Mississippi Mud Cake – The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Dessert

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate with the gooey, fudgy texture of a Southern classic, this Mississippi Mud Cake is here to satisfy your cravings. Featuring layers of dense chocolate cake, creamy marshmallow frosting, and a glossy chocolate glaze, this treat is as decadent as it is easy to make.

Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or weeknight indulgence, this crowd-pleasing dessert delivers all the comfort and nostalgia of homemade baking—without complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

Why You’ll Love Mississippi Mud Cake

Rich & Chocolatey: Packed with cocoa and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze, this cake is a dream for chocolate lovers.
Gooey & Fudgy: A moist, dense cake paired with soft marshmallow frosting creates the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and less than an hour from start to finish.
Customizable: Add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for your own twist.

This cake is proof that simplicity and indulgence can happily coexist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 8–10)

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Marshmallow Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow fluff

For the Chocolate Glaze

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Stir in the boiling water — the batter will be thin, which is what makes the cake moist and fudgy.
Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

3. Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.

4. Make the Marshmallow Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla and marshmallow fluff until smooth and creamy.
Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

5. Make the Chocolate Glaze

In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until glossy and lump-free.
Pour the glaze over the marshmallow layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Top with chopped pecans, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Serve on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert. 🍫🍦

Tips for Success

Use Quality Ingredients: A good cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract make all the difference.
Switch Up the Milk: Try buttermilk for richness or almond/coconut milk for a lighter option.
Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips to elevate the texture.
Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Why This Recipe Works

This Mississippi Mud Cake strikes the perfect balance between decadence and simplicity.
The tender, chocolate-rich base sets the stage for the pillowy marshmallow frosting, while the glossy chocolate glaze ties everything together with a beautiful finish.

Each layer enhances the other — the cake provides structure, the marshmallow adds lightness, and the glaze delivers pure chocolate bliss. The result is a dessert that’s both nostalgic and luxurious, making it an instant crowd favorite.

Conclusion: A Southern Classic Reimagined

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing dessert to a gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, this Mississippi Mud Cake will never disappoint. It’s rich, gooey, and indulgent — everything a perfect chocolate dessert should be.

Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos or tag us with your version of this Southern classic — your take on this irresistible cake might just inspire someone else to bake it too! 🍴✨