Rich, fudgy, and topped with gooey marshmallows and luscious chocolate frosting, this Mississippi Mud Cake is pure chocolate decadence in every bite. It’s the kind of indulgent dessert that feels impossible to resist — messy, marvelous, and meant to be shared.
Named for the thick, muddy banks of the Mississippi River, this classic Southern dessert is a celebration of deep, bold flavors and over-the-top indulgence. If you’re a true chocolate lover, you might also adore our Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake, another rich, irresistible favorite.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, this cake is pure comfort food for chocolate lovers. And if you’re looking for something equally showstopping but with a touch more elegance, our Black and White Cheesecake is a stunning alternative.
✅ Recipe Summary
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 1 hour
👥 Servings: 16 squares
⚡ Difficulty: Easy
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (220g)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (120g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows (150g)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30g)
- ⅓ cup milk (80ml)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan. - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. - Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
Stir in vanilla and pecans. - Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- While hot, sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the cake.
Return to oven for 2–3 minutes until the marshmallows puff up. - Remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
- Make the Frosting:
In a saucepan, melt butter.
Stir in cocoa powder and milk.
Remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. - Pour frosting over the warm marshmallow layer.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
📌 Notes
✅ Don’t overbake — the cake should stay moist and fudgy.
✅ Frost while still warm so the frosting melds into the marshmallows beautifully.
✅ Toast the pecans beforehand for extra flavor.
🔄 Variations & Add-ons
✅ Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
✅ Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
✅ Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for an even more decadent touch.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Square)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 44g
🌍 Background Story
Born in the American South, Mississippi Mud Cake takes inspiration from the deep, dark silt along the Mississippi River — thick, rich, and absolutely unmistakable.
This cake became popular in mid-20th century America, prized for its gooey layers of marshmallows, fudgy crumb, and sweet, glossy frosting.
Unlike traditional layer cakes, Mississippi Mud Cake embraces rustic charm: it’s messy, indulgent, and completely irresistible.
This version stays true to those Southern roots — bold, rich, and unapologetically comforting.
Whether served at picnics, family gatherings, or just as a well-earned treat, Mississippi Mud Cake is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy a chocolate craving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Cut the cake into generous squares and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk for a truly nostalgic treat.
❓ FAQs About Mississippi Mud Cake
Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake ahead of time?
Yes — it keeps beautifully at room temperature for 2–3 days, covered.
Can I freeze Mississippi Mud Cake?
Definitely.
Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw and enjoy!
Can I skip the marshmallows?
You can, but they add that signature gooey texture — highly recommended!
Can I use boxed cake mix instead?
For speed, yes, but the homemade version has much richer flavor.
How do I cut clean squares with sticky frosting?
Use a hot knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat slices.
✨ Final Thoughts
Fudgy, gooey, and unapologetically rich, this Mississippi Mud Cake is pure chocolate comfort at its very best.
Rustic, indulgent, and unforgettable.
