Mississippi Mud Cake from Southern Living is a go-to for anyone craving a rich, chocolatey dessert that’s easy to make and always a hit. This chocolate cake stands out because it’s layered with gooey marshmallows and topped with thick chocolate frosting, creating a perfect fudgy and fluffy combo. It’s the kind of cake that brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a busy potluck. 🍫🍰

The cake’s charm is in its simplicity—starting with a moist chocolate base that bakes up warm and inviting. Marshmallows get a quick toast in the oven before a generous pour of chocolate frosting seals the deal. It’s like a cross between a brownie, a cake, and s’mores all rolled into one slice. Anyone who knows cake will appreciate how this recipe balances richness without feeling too heavy. 🍴😋
If you love easy-to-make desserts with layers of texture and deep chocolate flavor, this recipe is a real keeper. It’s classic Southern comfort food that’s quick to mix and quick to go from oven to table. Plus, it has a story—named after the muddy Mississippi River, just as messy and delightful as the cake itself. Ready for baking magic? You’re just steps away from chocolate bliss. 🍓🔥
Ingredients List & Step-By-Step Instructions For Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe Southern Living
The recipe calls for simple, classic Southern ingredients that come together in a moist chocolate cake base topped with gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate frosting. It’s all about layering flavors and textures, from the fudgy cake to the toasted pecans adding a perfect crunch.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, collect these essentials:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¾ cups |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Mini marshmallows | 1 ½ cups |
| Semisweet chocolate (for frosting) | 4 oz |
| Powdered sugar | 2 ½ cups |
| Chopped toasted pecans | ½ cup |
This lineup sets the stage for a Southern treat that walks the line between cake and s’mores.
Step 2: Prepare And Bake The Cake
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch jelly-roll pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy—this is where your cake gets its body. Add eggs one by one, then stir in vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Alternate adding the dry mix and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Cool briefly before moving on.
Step 3: Add Toppings And Finish
Now comes the fun part—layering those gooey marshmallows. Evenly sprinkle mini marshmallows over the warm cake and return it to the oven for about 5 minutes to help them melt slightly and stick to the surface.
While marshmallows melt, melt semisweet chocolate with softened butter and powdered sugar to whip up a smooth, rich frosting.
Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the marshmallows, and sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for a crunchy contrast. Let everything set for at least an hour before slicing. This time lets the flavors meld and the frosting firm up—patience truly pays off here! 🍫😋
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