Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

Last Updated on May 15, 2023 by Ellen Christian

You are going to love this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe! Learn how to make this delicious Southern dessert with chocolate frosting with this recipe.

There’s just something about Valentine’s Day that makes me want to bake up a yummy chocolate dessert for my family. I’m not a huge chocolate fan but Marty and the kids seem to enjoy them so I thought I would make them a treat.  

Mississippi Mude Cake Recipe

Since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, it’s time to treat my husband to one of his favorite desserts, a chocolate cake. Of course, a Mississippi Mude Cake is so much more than just a chocolate cake. This Mississippi Mude Cake recipe has marshmallows and chocolate frosting!

Why is it called Mississippi Mud Cake?

When I first tried this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe, I had no idea why it was called that. But, after doing a little bit of searching, I realized that it’s because the dense cake evidently looks like the banks of the Mississippi River.

Now, I’ve never been to the banks of the Mississippi River, so you’ll have to let me know if that’s true or not. It’s believed that this recipe was originally made after the Second World War because it called for only simple ingredients.

Mississippi Mud Cake vs Texas Sheet Cake

So, my husband is from Texas and he’s used to having Texas Sheet Cake for dessert. So, when he first tried this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe, he was confused. It turns out that Texas Sheet Cake and Mississippi Mud Cake are actually the same things. There may be a few regional differences but from what I’ve seen, it’s the same dessert.

Layered Mississippi Mud Cake

So, if you want something that is even more decadent, you can make a layered Mississippi Mud Cake! All you need to do is to make two of the chocolate cake bases and stack them on top. You can add another layer of marshmallows and frosting between the two layers. If you have someone who wants chocolate overload, that’s the way to do it.

How long will this cake last?

If you can stop people from devouring it the first time you serve it, this cake should last for two to three days refrigerated. Because it has eggs, you should not leave it at room temperature. If you try to keep it longer than two to three days, it will start to lose its freshness.

Can you freeze a frosted cake?

Yes, you can freeze this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe after it is completely cooled. For best results, freeze in smaller portions in a tightly wrapped cake pan or freezer container. Allow it to come to room temperature when you want to enjoy a piece.

So, here is the recipe to try. You can print it out below. If you love chocolate cake, you might want to try these homemade ring dings or this mint chocolate cake.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need to make this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe.

1 Cup unsalted butter softened
½ Cup Ghirardelli cocoa powder
2 Cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 ½ Cups flour
½ tsp kosher salt
1 Cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Cups marshmallows cut into quarters or 2 Cups mini marshmallows
1 – 16oz container of chocolate frosting (or you can make homemade frosting)

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe Directions

Print out a copy of this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe or pin it for future reference.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking dish with pam baking spray
• Using a medium heatproof bowl, melt the butter and cocoa powder together in increments of 45 seconds until completely melted
• Using a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla, and eggs until combined
• Gradually whisk in the chocolate-butter mixture until combined
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt and gradually whisk into the wet ingredients
• Fold in the chopped walnuts
• Pour the batter into the baking dish
• Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
• As soon as the cake comes out of the oven top with the marshmallows
• Place back into the oven for 4 minutes so that the marshmallow starts to slightly melt
• Place the cake onto the counter
• Remove the foil from the chocolate frosting and place the container into the microwave for 45 seconds to melt the frosting
• Pour the frosting over the marshmallows and smooth evenly
• Allow the frosting to set for about an hour before serving!

Here’s a printable copy of the Mississippi Mud Cake recipe in case you need it.