Mississippi Mud Cake

Oh, honey, do I have a treat for you! If you’ve never had Mississippi Mud Cake, you’re in for a decadent, chocolate-filled ride. Picture this: a rich, fudgy cake base, topped with gooey marshmallows, and smothered in a velvety chocolate frosting. It’s like a piece of heaven in every bite, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be dreaming about it for days.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself (hey, no judgment here), this Mississippi Mud Cake is the ultimate indulgence. You’ve got that perfect mix of chewy, gooey, and fudgy goodness, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Mississippi Mud Cake

This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the first bite, you’re hit with that rich chocolate flavor and soft, marshmallowy texture. And here’s why it’s a total game-changer:

Chocolate Lovers Dream

If you live for chocolate, this cake is your new best friend. It’s a chocolate overload in the best way possible, from the cake to the gooey marshmallow topping and the luscious frosting.

Easy to Make

It may look like something straight out of a bakery, but the truth is, this cake is surprisingly simple to make. No need to be a professional baker—just follow the easy steps and you’ll have a showstopper of a dessert in no time.

Crowd-Pleasing

This cake is made to be shared (though you might want to keep it all to yourself). It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a family dinner. No one can resist its gooey, fudgy charm.

Versatile

Want to add your personal twist? Feel free to experiment! Add a little espresso to the cake for an extra depth of flavor or sprinkle some crushed nuts on top for a bit of crunch. It’s a blank canvas for creativity.

Sweet Comfort

There’s something about the warm marshmallows and rich chocolate that just screams comfort. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everything feel right in the world.

Ingredients

Ready to get your hands dirty (in the best way)? Here’s what you’ll need to make this luscious Mississippi Mud Cake:

For the Cake Base:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Boiling water

For the Topping:

• Mini marshmallows

For the Frosting:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to it! Follow these simple steps to create this chocolatey masterpiece:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the boiling water until everything is well combined. The batter will be thin—that’s totally normal!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Marshmallows

While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. They’ll start to melt and soften as the cake continues to cool.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the marshmallows are setting, make the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is nice and creamy.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, pour the frosting over the marshmallow-topped cake and spread it out evenly.

Step 7: Let It Set

Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before cutting into the cake. This will give it a chance to firm up just a little.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this decadent treat to your lucky guests (or keep it all for yourself—it’s that good). Just be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 450 calories
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 59g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 45g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake is already indulgent on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Serve a big ol’ slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness of the ice cream complements the warm, gooey cake perfectly.

A Drizzle of Chocolate Syrup

For the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream, drizzle some extra chocolate syrup on top. Go big or go home, right?

Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cake. Plus, it looks so pretty on top!

Coffee or Milk

Pair your slice of cake with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This cake gets even better the day after it’s made, as the flavors continue to meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Make It Extra Gooey

For an even more gooey texture, try doubling the amount of marshmallows on top. You’ll get more marshmallow goodness in every bite.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A1: Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk to help it mimic the tang of buttermilk.

Q2: Can I use a different frosting?

A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate frosting, you can use a cream cheese frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter option.

Q3: Can I make this cake in a round pan?

A3: Yes! You can make this cake in two 9-inch round pans or one 9-inch round pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q4: How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A4: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. If you’re unsure, it’s always safe to check with a toothpick.

Q5: Can I make this cake in advance?

A5: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and frost it when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I freeze the Mississippi Mud Cake?

A6: Yes! To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q7: Can I add nuts to this cake?

A7: Yes, you can! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a wonderful addition. Just sprinkle them over the top of the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

Q8: Can I use mini chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder in the frosting?

A8: Mini chocolate chips can work, but they might make the frosting a bit thicker. If you want to use them, melt the chips first and then mix them with the other frosting ingredients.

Q9: What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?

A9: You could use regular-sized marshmallows, but be sure to cut them into smaller pieces to make sure they melt properly. Or, you could even try using marshmallow fluff as a topping!

Q10: How do I make the frosting smoother?

A10: To make the frosting smoother, you can sift the powdered sugar before adding it, and make sure the butter is fully melted and well combined with the cocoa powder.

Conclusion

Mississippi Mud Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. From the fudgy cake to the marshmallow topping and the indulgent frosting, it’s a treat that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or keeping it all for yourself (no judgment!), this cake is sure to be a crowd favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget the milk!

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