Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layers of Texture: Enjoy the fudgy cake, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate icing for a delightful experience.
- Decadently Chocolatey: With cocoa powder in both the cake and icing, this dessert is irresistibly chocolate without being overly sweet.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any celebration.
- Southern Favorite: A nostalgic, comforting dessert that evokes the warmth of Southern hospitality.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 16 oz confectioners' sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter with granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Gradually stir in flour and cocoa powder until smooth. Mix in vanilla and fold in chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Add marshmallows: Immediately sprinkle marshmallows on top of the hot cake and allow them to soften. Gently spread them to cover the cake.
- Make the icing: Beat together confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, and softened butter. Stir in milk until smooth.
- Ice the cake: Pour the icing over the marshmallow layer and spread it evenly. Allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and add extra marshmallows.
- Peanut Butter Mud Cake: Add ½ cup peanut butter to the icing for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
- S’mores Mud Cake: Add crushed graham crackers to the batter or as a topping.
- Coconut Mud Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter or on top of the marshmallow layer.
- Espresso Mud Cake: Stir in 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
FAQs
How do I make the marshmallows spread evenly?
After removing the cake from the oven, allow the marshmallows to sit for a few minutes to soften. Then, gently spread them across the cake.
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts are a great substitute for pecans if you prefer a different nut.
Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder?
Yes, dark chocolate cocoa powder will enhance the chocolate flavor even further and make the cake richer.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored. It stays fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Eggs are crucial for structure and texture in this cake, but you can try using an egg substitute like applesauce or a flax egg if needed.
Can I add more marshmallows to the top?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of marshmallows for an even gooier, sweeter topping.
What if I don’t have a 9x13-inch dish?
You can use a different size, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will result in a thicker cake, while a larger pan will make the cake thinner.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, Mississippi Mud Cake freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it properly before freezing.
How can I add more flavor to the icing?
For a fun twist, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to the icing.
Conclusion
Mississippi Mud Cake is the perfect indulgence for chocolate lovers, offering a delicious blend of moist cake, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate icing. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying a slice with family, this dessert is sure to be a hit.
Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Mississippi Mud Cake is an indulgent Southern dessert that layers rich chocolate cake, gooey marshmallows, and smooth, velvety chocolate icing. The crunchy pecans provide texture and the cake’s decadent flavors make it a perfect treat for chocolate lovers. Easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy, this cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 16 oz confectioners' sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Gradually stir in flour and cocoa powder until smooth. Mix in vanilla and fold in chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Add marshmallows: Immediately sprinkle marshmallows on top of the hot cake and allow them to soften. Gently spread them to cover the cake.
- Make the icing: Beat together confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, and softened butter. Stir in milk until smooth.
- Ice the cake: Pour the icing over the marshmallow layer and spread it evenly. Allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra marshmallows.
- To make a Peanut Butter Mud Cake, mix in ½ cup of peanut butter into the icing.
- You can add graham crackers or shredded coconut to give the cake a unique flavor twist.
