In the rich tapestry of American desserts, the Mississippi Mud Cake holds a special place with its indulgent, chocolatey goodness. Originating from the southern United States, this dessert is named for the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. It’s a luxurious cake that’s dense and moist, almost like a cross between a brownie and a chocolate cake, generously laden with marshmallows, chocolate frosting, and often pecans, for an added crunch.

The Essence of Mississippi Mud Cake
The Mississippi Mud Cake is famous for its deep chocolate flavor and its incredibly moist, almost gooey texture. The marshmallows melt into the warm cake, creating pockets of sweet, gooey delight, while the rich chocolate frosting adds an extra layer of decadence. This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream and a staple at many Southern gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Boil Butter, Cocoa, and Water: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of butter, 1/3 cup cocoa, and water to a boil. Remove from heat once the butter is completely melted.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the cocoa mixture into the flour mixture, followed by the wet ingredients. Stir in the pecans if you’re using them.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Allow them to melt slightly.
Making the Frosting:
- Prepare Frosting: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/3 cup cocoa, and milk. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Pour the warm frosting over the marshmallow-topped cake. Spread evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Conclusion
Mississippi Mud Cake is a celebration of all things chocolate, marshmallow, and, if desired, pecan. It’s a dessert that’s rich in flavor and history, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Every bite of this moist, dense cake offers a mouthful of chocolatey, gooey goodness, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or simply as a treat to brighten up an ordinary day. So, go ahead and indulge in a slice of the South with this delicious Mississippi Mud Cake.