Mississippi Mud Cake

Rich, chocolatey, and topped with gooey marshmallows and a simple cocoa frosting, Mississippi Mud Cake is one of those old-fashioned desserts that never goes out of style. With its soft, brownie-like texture and layers of chocolate flavor, it’s the perfect cake for potlucks, family gatherings, holidays, or anytime a chocolate craving strikes.

This easy sheet cake comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes in a 9×13-inch pan, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The warm marshmallow topping melts right into the cake, while the smooth chocolate frosting creates the perfect finishing touch.

Today is my birthday, and there is nothing I like better than a homemade chocolate cake to celebrate another trip around the sun! (Unless it’s this chocolate pie – but that is another story for another time.) I have had this recipe ready to go for a while now, and saved it for my birthday, because I always love to share a new cake or dessert recipe each year to commemorate the day. I know that Mississippi Mud Cake is a classic dessert recipe, but here, it’s become a new obsession. 

It’s a fun, nostalgic recipe for a birthday, too. I mean, who didn’t love making mud pies when they were kids? 

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover, this cake is about to become a favorite. Mississippi Mud Cake has the rich flavor of a brownie combined with the soft texture of a cake, all topped with a layer of gooey marshmallows and smooth chocolate frosting. It’s made with simple pantry staples, comes together easily, and bakes in a single pan, making it perfect for everything from family dinners to potlucks and holiday gatherings. Whether you serve it warm or let the frosting set before slicing, every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness.

What is Mississippi Mud Cake?

Mississippi Mud Cake is a classic Southern dessert believed to have gotten its name from the dark, rich appearance that resembles the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. Traditional versions feature a dense chocolate cake topped with marshmallows and a chocolate frosting or glaze.

Over the years, countless variations have appeared, but the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and frosting remains the hallmark of this beloved dessert.

Ingredients in this Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

You will find the complete measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and foundation for the cake.
• Cocoa Powder – Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor. Regular baking cocoa works beautifully, though Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a deeper chocolate taste.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and keeps it from becoming too dense.
• Baking Soda – Works alongside the baking powder to create a soft texture.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness, moisture, and flavor throughout the cake.
• Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
• Mini Marshmallows – Create the signature gooey layer that makes Mississippi Mud Cake so irresistible.

For the Frosting :

• Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet frosting.
• Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Whole Milk – Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.

Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the cake batter is smooth and fully combined.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the warm cake. Return the pan to the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and become soft and gooey.

While the marshmallows are warming, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth and free of lumps.

Pour the chocolate frosting over the warm marshmallows. You can serve the cake right away while it’s warm and gooey, or allow the frosting to set before slicing for cleaner pieces.

Storage

Store Mississippi Mud Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.

While the cake can be refrigerated, it may dry out slightly. For the best texture and flavor, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving.

Love it? Pin it!

If you can’t wait to try this recipe for this Mississippi fudgy chocolate cake recipe, make sure you can find it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

Tips for Success

• Regular baking cocoa works perfectly, but Dutch-process cocoa will give the cake a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
• The marshmallows only need to puff up slightly. There’s no need to toast or brown them.
• Avoid overbaking the cake to keep it soft and moist.
• For cleaner slices, allow the frosting to set before cutting.
• If you’re short on time, place the cake in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help the frosting firm up quickly.
• If using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon salt to the dry ingredients.

FAQs about Mississippi Mud Cake

Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake ahead of time? Absolutely. In fact, many people prefer it after the frosting has had time to set, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows? Yes. Simply cut larger marshmallows into smaller pieces so they melt more evenly across the top of the cake.

Is Mississippi Mud Cake more like a cake or a brownie? It’s somewhere in between. The texture is rich and dense like a brownie, but soft and tender like a cake, giving you the best of both worlds.

More Chocolatey Dessert Recipes to Love

My favorite chocolate cake recipe is my Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake. A rich, delicious chocolate cake recipe slathered with the best sour cream fudge frosting, don’t knock it till you try it! I have loads of chocolate recipes here on my site. Some of my favorites are this Chocolate Malt Ice Cream, Never Fail Fudge, French Silk Pie, Chocolate Macaroon Tunnel Cake, Homemade Hostess Cupcakes, and the best German Chocolate Cake, too! Of course, you can’t best a Texas Sheet Cake or a Mississippi Mud Pie.

As I celebrate another trip around the sun this week, it felt like the perfect excuse to share a dessert that’s all about chocolate, comfort, and a little bit of nostalgia. Whether you’re making this Mississippi Mud Cake for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving something sweet, I hope it brings a little extra joy to your table. After all, life is too short not to have cake.