Decadent Ooey, Gooey Mississippi Mud Cake: A Rich Southern Chocolate Masterpiece
Chocolate – it’s more than just a flavor; for many of us, it’s a true obsession, a comforting indulgence we simply can’t get enough of! And when that intense chocolate craving hits, there’s truly nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly baked chocolate cake. Allow us to introduce you to the quintessential Southern treat that takes chocolate decadence to an entirely new level: the Mississippi Mud Cake. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience – profoundly rich, utterly decadent, and delightfully over-the-top in the best possible way. We confidently guarantee that this ooey, gooey, incredibly fudgy confection will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will likely become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.
Prepare yourself to be completely captivated by this astonishingly rich, tempting, and utterly irresistible cake!
The Mississippi Mud Cake stands as a testament to pure chocolate bliss, a dream come true for any chocolate aficionado, promising a delightful experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Its journey into deliciousness begins with a foundational layer: a dense, fudgy, and moist brownie-like cake. This base boasts a soft, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, setting the stage for the indulgence to come. Directly atop this glorious chocolate foundation lies another irresistible layer of perfectly melted marshmallows, creating a sweet, sticky, and ethereal cushion.
But the true magic, the grand finale, is yet to be revealed. Are you ready for the crowning glory? A luscious, warm, and intensely chocolatey hot chocolate frosting is generously poured over the entire cake. As it cascades, this magnificent frosting trickles down, seeping into the soft marshmallow layer and permeating the tender chocolate cake beneath. This remarkable process is precisely what imbues this cake with its signature incredible moisture, ensuring every bite is bursting with an unforgettable double chocolate flavor that lingers delightfully on the palate. The combination of textures – the firm fudgy base, the chewy marshmallows, and the silky frosting – makes for an unparalleled dessert sensation.
One of the most thrilling aspects of this particular Mississippi Mud Cake recipe is the sheer abundance of frosting! For those of us who instinctively gravitate towards the corner pieces of a cake, solely for the joy of maximizing our frosting intake (you know who you are!), this cake is a revelation. It masterfully achieves a perfect, almost equal, ratio of rich frosting to tender cake, ensuring that every single slice is a harmonious blend of both. It’s pure, unadulterated bliss in every bite!
Are your taste buds tingling yet? We thought so!
Given the cake’s exquisite richness and sweetness, we highly recommend preparing a plentiful supply of cold beverages to accompany it. A tall, frosty glass of cold milk or crisp ice water provides the perfect counterbalance, refreshing your palate between decadent bites. For those who prefer a warmer accompaniment, a nice hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, perhaps a robust java, would also pair wonderfully with this tempting creation, cutting through the sweetness with its bold flavor. And for the ultimate indulgence? Serving a slice of warm Mississippi Mud Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream is nothing short of fabulous, creating a delightful interplay of temperatures and textures that elevates the dessert to an extraordinary level.
What is a Mississippi Mud Cake? Unpacking this Southern Delight
Mississippi Mud Cake is a remarkably simple yet profoundly satisfying dessert, celebrated for its rich, chocolatey layers and a generous blanket of melted marshmallows. It’s often likened to an intensely rich, thick brownie, elevated by its unique toppings and preparation. The charmingly rustic name, “Mississippi Mud Cake,” is widely believed to have been bestowed upon it because its deep brown, gooey appearance strikingly resembles the muddy, fertile banks of the iconic Mississippi River, particularly after a heavy rain. This visual connection captures the cake’s essence perfectly – earthy, rich, and undeniably enticing.
More than just a dessert, Mississippi Mud Cake has long held a cherished place in Southern culinary traditions. It’s a perennial favorite, a go-to treat that embodies comfort and celebration, making frequent appearances at potlucks, family gatherings, church picnics, and lively backyard BBQ cookouts. Its robust flavor and satisfying richness make it an instant crowd-pleaser, always guaranteeing an empty pan by the end of the event.
This enduring Southern classic boasts a history that stretches back quite a long time, gaining particular popularity around the era of World War II. Yet, despite its widespread acclaim and long-standing presence, the precise origin of this beloved recipe remains a topic of friendly debate among food historians and culinary enthusiasts. Some claim its birthplace within the state of Mississippi itself, while others suggest its roots might lie elsewhere in the rich tapestry of Southern cuisine. Regardless of its exact geographical genesis, there’s one undeniable truth about the Mississippi Mud Cake: it is utterly irresistible, a dessert that truly transcends regional boundaries with its universal appeal.
Once you’ve experienced its warm, gooey glory, you might even find yourself succumbing to the temptation of eating it directly out of the pan, savoring every warm, fudgy spoonful while the frosting is still delightfully molten. Don’t forget to keep a generous stack of napkins handy – this is a gloriously messy, deeply satisfying indulgence that demands to be enjoyed to the fullest!
Serve Warm or Cold – A Versatile Indulgence!
One of the many charms of this Mississippi Mud Cake is its incredible versatility in serving temperature, offering two distinct yet equally delightful experiences. We, personally, are ardent proponents of serving this dessert warm, straight out of the oven. At this stage, the cake is at its most sublime, with the fudgy base still tender and yielding, and the marshmallows transformed into a gloriously warm, oozing, and stretchy layer. This warm presentation truly highlights its decadent nature, making it wonderfully reminiscent of a molten lava cake, but with an added textural dimension from the soft marshmallows. The photo below beautifully illustrates this desired effect, showing how each slice emerges with a rich, almost volcanic “mud” topping, perfectly embodying the cake’s namesake.
Just a note on texture: If you happen to wait a while before diving into this cake, you might notice that the luscious chocolate frosting begins to ‘gel’ and firm up slightly as it cools. While still delicious, if you prefer that signature warm, gooey, and pourable frosting texture, there’s an easy fix! Simply pop the cake back into a warm oven for a few minutes to gently melt things down a bit more, rejuvenating its ooey-gooey charm. However, for the absolute pinnacle of flavor and texture, we stand by our recommendation: it really is at its best when enjoyed right out of the oven, allowing those layers to meld into a warm, harmonious symphony of chocolate and marshmallow.
This cake is nothing short of chocolate paradise! Indulging in just one piece of this extraordinary creation is a truly memorable experience. But be warned: its irresistible allure is so strong that you might find yourself declaring, “Okay, back to my diet… starting tomorrow!” after every blissful slice. It’s a treat worth every single calorie!
Does Mississippi Mud Cake Need To Be Refrigerated? Storage Tips
One of the convenient aspects of Mississippi Mud Cake is its excellent shelf stability. Generally, no, it does not strictly need to be kept in the fridge. Like many other cakes and brownies, it typically keeps perfectly well at room temperature, especially when stored properly in an airtight container. This allows the cake to maintain its soft, moist texture without becoming too firm or dry. When left at room temperature, the frosting will set, becoming a fudgier, more solid layer, which many people prefer for easier slicing and handling.
However, there are a few considerations: if you live in a very warm or humid climate, or if your kitchen tends to be quite hot, refrigerating the cake might extend its freshness and prevent the frosting from becoming too soft or oily. If you do choose to refrigerate it, be sure to bring it back to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure the cake and frosting are at their optimal texture and flavor. Stored covered at room temperature, Mississippi Mud Cake can easily last for 2-3 days, though its deliciousness often means it disappears much faster!
photo: Cooking From Scratch
Watch the magic happen as the hot frosting melts into the cake and marshmallows!
Photo above shot on my old point-and-shoot camera in 2010, showcasing the cake’s timeless appeal.
Print Recipe
Ooey, Gooey Mississippi Mud Cake
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Author: Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 0 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Mississippi Mud Cake is an absolute dream for any chocolate lover, promising an unforgettable dessert experience! It features a rich, moist chocolate cake base, generously topped with a warm layer of fudgy brownies and soft, melted marshmallows. The crowning glory is a pourable, warm chocolate frosting that seeps into every crack and crevice, creating an incredibly decadent, ooey-gooey, and intensely chocolatey treat. This cake is truly irresistible, and your family and guests will undoubtedly be begging for second (or third!) helpings. To balance its exquisite sweetness, we highly recommend serving it alongside glasses of ice-cold milk, refreshing ice water, or steaming hot cups of robust coffee. This decadent dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you need an ultimate chocolate fix!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For The Cake
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, for a rich base
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for deep chocolate flavor
- 4 large eggs, beaten well, to bind the cake
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, to enhance flavors
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, to balance the sweetness
For The Frosting and Topping
- One 16-ounce box (3 1/4 cups) powdered sugar (For less sweetness, consider cutting this amount in half, or adjust to your preference!)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (use whole milk for richness, or add more if frosting is too thick to ‘pour’ over the cake) **
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups mini marshmallows, for that classic gooey layer
Instructions
To Make the Decadent Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan, ensuring all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the measured butter and cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the cocoa powder is smoothly blended into the mixture, forming a rich, dark paste. Remove from heat.
- Into the warm chocolate mixture, stir in the well-beaten eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Continue to mix thoroughly, either by hand or with an electric mixer on low speed, until the batter is well combined and no streaks of flour remain, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Promptly pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured 13×9 inch pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. The cake should be set but still moist in the center, resembling a dense brownie.
- While the cake is baking, take this time to prepare the luscious chocolate frosting. It’s crucial to have the frosting ready to pour immediately over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, while it’s still piping hot, for that perfect melty effect.
For the Gooey Marshmallow & Hot Chocolate Frosting
- In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk them together thoroughly until well mixed and lump-free.
- Add the melted butter, milk (or buttermilk, see notes!), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat everything together vigorously until the frosting is smooth, glossy, and reaches a pourable consistency. If it seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it flows easily.
- Set the frosting aside for a moment, keeping it warm if possible, until the cake is completely baked and ready.
- Once the cake is removed from the oven, immediately and evenly scatter the mini marshmallows over its entire hot surface. Return the cake to the hot oven for just about 3 minutes. This brief exposure to heat will gently soften and slightly melt the marshmallows, creating that signature gooey layer. Keep a close eye on them to prevent browning.
- Carefully remove the cake from the oven and place the pan, still containing the cake, onto a sturdy wire rack. This allows for proper cooling and setting.
- Generously pour the warm, prepared chocolate frosting all over the marshmallow-covered cake. Watch as it cascades and seeps, creating beautiful rivulets of chocolate goodness. Allow the cake to cool slightly, ideally for 15-20 minutes, for the frosting to set just enough before serving.
- Once slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into generous squares. Serve warm to fully enjoy the ooey, gooey, fudgy textures. Enjoy your magnificent Mississippi Mud Cake!
Notes
- ** For a richer, slightly tangy chocolate frosting that beautifully cuts through the sweetness, you may substitute regular milk with an equal amount of buttermilk. This enhances the depth of flavor in the frosting and pairs exceptionally well with the inherent sweetness of both the frosting and the melted marshmallows, creating a more complex taste profile.
- Due to the supremely rich and sweet nature of this delightful cake, it is highly recommended to serve it with refreshing beverages. Glasses of ice-cold milk, crisp ice water, or steaming hot cups of black coffee are perfect accompaniments, providing a welcome contrast and helping to cleanse the palate.
- Upon its initial pour, the frosting is wonderfully warm and gooey, making it absolutely magnificent to eat at that very moment. The melt-in-your-mouth experience is unparalleled.
- As the cake cools, the frosting will gradually become more ‘jelled’ and fudgy, but it will not harden completely. If you desire to restore that delightful gooey and fluid consistency, simply place the cake (still in its pan) back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it during this time to prevent overbaking; you just want to soften the frosting and re-warm the cake. YUM! This trick is perfect for enjoying leftovers as if they were freshly baked.
Recipe first posted 2010, thoughtfully updated in February, 2020, to bring you the best possible baking experience.
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We truly hope that you fall head over heels for this unbelievably SWEET, gorgeously GOOEY, intensely FUDGY, and sinfully RICH Mississippi Mud Cake! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of chocolate that brings joy with every bite.
If you embark on the delightful journey of making this iconic cake, we would absolutely adore seeing your results! It would be incredibly wonderful if you’d snap a beautiful photo of your creation and share it on Instagram using the hashtag #italianbellavita. Our community, and we especially, would love to see your baking triumphs! Plus, if you send us your photo directly, we would be honored to feature it both here on our blog and on our vibrant Facebook blog group page, showcasing your talent to a wider audience!
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Essential Kitchen Products to Help You Bake Like a Pro (and They’re Super Affordable!):
Set of 2 Non-Stick 13″ x 9″ Baking Pans: Essential for any baker, these durable non-stick pans ensure your Mississippi Mud Cake (and other bakes!) come out perfectly every time, making cleanup a breeze. Having two is great for multi-batch baking or other recipes!
Set of 3 Glass Pyrex Mixing Bowls: A kitchen staple, these versatile Pyrex bowls are ideal for mixing your cake batter and frosting. Their clear glass allows you to see ingredients clearly, and they’re durable, microwave-safe, and easy to clean.
Hershey’s 100% Cocoa Powder: Achieve that rich, deep chocolate flavor in your Mississippi Mud Cake with high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Hershey’s is a classic choice, ensuring a robust chocolate taste in every bite.
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