If you have a soft spot for rich, chocolatey desserts that bring a nostalgic comfort with every bite, then this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine a dense, fudgy chocolate cake layered with toasted mini marshmallows and topped with a luscious, glossy cocoa frosting that melts into every nook and cranny. It’s that perfect combination of gooey, sweet, and deeply chocolatey that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, making it an irresistible treat to whip up for family dinners or whenever your sweet tooth calls!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first exciting step to mastering this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe. Each component plays its part—from the richness of butter to the airy sweetness of mini marshmallows, all delivering perfect texture, flavor, and that signature muddy look.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base that makes this cake moist and chocolatey with minimal effort.
- Unsalted butter: Used in both the cake and frosting, it adds richness and helps achieve that smooth, velvety texture.
- Water: Keeps the batter tender and helps balance the sweetness.
- Eggs: Provide structure and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor in both cake and frosting.
- Mini marshmallows: Create a gooey, bubbling marshmallow layer that’s the heart of this cake.
- Milk: Helps produce a silky-smooth frosting that melts perfectly over the marshmallows.
- Cocoa powder: Gives the frosting an intense chocolate punch and beautiful color.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal consistency.
- A pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the chocolate’s richness.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This size is perfect to hold all that gooey marshmallow magic and rich frosting later on. Don’t skip this step—ensuring your pan is well-greased prevents any sticky surprises when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until the batter is smooth and uniform. This simple batter is the foundation of your Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe, and making sure the ingredients are well blended guarantees an evenly moist and tender cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking—this cake is meant to be delightfully dense, not dry.
Step 4: Add the Mini Marshmallows
Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly across the top. This timing is key because the heat from the cake helps the marshmallows melt slightly, creating that iconic gooey layer.
Step 5: Toast the Marshmallows
Return the cake to the oven for about 5 minutes until the marshmallows puff up and develop a light golden-brown hue. This toasted marshmallow layer adds not just texture but a toasty sweetness that perfectly balances the dense chocolate cake underneath.
Step 6: Make the Fudge Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the frosting. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, then bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is silky and smooth. The warmth of this frosting helps it spread easily over the marshmallow topping.
Step 7: Frost and Cool
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes—just enough so it’s warm but not hot—then pour the warm frosting evenly over the marshmallows. Spread it gently to cover the entire surface. Allow the cake to cool completely to let the frosting set, which makes slicing a dream and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few chocolate shavings on top after the frosting sets. Fresh berries also add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These side dishes balance the cake’s intense chocolate flavor and elevate the entire dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into rustic squares and serve on a wooden platter with scattered mini marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder for a cozy, farmhouse vibe. Alternatively, try serving individual slices with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more refined presentation that’s perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to keep a bit longer, refrigeration is your friend, where it stays fresh for about 5 days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting and rediscover that gooey goodness.
Freezing
This cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, the cake retains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, or for a quick treat, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To revive a slice, warm it in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This little heat burst reactivates the melty marshmallow and softens the frosting, bringing back the cake’s signature luscious texture just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! While using a cake mix makes this recipe super quick and foolproof, a homemade chocolate cake batter will work just as well and even let you customize flavors. Just make sure your cake is moist and sturdy enough to support the marshmallow layer.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
If mini marshmallows aren’t available, you can chop up regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces. The key is to have a marshmallow layer that melts evenly over the cake for that signature gooey texture.
Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?
Definitely! You can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly or opt for a darker cocoa powder to add a slightly bitter chocolate note, which balances the sweetness nicely without sacrificing richness.
Can this recipe be adapted for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix will do the trick. Just double-check that your other ingredients, like vanilla extract and powdered sugar, are also gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.
What’s the best way to achieve the toasted marshmallow topping without the oven?
If you prefer, once the marshmallows are on the cake, you can toast them carefully with a kitchen torch for a few seconds until they’re bubbling and golden. This gives you control over the color and texture of the marshmallow layer.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe in your own kitchen is such a rewarding experience, especially when the aroma of rich chocolate and toasted marshmallows fills the air. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, blending simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, give this cake a try — I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorite chocolate indulgences too!
Print
Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mississippi Mud Cake is a decadent chocolate dessert featuring a rich, moist chocolate cake base topped with melted mini marshmallows and a luscious homemade chocolate frosting. This crowd-pleasing treat combines a simple cake mix with classic ingredients, baked to perfection and finished with a silky cocoa frosting that melts into the fluffy marshmallow topping, perfect for any chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Make cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add marshmallows: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the 2 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the hot cake surface.
- Melt marshmallows: Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows have puffed up and turned lightly golden.
- Prepare frosting base: While the cake cools slightly, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, heating gently until combined.
- Finish frosting: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cake: Allow the cake to cool about 10 minutes, then pour the warm chocolate frosting over the marshmallow topping. Spread evenly to cover the cake surface.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature to set the frosting before slicing into 12 to 15 servings and serving.
Notes
- Use a toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully baked before adding marshmallows.
- If marshmallows brown too quickly, keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute milk with cream in the frosting.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
