If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug baked into a slice, look no further than this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe. This luscious chocolate delight combines a moist, rich cake base with gooey mini marshmallows and a decadent chocolate frosting, making every bite a blissful experience. It’s the perfect balance of textures and intense chocolate flavor that always makes it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or a special treat after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating its signature taste and texture. From the convenience of boxed cake mix to the richness of butter and the sweet softness of marshmallows, every element contributes to a harmonious chocolate masterpiece.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation that gives the cake its chocolaty base and perfect crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
- Water (1 cup): Helps hydrate the cake mix for a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and lift to the cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm undertone.
- Mini marshmallows (2 cups): Create that signature gooey, fluffy topping that defines Mississippi mud cake.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup for frosting): The base for a silky smooth chocolate frosting.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the right texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp for frosting): Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy release later. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the melted butter, water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well incorporated—that velvety batter is the promise of a moist and flavorful cake once baked.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your cue that the cake’s cooked through and ready for the next delicious step.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallow Topping
Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot surface. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes so the marshmallows melt into soft, slightly golden pillows of sweetness that add the iconic gooey texture to this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting
While the marshmallows are puffing in the oven, melt the butter for the frosting in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is luxuriously smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Frost and Cool
After letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes—just enough so the marshmallows hold their shape—pour the warm frosting evenly over the top. Spread it carefully so every inch of those melty marshmallows gets covered in chocolatey goodness. Let the whole cake cool completely before slicing so the frosting sets perfectly.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, consider sprinkling a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the finished cake. A handful of chopped pecans or toasted walnuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft marshmallow topping.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a standalone dessert, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence. Fresh berries on the side can provide a bright, slightly tart counterpoint that balances the sweetness of the Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in smaller individual ramekins topped with marshmallows and frosting, warmed briefly before serving to replicate that gooey finish. Alternatively, cut the cake into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with sea salt flakes to welcome a gourmet touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Mississippi Mud Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This ensures the cake stays moist, and the marshmallow topping remains delightfully soft without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. For best results, slice the cake before freezing so you can thaw individual portions as needed without compromising the whole cake.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. This will revive the marshmallows’ softness and slightly melt the frosting for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake batter works beautifully in this recipe and can add a personalized touch if you prefer making your cake base from scratch instead of using a boxed mix.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows? Can I use regular marshmallows?
You can chop regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces, but the mini variety melts more evenly and achieves the signature gooey topping of the Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix ensures the whole cake is safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising taste or texture.
Can I prepare the cake in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can bake and frost the cake a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerated depending on room conditions. It actually helps the flavors meld wonderfully.
How do I know when the cake is done baking perfectly?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready for the marshmallows!
Final Thoughts
This Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is one of those irresistible desserts that brings people together around the table with smiles and happy hearts. The layers of moist chocolate cake, pillowy marshmallows, and luscious frosting create a nostalgic treat that’s both comforting and decadently delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite chocolate cake to share again and again.
Print
Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and indulgent Mississippi Mud Cake featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with gooey mini marshmallows and a luscious homemade chocolate frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a comforting dessert with layers of delightful textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well blended with no lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add Marshmallows: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the hot cake.
- Melt Marshmallows: Return the cake to the oven for about 5 minutes, allowing the marshmallows to puff up and become lightly golden but not browned.
- Prepare Frosting Base: While the marshmallows are melting, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: After the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the warm frosting evenly over the marshmallow layer. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the surface completely.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely to set the frosting before slicing. Serve and enjoy this indulgent chocolate delight.
Notes
- This recipe uses a boxed cake mix for convenience but can be adjusted to homemade chocolate cake batter if preferred.
- Ensure marshmallows are added right after baking to melt properly on contact with the hot cake.
- For a richer frosting, you can substitute milk with heavy cream.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to avoid messy cutting.
