Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is a rich, dense chocolate cake topped with marshmallows and chocolate frosting.
Being from Mississippi, I researched the origin of this cake. It seems no one can agree when or where it first started. However, all sources seem to agree that a Mississippi Mud Cake and a Mississippi Mud Pie comes from the appearance of it, dark and rich, and the similarity to the dark, goopy mud found along the Mississippi River.
MISSISSIPPI MUD CAKE RECIPE
The cake layer is most similar to a brownie. It’s dense and rich, it’s not fluffy like your typical chocolate sponge cake. Next, it’s topped with fluffy marshmallows. (The marshmallows are detectable under that rich layer of chocolate frosting in these photos.) Finally, a creamy, luscious chocolate frosting and crunchy salted pecans make the top layer.
Because this dessert is so rich, you can make the cake thinner in a 15×10-inch baking pan. Or you can bake them in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Honestly, I’ve made them both ways and don’t have a preference. When I make them for a cookout, reunion, or potluck, I make them in the 15.×10-inch baking pan simply because they go further.
BAKING TIPS
The key tip for this recipe: do not over-mix the batter. It will become tough if you over mix it.





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Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
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Save To Your Recipe BoxIngredients
For the Cake
- 1 cups pecans chopped
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup butter room temp
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 4 large eggs room temperature, beaten slightly
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 10.5 ounces miniature marshmallows
For the Chocolate Frosting
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa sifted
- ⅓ cup milk
- 16 ounces powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan to medium. Salt the pecans and add them in a single layer in the saucepan and toast 8 to 10 minutes. Watch them carefully so they do not burn.
- Preheat oven to 350°-. Spray 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan with non-stick spray. I also like to line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
For the Cake
- Melt 1 cup butter and 4 ounces of chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute, stir. Heat at 30-second increments. Remove and stir until melted and smooth.
- Whisk sugar, flour, cocoa, beaten eggs, vanilla, and salt together. Pour chocolate mixture into dry ingredients and combine. Don't over mix. Pour batter into prepared 15x10x1 inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and spread marshmallows evenly on top. Bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and toasted.
For the Frosting
- Stir together first butter, cocoa, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until slightly thick. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle warm chocolate frosting over warm cake.
Nutrition
You can also find great recipes at my recipe index or at Meal Plan Monday and Weekend Potluck.

Lisa says
It’s nice that everyone is saying how yummy they look, but did anyone actually make them? That’s what I want to hear about!
carolinaheartstrings says
Wow do those brownies look fantastic. Found you linked at Lady Behind The Curtain. Cannot wait to make these. YUM!
Paula says
Thank you!! Yes, I love her party. Thanks for coming over. These are my all time favorite brownies, but I have to send some away when I make them or I’ll eat too many 🙂
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Saw these on Recipleaser…and had to come over to print out the recipe! Love the marshmallows and nuts. Yum!!
Paula says
These really are my favorite, Gloria. So rich and gooey.I hope you like them!
HungryLittleGirl says
I am looking at these Brownies now for three days and can't stop drooling! As soon as I get to go shopping to buy pecans, I will bake them and not share them with anyone 😉
Thank you for sharing this at Wednesday Extravaganza – see you there again tonight with more of your deliciousness 🙂
Charlene@APinchofJoy says
Another diamond — just might work! You are featured this week on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy! I hope you will stop by and grab a Featured Button from the Button Box on the sidebar this afternoon. Pinned. Can’t wait to see what else you’ve been working on!
Our Pinteresting Family says
Yum! These look fantastic!
Emily Dicks says
Paula these look delicious!
Georgina Castellucci says
Those brownies look absolutely divine (and what great food photography!!!!) Thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂
The Dose of Reality says
Oh my yumminess! Those look SO DELICIOUS!! Stopping by from SITS. 🙂
Blond Duck says
Popped in from SITS! I think sprinkles would be very necessary!
JB says
they look so unbelievably yummy!! could just eat one right now!!
Jordan
jbseatsandtreats.blogspot.com
Countrified Hicks says
This looks great. I would love if you would come link up with my weekly link up that is going on right now. http://countrifiedhicks.blogspot.com/2013/02/mondays-with-countrified-hicks-2.html
Angie Church says
yummy oh so good
The Tablescaper says
Yummm!
Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
Nikki says
Yummy!! I'm savings this. I think they'll be perfect on a summer weekend by the lake. I hope your having a great weekend.
Nikki
http://www.TheCraftySideOfSarcasm.com
Shauna {The Best Blog Recipes} says
Just saw your link over at Six Sisters and had to come and check out your rocky road brownies! They look so yummy!
I'd love for you to link up a few recipes at my weekend link party @The Weekend re-Treat
Hope to see you there!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel says
Looks delicious! I hope you'll come by on Wednesday and link up to Wonderful Food Wednesday! 🙂
Kerrie
http://www.familyfoodandtravel.com
BurntApple says
Happy Sharefest! These made me drooool!!! They are delicious!! Thanks for sharing. I'm a big chocolate fan and these would be on my list for Valentine's Day. –Traci
Carli Alice says
Oh…my….gosh! I might not stop eating these once I start. Ughh! And I have the ingredients in my house. Very likely that the house may be smelling yummy later!
Happy Saturday Sharefest!
Laney G says
Wow. the brownies look so delicious. I'm trying to slack down on the sweets and junk food.
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
WOW! These look amazing! I want some right now!! YUMMY!
Diane says
Girl your killing me with your awesome desserts. I'm not usually tempted, but you keep making chewy gooey deliciousness.