There are few desserts that can match the richness and indulgence of a Mississippi Mud Cake. This layered, gooey, and utterly satisfying cake has earned a reputation for being one of the most irresistible desserts around. Combining a moist chocolate cake base with a fluffy marshmallow topping and an indulgent, creamy chocolate pecan glaze, Mississippi Mud Cake is a crowd-pleaser at every gathering, from family dinners to holiday parties.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Mississippi Mud Cake. From gathering the ingredients to cooling and serving, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering treat. Plus, we’ll share tips and variations to ensure your cake turns out flawless every time.

Why You’ll Love Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake combines the best elements of cake and pie in one delectable dessert. What sets this cake apart from other chocolate cakes is its texture. The cake itself is dense yet moist, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The melted marshmallows create a soft, gooey layer that adds an element of fluffiness to the cake, while the decadent chocolate topping and toasted pecans bring a satisfying crunch.

This cake isn’t just about taste—it’s also about nostalgia. With its gooey layers and familiar ingredients, Mississippi Mud Cake has become a classic in many kitchens. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, potluck, or holiday celebration, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Cake

For the Cake:

1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 cup mini marshmallows

For the Topping:

1 cup unsalted butter
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
1 cup chopped pecans

These ingredients are simple yet effective. The chocolate cake mix serves as the perfect base, and the marshmallows and pecans give this cake its signature gooey, sweet, and crunchy texture.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for a cake that holds up to the gooey toppings later.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for just a couple of minutes. This is the moment when we’ll start adding the marshmallows!

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows

While the cake is still warm, immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top. The warmth of the cake will begin to melt the marshmallows, creating a gooey and delicious layer. Return the cake to the oven for 5 minutes to allow the marshmallows to melt fully.

This step is essential for achieving that ooey-gooey texture that’s a signature of Mississippi Mud Cake. The melted marshmallows provide a soft, pillowy contrast to the dense chocolate cake beneath.

Step 4: Make the Topping

While the marshmallows are melting, it’s time to prepare the rich chocolate topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder together, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted and the cocoa powder is well-combined, stir in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk.

Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The topping should be thick but pourable. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk to adjust the consistency. Once the topping is smooth, remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Pour the Topping Over the Cake

Once the marshmallows have melted, pour the creamy chocolate topping evenly over the cake. Use a spatula to gently spread it out if needed. The topping should cover the entire surface of the cake, flowing over the marshmallows and down the sides.

The warmth of the cake and marshmallows will allow the topping to settle perfectly into the crevices, creating that signature fudgy layer that Mississippi Mud Cake is famous for.

Step 6: Add the Pecans

For an added crunch and a little extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top of the cake. The pecans will add a rich, nutty flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cake and topping. If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.

Step 7: Let the Cake Cool

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. The cooling time is crucial, as it gives the topping a chance to set, making it easier to cut into neat pieces. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by refrigerating the cake for 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cake has cooled and the topping has set, slice it into generous squares. Each bite will be a delightful combination of chocolatey goodness, marshmallow fluff, and crunchy pecans.

Mississippi Mud Cake is the perfect dessert for a variety of occasions, from casual family meals to formal gatherings. The rich flavors and irresistible texture will have everyone coming back for more.

Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Cake

Don’t overbake the cake: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. The cake should be moist but not undercooked, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Use high-quality cocoa powder: The cocoa powder you use will significantly affect the flavor of the topping. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Customize with different nuts: Pecans are traditional, but you can substitute other nuts or even skip them entirely if you prefer.
Let it cool completely: Cooling the cake allows the topping to set properly and makes it easier to cut into neat pieces.
Add a twist with flavored marshmallows: For a fun variation, consider using flavored mini marshmallows, such as vanilla or caramel-flavored marshmallows, to add an extra layer of flavor.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love the indulgence of Mississippi Mud Cake, here are some other dessert recipes that feature similar ingredients and cooking methods:

FAQs About Mississippi Mud Cake

Q1: What does Mississippi Mud Cake taste like?
Mississippi Mud Cake has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a gooey texture from the melted marshmallows and a creamy topping. The cake is moist and dense, while the chocolate glaze adds a fudgy, smooth sweetness. The pecans on top provide a crunchy, nutty contrast to the soft cake, creating a well-balanced dessert.

Q2: How do you know when mud cake is done?
To check if your Mississippi Mud Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Q3: How do you keep mud cake moist?
To keep Mississippi Mud Cake moist, be sure not to overbake it. Once baked, let it cool properly in the pan before covering it. Storing the cake in an airtight container or wrapping it with plastic wrap helps retain its moisture, keeping it soft and tender.

Q4: How long to bake a mud cake?
Mississippi Mud Cake typically bakes for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Adjust the baking time slightly based on your oven’s temperature accuracy.

Conclusion

Mississippi Mud Cake is the ultimate dessert that delivers a perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallows, and crunchy pecans. With its rich, fudgy topping and gooey layers, it’s a crowd favorite at every event. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or a casual gathering, this cake will surely become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe is one you can turn to again and again. Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors of this decadent dessert!

Mississippi Mud Cake: The Ultimate Chocolate Dessert Recipe

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Mississippi Mud Cake is a rich, decadent chocolate dessert topped with gooey marshmallows, a fudgy cocoa glaze, and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful mix of textures from the moist cake, marshmallow topping, and smooth chocolate sauce. It’s the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 cup mini marshmallows
Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Mix until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Add Marshmallows: Immediately after baking, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of the hot cake. Return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Make the Topping: In a saucepan, melt butter and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir in vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk. Beat until smooth.
Finish the Cake: Pour the topping over the warm cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Be sure not to overbake the cake; check with a toothpick for doneness.
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives in the topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 50g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg