butter and sugar first traps air, ensuring a light texture beneath the rich fudge flavor. When you fold in the cocoa and flour, you’re building the foundation for that signature mud cake density—moist but not heavy.

Baking it just until set keeps the center soft enough to absorb the melted marshmallows later. That’s where the magic happens: the marshmallows melt slightly from the cake’s heat, merging with the chocolate icing for a glossy, marshmallow-chocolate fusion. Each layer exists for a reason—flavor, texture, and contrast. The chopped pecans on top? They break up the sweetness with a subtle crunch, keeping the homemade Mississippi mud cake balanced bite after bite.

This homemade Mississippi mud cake dessert is more than the sum of its parts. Every detail matters: the soft marshmallow layer gives a pillowy sweetness, while the chocolate frosting locks in moisture, ensuring a moist Mississippi mud cake every time. Letting the cake rest after frosting allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm slightly, making each slice easy to serve yet perfectly tender. For creative bakers, experiment with adding caramel drizzle or sea salt for even more moist Mississippi mud cake ideas that elevate this Southern classic from comfort food to showstopper.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don’t overbake—mud cake should stay moist and slightly dense.
• Spread the icing while the cake is still warm for that luscious, melt-in texture.
• Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to boost flavor.
• Let the cake cool before slicing for clean, picture-perfect pieces.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Mississippi mud cake with frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5. For best results, let it come to room temperature before serving—it softens the frosting and brings back that gooey texture. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole pan in a low oven. This cake also freezes beautifully; wrap slices in foil and store up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

This Mississippi mud cake dessert is indulgent on its own, but you can take it up a notch by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of crushed pecans. Serve it with a cup of coffee or milk for the ultimate comfort pairing. For special occasions, dust it with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for extra presentation flair.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes! Bake the cake and let it cool, then frost it right before serving for best texture.
• Can I use boxed cake mix?
  Absolutely. If you’re short on time, start with a chocolate cake mix and focus on the frosting and marshmallow layer—it’ll still taste incredible.
• How do I keep my mud cake moist?
  Don’t overbake it, and make sure to add the marshmallows and icing while it’s still warm. That’s what seals in the moisture!
• What nuts can I use instead of pecans?
  Walnuts or almonds work well, or skip them entirely for a nut-free version.

Notes

My grandmother used to make this once we paid her a visit, always with pecans on top ♥♥ It’s one of those recipes that connects generations through baking. Every time I make it, the smell fills the kitchen with memories of Sunday dinners and laughter. If you’re looking for Mississippi mud cake ideas to make it your own, try adding a splash of bourbon to the icing or layering with chocolate chips.

Related Recipes

If you love this Southern classic, you’ll also enjoy:

🍫 Texas Sheet Cake – another rich chocolate favorite with an irresistible fudgy frosting.

🍰 Chocolate Poke Cake – soft, moist, and soaked with chocolate pudding for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂