Name: Mississippi Mud Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup butter (melted); ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Few desserts capture the heart and soul of Southern baking quite like Mississippi Mud Cake. With its rich cocoa flavor, gooey texture, and indulgent layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, this classic treat is a chocolate lover’s dream.

Have you ever craved a dessert that’s both decadently fudgy and irresistibly soft? This cake delivers just that! The combination of a moist chocolate cake base, a melty chocolate topping, and pillowy marshmallows creates the perfect harmony of textures. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a well-deserved treat for yourself, this easy homemade recipe guarantees pure satisfaction in every bite.

Get ready to indulge in a slice of chocolate heaven, let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. Imagine sinking your fork into a rich, fudgy chocolate cake, topped with melted chocolate chips, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. Every bite delivers decadent flavors and irresistible textures that make this cake a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Key Benefits of This Recipe

✔️ Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just simple ingredients and steps.
✔️ Irresistibly Fudgy – A moist chocolate base paired with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a late-night craving, this cake always delivers.
✔️ Customizable – Add caramel drizzle, swap the nuts, or use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This Mississippi Mud Cake is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating its rich, fudgy texture and decadent flavor.

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix – The foundation of this moist, chocolatey cake. Use your favorite brand or a homemade mix.
1 cup water – Helps keep the cake soft and tender.
½ cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture for that perfect fudgy texture.
3 large eggs – Provide structure and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the deep chocolate flavor.

For the Toppings:

½ cup butter (melted) – Forms the base of the gooey chocolate topping.
¼ cup milk – Helps create a smooth, pourable consistency.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds an extra layer of deep chocolate goodness.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melt into the warm cake for a velvety finish.
2 cups mini marshmallows – Toast up beautifully, creating a soft, gooey layer.
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Add a delightful crunch, or swap for pecans if preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to bring this Mississippi Mud Cake to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a rich, fudgy, and irresistibly gooey cake in no time.

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Use an electric mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

3. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Remove the cake from the oven but keep the oven on for the next step.

4. Add the Chocolate & Marshmallow Layers

While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Return the cake to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Once melted, spread the chocolate into a smooth layer using a spatula.
Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the warm chocolate, followed by the chopped walnuts (if using).

5. Bake One More Time

Place the cake back in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn golden and puffy.
Keep an eye on them—marshmallows can brown quickly!

6. Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set while keeping that signature gooey texture.
Serve warm for a melty, fudgy bite, or let it cool completely for a more structured slice.

Pro Tips & Delicious Variations

Want to take your Mississippi Mud Cake to the next level? These expert tips and creative variations will help you customize the cake to suit your taste while ensuring perfect results every time.

Pro Tips for the Best Mississippi Mud Cake

✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Let your eggs and milk sit out for about 15–20 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and even baking.

✔️ Don’t Overbake – The cake should be moist and fudgy. Check for doneness at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick—if a few moist crumbs stick to it, the cake is just right.

✔️ Toast the Marshmallows Just Right – Keep a close eye when baking the marshmallow layer. A light golden brown gives the best toasty flavor without burning.

✔️ Let It Rest Before Slicing – Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes so the chocolate and marshmallow layers set. This makes slicing cleaner while keeping the texture gooey.

Fun Variations to Try

👉 Double Chocolate Overload – Stir ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for an even richer cake.

👉 Nut-Free Version – Skip the walnuts or pecans for a smooth, marshmallowy topping.

👉 Caramel Drizzle Twist – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the marshmallows before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

👉 Espresso-Infused Flavor – Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate depth.

👉 Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this dessert suitable for everyone.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a fun variation, this cake is guaranteed to be a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love! 🍫🔥 Ready to serve? Let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy this gooey masterpiece. ⬇️

Serving Suggestions for Your Mississippi Mud Cake

Now that your Mississippi Mud Cake is baked, it’s time to serve it up in style! Whether you’re enjoying a cozy slice at home or presenting it at a party, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Serving Ideas

Warm & Gooey – For the ultimate indulgence, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The heat from the cake will melt the ice cream into a creamy, dreamy topping.
With Whipped Cream – Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the rich, dense cake.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful touch of elegance to this indulgent dessert.

Creative Twists

Chocolate Drizzle – For true chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the marshmallows before serving. The extra layer of chocolate takes this cake to a whole new level of decadence!
Fruit Compote – For a slight tangy contrast, serve the cake with a berry compote or fresh raspberries. The tartness complements the richness of the chocolate and marshmallows perfectly.
Serve with Coffee – Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the deep chocolate flavor. The slight bitterness of coffee is the perfect balance to the sweet, gooey dessert.

For Special Occasions

Birthday Celebration – Add candles for a fun birthday treat! This cake is festive enough for any celebration, and the rich texture makes it a showstopper.
Potluck or Family Gathering – Serve the cake cut into small squares for a bite-sized treat that’s easy to share and enjoy.

No matter how you serve it, this Mississippi Mud Cake is sure to impress. The combination of chocolatey goodness, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy nuts makes it a dessert everyone will rave about.

Conclusion: Why Mississippi Mud Cake Is a Must-Try

There’s no denying it—Mississippi Mud Cake is one of those desserts that’s impossible to resist. From the rich, fudgy chocolate cake to the melty marshmallows and toasty walnuts, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this cake is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving.

This classic Southern dessert combines the best of both worlds: a moist chocolate base paired with a gooey, crispy topping that everyone will adore. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating with family, surprising friends at a potluck, or just treating yourself to something special.

So go ahead—bake it, share it, and savor every chocolatey, marshmallow-filled bite. You’ve earned it! 🍫🎉

Looking for more mouthwatering recipes? Try my Cheddar Ranch Crack Dip for a savory snack, or whip up a batch of Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies for a sweet treat. If you’re craving another indulgent dessert, you won’t want to miss my Mounds Bars recipe—perfect for chocolate and coconut lovers!

Happy baking! 😋

FAQs

1. Can I make Mississippi Mud Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake holds up really well. You can bake it up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep the marshmallows perfectly soft, I recommend adding them right before baking. If you need to store leftovers, just pop them in the fridge for up to a week.

2. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a from-scratch cake, feel free to use your favorite chocolate cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just ensure the texture is similar—moist and rich—to get that signature Mississippi Mud Cake consistency.

3. What can I substitute for walnuts?

If you’re not a fan of walnuts or want to try something different, you can easily swap them with pecans, almonds, or even chopped peanuts. For a nut-free version, just leave them out altogether. The cake is still absolutely delicious without them!

4. Can I freeze Mississippi Mud Cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat it in the microwave for a warm treat.

5. How do I make the cake more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolatey punch, try these tips:

Add extra chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle more on top before baking.
Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
Mix in chocolate chunks or melt chocolate bars to make the cake even more decadent.

6. Can I add flavored extracts to the cake?

Yes! While vanilla extract is traditional, you can mix things up with a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor or coffee extract to intensify the chocolate taste. Just be sure to use small amounts—½ teaspoon should be plenty.

7. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

For a simple yet indulgent treat, serve your cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce or top it with fresh berries for a more elevated experience. For a fun twist, try serving with chocolate syrup or chopped nuts for extra crunch!

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