Easy Mississippi Mud Cake
A rich brownie like base that’s full of coconut and pecans blends well with a layer of marshmallow cream and coating of chocolate frosting on top of this Mississippi Mud Cake.
This old fashioned cake is so easy to make and the marshmallow layer adds visual appeal and a fun surprise to the texture and flavor!

Old Fashioned Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
With a name inspired by dark mud on the bottom of the mighty Mississippi, there’s a variety of hidden things in the base layer of this cake. Spreading marshmallow creme on the chocolate cake adds a sweet, gooey layer.
The chopped pecans are necessary in this southern cake recipe. If you omit the coconut and pecans then it’s similar to our Chocolatetown Cake or Chocolate Cake with Mayonnaise. We recommend going big and following the full recipe or trying a more basic option like our Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake.

We made Chicken Noodle Soup in a roaster and served Amish Pineapple Cake and this chocolate cake option at a local shelter. While the mud cake needs to stay chilled to keep the layers stacked, we still got lots of compliments on all of the recipes.

Ingredients Needed
- Chocolate Cake Base – Butter, eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa, vanilla, flaked coconut and pecans.
- Marshmallow Layer – Through testing we learned that using a jar of marshmallow creme is easier than melting mini marshmallows.
- Frosting – A can of chocolate frosting or a batch of homemade Chocolate Icing both work great.

Step By Step Instructions
- In a medium mixing bow beat butter until smooth. Then mix in eggs.
- Add sugar and vanilla, stir again.
- In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients together and slowly add to egg and butter mixture.


- Spread into a greased 9 x 13″ pan and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Immediately after removing from the oven spread a layer of marshmallow creme on top. It will spread much easier over a warm cake.
Allow the cake to cool before adding frosting.


- Cover and chill before serving. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator to help keep the layers in tact.
To Save Time
- I just warmed a can of store-bought chocolate icing in the microwave and it easily pours over top of the soft, warm marshmallows.
- Serve the cake chilled so the marshmallow creme layer stays firm, it will begin to slide a bit as it softens.

Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Easy Mississippi Mud Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs slightly beaten
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut flaked
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 13 ounce jar marshmallow creme
- 1 can chocolate frosting I warm the can in the microwave and pour over the marshmallow layer.
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13" pan and preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat butter until creamy.1 cup butter
- Add eggs and beat well.4 eggs slightly beaten
- Stir in sugar and vanilla.2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- In a separate bowl mix together flour, cocoa, salt and coconut.1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup coconut
- Add to sugar, eggs and butter mixture. Mix gently.
- Add nuts and stir with a large spoon. This is a heavy batter, do not beat.1 cup pecans
- Spoon batter into greased 9×13" pan. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes.
- Spread marshmallow creme over the top immediately after removing cake from the oven.13 ounce jar marshmallow creme
- Cover with frosting.1 can chocolate frosting
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Rate This Recipe Pin This RecipeOriginally shared on July 16, 2019 with updates made on April 15, 2025.
Can you use ready made cheesecake mixture instead of marshmallow cream
Oh, I love this idea! I think that would be delicious!