If you love rich, gooey and chocolate-loaded desserts, this Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is perfect.
It’s a decadent Southern classic with layers of moist chocolate cake, melted marshmallows and smooth frosting. If you want to learn How to make Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake, follow this easy recipe.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen, famous for indulgent Southern desserts.
- The secret is adding marshmallows while the cake is still warm.
- A rich chocolate frosting melts into the cake for extra flavor.
- Using simple pantry ingredients makes it easy and delicious.

Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
- Servings: 10–12
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern / American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or mixer
- Saucepan
- Oven
Ingredients You Need
For Cake
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Topping
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
For Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan. - Prepare Cake Batter
In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. - Bake Cake
Pour batter into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until set. - Add Marshmallows
Remove cake from oven and immediately sprinkle marshmallows on top. Return to oven for 2–3 minutes until melted. - Make Frosting
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa powder and milk. Stir, then remove from heat and mix in vanilla and powdered sugar. - Frost Cake
Pour warm frosting over marshmallows and spread evenly. Sprinkle pecans if using. - Cool & Serve
Let cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use dark cocoa for deeper flavor
- Add walnuts instead of pecans
- Serve warm for gooey texture
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness
- Use mini marshmallows for even melting
- Do not overbake to keep cake moist
- Let frosting set slightly before cutting
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Perfect for parties, holidays or family desserts.
- Pairs well with coffee or milk.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days if needed.

Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For Cake
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Topping
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
For Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
Prepare Cake Batter
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt.
Bake Cake
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
Add Marshmallows
- Remove cake from oven and immediately sprinkle marshmallows on top. Return to oven for 2–3 minutes until melted.
Make Frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa powder and milk. Stir, then remove from heat and mix in vanilla and powdered sugar.
Frost Cake
- Pour warm frosting over marshmallows and spread evenly. Sprinkle pecans if using.
Cool & Serve
- Let cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use dark cocoa for deeper flavor
- Add walnuts instead of pecans
- Serve warm for gooey texture
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness
- Use mini marshmallows for even melting
- Do not overbake to keep cake moist
- Let frosting set slightly before cutting
FAQs
1. Why is it called Mississippi Mud Cake?
Because of its rich, gooey, “mud-like” texture.
2. Can I skip marshmallows?
Yes, but they add signature texture and sweetness.
3. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes great the next day.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze slices for up to 1 month.
5. Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, but homemade gives better flavor.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe is rich, gooey and full of chocolate flavor. Now you know How to make Paula Deen Mississippi Mud Cake step by step.
With simple ingredients, you can create a classic Southern dessert everyone will love.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet, indulgent treat!

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