Try this Mississippi Mud Cake recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 68.8755666666667 g
- Cholesterol 1.63333333333333 mg
- Fat 14.8340266666667 g
- Fiber 3.73858337144057 g
- Protein 15.12896 g
- Saturated Fat 2.23881583333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -15 (173g)
- Sodium 9351.46486006884 mg
- Sugar 65.1369832952261 g
- Trans Fat 0.920106833333333 g
- Calories 465 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Whisk cocoa into melted butter until well blended.
- Add sugar and eggs, and either whisk or use a hand mixer.
- Beat in flour, salt, nuts and vanilla.
- Scrape batter into lightly greased 13 x 9 inch dish and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately top with miniature marshmallows.
- Top marshmallows with chocolate frosting.
Bakers frequently err by overbaking the cake layer, which destroys the signature fudgy crumb structure that balances the sticky marshmallow topping. Achieving the correct bake requires monitoring the oven closely around the 25-minute mark until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with a few moist crumbs attached rather than wet batter. Whisking the cocoa directly into warm melted butter blooms the solids, dispersing the bitter compounds evenly throughout the fat before any dry ingredients enter the bowl. Because this dessert relies on intense sweetness from both sugar and a blanket of miniature marshmallows, pairing it thoughtfully requires careful consideration of the menu.
Balancing Richness at the Table
Heavy chocolate desserts demand acidic or bitter counterparts to reset the palate between bites, preventing the rich profile from becoming cloying over the course of a serving. Unsweetened black coffee or espresso cuts right through the dense crumb and sugary glaze, while a tart fruit salad featuring segmented grapefruit or tart citrus segments offers a refreshing botanical contrast during warmer months when heavy baked goods feel otherwise overpowering. Alternatively, pouring a crisp, dry sparkling wine brings effervescence and acidity that cleanses the palate efficiently. When planning the overall meal, keep preceding courses light and savory, perhaps featuring fresh greens dressed sharply with lemon juice and olive oil, so the final course remains an enjoyable indulgence rather than a heavy burden.
- Bake in a standard glass or metal 13x9-inch baking dish preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pull the cake immediately when the edges pull away slightly and the center tests moist.
- Layer the mini marshmallows across the hot surface immediately upon removing the pan from the oven to ensure proper adhesion.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days to maintain the soft texture of the crumb.
