Some cakes are simply desserts, but Mississippi Mud Cake is more like an edible painting. I still remember one rainy Sunday when I pulled this beauty from the oven, the marshmallows just beginning to melt into a snowy layer. The kitchen was filled with the scent of cocoa and vanilla, swirling together like brushstrokes on a canvas. I’d been inspired by the decadence of Southern baking something between a brownie and a celebration and I wanted every bite to taste like home. Whether you’re a devoted chocolate lover or just chasing a cozy baking project, this cake’s layers of fudgy richness and gooey topping will leave you swooning.
What is Mississippi Mud Cake?
Mississippi Mud Cake is a Southern classic a dense, chocolatey sheet cake topped with a layer of soft, puffed marshmallows and draped in silky chocolate frosting. It’s named for the rich, dark “mud” of the Mississippi River, but the flavor is pure sweetness. The cake’s texture is somewhere between a brownie and a moist sponge, making it a crowd favorite for potlucks and family gatherings. Like the comfort of cinnamon sugar French toast muffins, it’s the kind of recipe that sparks warm memories before you even take the first bite.
Why You’ll Love This
Mississippi Mud Cake isn’t just dessert it’s indulgence in every forkful. The contrast of tender, chocolate-rich cake against the gooey sweetness of marshmallows creates a bite that’s both soft and decadent. Then comes the glossy chocolate frosting, dripping just enough to make each slice feel a little luxurious. It’s the kind of treat that makes guests ask for seconds and the recipe. And while it looks extravagant, it’s as approachable as making lemon oatmeal no-bake cookies: no special skills required, just a love for chocolate and the joy of sharing something homemade.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake
Quick Overview
Making Mississippi Mud Cake is a simple dance of mixing, baking, and layering. First, you create a rich chocolate cake base. While it’s still warm, marshmallows are scattered over the top until they melt into a pillowy layer. Finally, a warm chocolate frosting drapes over everything, settling into those gooey crevices. It’s a one-pan wonder perfect for casual dinners, bake sales, or as a sweet finish to a Sunday meal.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons milk
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 cup boiling water
For the topping:
- 10.5-ounce package mini marshmallows
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 3 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add oil, eggs, vanilla, milk, and sour cream; mix until smooth.
- Carefully pour in boiling water and beat for 1 minute to aerate the batter.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 38–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the cake, and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes until puffed and slightly melted.
- For frosting, melt butter in a saucepan. Add milk and cocoa powder; whisk for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle warm frosting over the cooled cake. Chill for 30 minutes to set before slicing.
Tip: This recipe pairs beautifully with the sweet crunch of maple brown sugar cookies if you’re making a dessert spread.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Total Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Sugars | 47 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
What to Serve With Mississippi Mud Cake
The richness of Mississippi Mud Cake practically begs for something to balance it. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts just enough to swirl into the warm chocolate layers. Fresh strawberries or raspberries cut through the sweetness with a hint of tartness. For coffee lovers, a bold cup of dark roast makes the cake taste even deeper and more indulgent. And if you’re hosting a dessert buffet, pair it with butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars for a spread that will have everyone hovering by the table, plates in hand, waiting for seconds.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use quality cocoa powder – The deeper the flavor, the richer your Mississippi Mud Cake will taste.
- Don’t overbake – Pull it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to keep it moist.
- Layer while warm – Add the marshmallows right after baking so they melt just enough to blend into the cake.
- Frosting temperature matters – Drizzle it while still warm for that dreamy, glossy finish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your Mississippi Mud Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds just enough to bring back the soft marshmallow and fudgy texture. If serving to guests, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes after reheating to fully enjoy its rich, tender crumb.
Conclusion
Mississippi Mud Cake isn’t just a recipe it’s a moment. From the rich scent of cocoa filling the kitchen to the first forkful that melts in your mouth, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a little gift to everyone at the table. Whether you serve it alongside ice cream, fresh fruit, or just as it is, this cake proves that sometimes the simplest recipes hold the most joy. Bake it once, and it just might become your signature dessert.
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FAQs About Mississippi Mud Cake
1. What is the origin of Mississippi Mud Cake?
Mississippi Mud Cake is believed to have Southern roots, inspired by the dense, dark banks of the Mississippi River. Its rich chocolate layers and gooey topping resemble the river’s “mud,” but the flavor is pure indulgence.
2. Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake without marshmallows?
Yes! You can skip the marshmallows or replace them with a thin layer of whipped cream after cooling. The texture will change, but the cake will still be chocolate heaven.
3. How do I keep Mississippi Mud Cake moist?
The key is not overbaking and ensuring the frosting is added while the cake is still slightly warm. Storing it covered also helps lock in moisture.
4. Can Mississippi Mud Cake be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze whole or sliced portions, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly before serving for that just-baked feel.