If you have a sweet tooth that craves rich chocolatey goodness with a bit of nostalgia and a gooey twist, this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This decadent cake is full of deep cocoa flavors, tender crumb, and a layer of marshmallows that melts into a luscious, fudgy texture every single time. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing all the charm of traditional Southern baking without any fuss, perfect for celebrations, cozy nights, or just because you deserve an indulgent treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in creating the dense, moist texture and rich chocolate flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base that holds all the decadent elements together perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender texture.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the flavor.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate, delivering that rich, dark chocolate taste.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough to keep it moist but not airy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to give lift and softness.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 3/4 cup oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavors.
- 6 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture and helps with batter consistency.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Makes the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 1 cup boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and creates a silky batter.
- 10.5 ounce package mini marshmallows: Melts to form that classic gooey top layer everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick): Base for the rich, glossy chocolate frosting.
- 6 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Creates the perfect smooth frosting texture.
- 3 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Packs intense chocolate flavor into the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses a lovely aromatic note into your frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that just-right spread.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick when you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these together thoroughly helps distribute the leavening agents and cocoa evenly, setting a perfect foundation for the batter.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Combine
Add in the oil, eggs, vanilla, milk, and sour cream to the dry mixture and mix until everything is just combined. Then, slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. This hot water step is key – it intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the batter wonderfully smooth. Afterward, beat on high speed for about 1 minute to whip in some air for lightness without losing moisture.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan and bake in the oven for 38 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, giving you a cake that’s moist but perfectly set.
Step 5: Add the Gooey Marshmallow Top
Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot surface, fully covering it. Return the cake to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the marshmallows puff just slightly and melt, creating an irresistibly gooey top layer.
Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to the final glorious step of frosting. This step prevents the frosting from melting into the marshmallow layer and keeps each component distinct and luscious.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in milk and cocoa powder, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly to create a glossy chocolate sauce. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and spreadable.
Step 8: Finish with a Frosting Drizzle
Drizzle the warm frosting immediately over the marshmallow-topped cake. Pop the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the frosting sets beautifully, locking in all that chocolate magic for your first perfect slice.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the cake’s lusciousness with a few simple garnishes. A dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings adds elegance and a contrasting texture. For a festive touch, try adding chopped nuts or a handful of fresh raspberries to cut through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake is already indulgent on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These cooling counterparts balance the warm, gooey textures and amplify the comforting vibes of your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party, consider cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving on decorative plates with little wooden picks. For a breakfast or brunch twist, warm up your slices and serve alongside fresh fruit or a cup of rich coffee. You can even get playful by layering the cake with pudding or spreading frosting between layers for a Mississippi Mud Cake-inspired trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Mississippi Mud Cake at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The frosting and marshmallow topping remain soft and luscious, making it just as delicious the second day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake for longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated cake back to life, warm a slice briefly in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. This will soften the marshmallows and frosting again for that freshly baked experience without needing to re-bake the whole cake.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and create the gooey topping effectively, mimicking the mini marshmallow texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
Absolutely! You can substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative to make both the cake and frosting dairy-free, while keeping all the deliciousness intact.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet or batter sticks, your cake needs a few more minutes.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Definitely! Fill your cupcake tins about two-thirds full and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Add mini marshmallows on top right after baking the same way for that signature topping.
What makes this a “Mississippi Mud” cake?
The name comes from the cake’s dense, fudgy texture and the rich, gooey marshmallow topping that resembles the mud banks near the Mississippi River. It’s a fun, descriptive way to celebrate how decadent and layered this dessert truly is.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe down, you’re officially ready to impress with one of the most decadent, comforting chocolate cakes that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or your next craving, give it a try and watch this cake become your new go-to indulgence that family and friends will rave about. Dive in, enjoy every gooey, fudgy moment, and most importantly, have fun baking!
Print
Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and indulgent Mississippi Mud Cake featuring a moist chocolate base topped with melted mini marshmallows and a luscious chocolate frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a decadent dessert with a gooey, marshmallow finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup boiling water
- 10.5 ounce package mini marshmallows
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 3 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Then reduce the mixer speed and carefully pour in the boiling water. Beat on high speed for 1 minute to incorporate air and achieve a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top, covering the surface completely.
- Melt Marshmallows: Return the cake to the oven at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until the marshmallows puff up slightly and melt.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the milk and cocoa powder and whisk constantly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Finish Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: While the frosting is still warm, drizzle it evenly over the cooled cake.
- Set Frosting: Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Once set, store the cake at room temperature.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: For a variation, try making Mississippi Mud Brownies next time!
Notes
- Use boiling water carefully when mixing to avoid cooking eggs prematurely.
- Ensure cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent frosting from melting prematurely.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute oil with melted butter if desired.
- Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate if keeping longer.
- Mini marshmallows melt best when fresh; avoid using stale marshmallows to achieve gooey texture.
