Mississippi Mud Cake

 

Rich, fudgy chocolate cake topped with gooey marshmallows and a glossy cocoa frosting — this Southern classic is pure indulgence. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you’re craving chocolate heaven.

---

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole or 2% milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)

For the Frosting

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup whole or 2% milk

• ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of oil or line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sour cream, 1 cup oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).

5. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 2 – Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the hot cake. Return to oven for 2–3 minutes, just until marshmallows puff and soften. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 3 – Make the Frosting

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt.

2. Whisk until smooth, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until thick and glossy.

Step 4 – Finish

1. Pour warm frosting over the marshmallow layer, spreading gently to cover.

2. Let cake cool completely before slicing into squares.

---

🍽 Tips & Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.

• Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge up to 5 days.