Mississippi River Mud Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Rich and fudgy Mississippi River Mud Cake features chocolate, pecans, and marshmallows, creating a decadent treat perfect for gatherings or indulgent dessert lovers.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, unsifted
  • 1/3 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • dash of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 (10 1/2 oz.) package miniature marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Cream butter or margarine and sugar.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.
  5. Stir in vanilla and chopped pecans.
  6. Spoon batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until the top is barely soft to touch.
  8. Remove cake from oven and cover the top with miniature marshmallows.
  9. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until marshmallows are soft.
  10. Spread marshmallows evenly over the cake and immediately cover with chocolate frosting.
  11. Cool thoroughly before cutting into squares.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don't have pecans on hand, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. To save time, you can use store-bought chocolate frosting instead of making your own. Make sure the marshmallows are evenly spread for a consistent melt and gooey texture throughout the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious cake is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To elevate your dessert experience, serve it alongside Glazed Carrots And Grapes for a sweet-savory balance. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch. Cut into generous squares for a delightful treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Mississippi River Mud Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mississippi River Mud Cake contains roughly 159 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.

159 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 10.6g 14% DV
Carbs 11.6g 4% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 420.6mg 18% DV
Potassium 61.2mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 38.6mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 3.3mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 79.1mg 6% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, Mississippi River Mud Cake can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. The flavors will develop as it sits, making it even more delicious. Just remember to add the marshmallows and frosting shortly before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of marshmallows?

If you prefer a different topping, you can use chocolate chips or a layer of whipped cream instead of marshmallows. For a unique twist, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add a different topping to maintain the right consistency.

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

This recipe is not inherently gluten-free or dairy-free. However, you can make adjustments by using gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter substitutes. For a vegetarian option, ensure the frosting is made without animal products. Always check ingredient labels to avoid hidden allergens.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →