Big Batch Mississippi Mud Cake

Introduction

Mississippi Mud Cake is a decadent Southern classic that brings together layers of moist chocolate cake, fluffy marshmallows, and silky chocolate frosting. Its name comes from its resemblance to the muddy banks of the Mississippi River—thick, dark, and irresistibly rich.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Marshmallow Layer:

• 4 cups mini marshmallows (or 1 bag, 10 oz / 280g)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (115g) butter
• 1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (16 oz / 450g) box powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 13×9-inch pan (or double for a sheet pan).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in cocoa powder and boiling water. Pour over the flour mixture and stir.
4. Mix in buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Step 2: Add the Marshmallow Layer

1. Remove the cake from the oven while hot.
2. Immediately spread mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
3. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until marshmallows puff up—do not let them brown.
4. Cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in cocoa powder and milk.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Fold in nuts if using.
5. Pour the warm frosting over the marshmallow layer, spreading gently with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle with chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

History

Originating in the American South, this cake gained popularity in the 1970s. Its name and gooey texture symbolize the deep, muddy Mississippi River, and it’s a beloved dessert for family gatherings and holidays.

Benefits

• Comforting and nostalgic dessert.
• Feeds a crowd—ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Simple ingredients, but tastes like a bakery masterpiece.
• Customizable: Add nuts, caramel, or peanut butter for variety.

Formation (Layers)

1. Bottom: Rich, moist chocolate cake.
2. Middle: Gooey, melty marshmallow.
3. Top: Glossy, fudgy chocolate icing studded with nuts or chips.

Nutrition (per serving, ~1/20 of recipe):

• Calories: ~390
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Sugar: 44g
• Protein: 4g

Conclusion

This Mississippi Mud Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers—a nostalgic Southern treat that melts in your mouth. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled for a firmer texture, it never fails to impress.

For the Chocolate Lovers**

If you adore this, you’ll also fall in love with:

• Chocolate Poke Cake
• Rocky Road Brownies
• S’mores Sheet Cake