Delta Mudslide Cake

Indulge in a truly spectacular dessert experience with this homemade Mississippi Mud Cake. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a multi-layered masterpiece that brings together the rich depth of a classic chocolate cake with the delightful textures of pecans, toasted coconut, gooey marshmallow fluff, and a luscious, fudgy icing. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, making it a show-stopping treat perfect for any occasion.

Bite out of mudslide cake with chocolate, marshmallow fluff, pecans and coconut.

If you’re searching for an intensely chocolatey, wonderfully gooey, and utterly satisfying dessert, this layered Mississippi Mud Cake recipe is precisely what you need. Imagine the best parts of a rocky road treat combined with a deeply rich mud cake, elevated to an extraordinary level of deliciousness. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression and quickly becomes a family favorite.

Inspired by the irresistible combination of chocolate and marshmallow that makes our Mississippi Mud Brownies so popular, we knew we had to translate that magic into a cake. There’s something uniquely comforting about the marriage of sweet, vanilla-infused marshmallow with a decadent, fudgy chocolate icing. It’s a pairing that promises pure bliss with every forkful.

And of course, living by the majestic Mississippi River, creating a dessert named after it feels almost obligatory! Any excuse to bake a glorious cake smothered in rich fudge frosting is a good excuse in our book. This cake was a natural progression, ensuring all those fantastic add-ins we contemplated for the brownies found their perfect home within this grander confection.

The addition of pecans and coconut isn’t just for flavor; they contribute a wonderful textural contrast that elevates the cake beyond simple chocolate. The pecans offer a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone, while the coconut provides a hint of tropical sweetness and chewiness. However, feel free to customize this dessert to your preference; you can easily omit one or both of these elements, and the cake will still be undeniably delicious. Ultimately, the star of this indulgent show remains the unparalleled duo of rich chocolate and dreamy marshmallows.

Looking down on whole mudslide cake with marshmallow fluff showing through chocolate icing and pecans.
Slice of chocolate mississippi mudslide cake next to cake plate with remaining cake.

Unlock the Perfect Mudslide: Expert Tips and Tricks

Creating this Mississippi Mud Cake is a delightful process, and with a few insider tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time. From subtle flavor enhancements to practical assembly advice, these suggestions will help you master this decadent dessert.

Customize Your Flavor Profile

  • Mocha Magic: If you’re a fan of mocha-flavored desserts, similar to those found in ice cream parlors, consider adding a teaspoon or two of coffee extract or instant coffee to your cake batter. A small amount will subtly boost the chocolate’s natural richness, while a larger quantity will introduce that distinct coffee taste, creating a harmonious mocha twist.
  • Nut and Coconut Options: The pecans and coconut are fantastic additions, offering both flavor and textural intrigue. However, this is your dessert, so feel free to personalize it! If you’re not a fan of nuts or coconut, or if you have dietary restrictions, simply omit one or both. The cake will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Bowl of homemade chocolate cake batter.
Mixing chopped pecans and coconut into chocolate cake batter.

Assembling Your Decadent Cake

Once your homemade chocolate cake layers have cooled completely, it’s time for the truly fun part: assembly! While working with marshmallow fluff can be a bit sticky and messy, remember, this is a cake named after “Mississippi mud.” Embrace the glorious mess that comes with creating such a rich and gooey confection!

  • Marshmallow Layer: For a smooth application of marshmallow fluff, it helps to use a lightly oiled spatula or spoon. Don’t worry about achieving absolute perfection; the rustic “mudslide” look is part of its charm. Spread an even layer over your first cake, then top with the second, spreading the remaining fluff on top.
  • Icing Application: You have a couple of options for the fudgy chocolate icing. For that signature pour-over effect, gently warm a tub of store-bought chocolate icing until it reaches a pourable consistency. Alternatively, you can craft your own rich, homemade chocolate fudge frosting. This is often our preference, as we simply adore making frosting from scratch! Pour the warm icing over the top and sides of the cake, using a knife or spatula to guide it and ensure even coverage. Again, don’t stress over a perfectly smooth finish; the drips and swirls add to the cake’s allure.
  • Finishing Touches: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the still-wet icing. Allow the icing to set for a bit at room temperature or in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. This helps the layers firm up slightly and makes for cleaner cuts. Then, dig in and savor every messy, delicious bite—it’s a mudslide cake, after all, and meant to be enjoyed with abandon!
Layers of marshmallow fluff on top of layers of chocolate mudslide cake.
Bite out of mudslide cake with chocolate, marshmallow fluff, pecans and coconut.

Can I make this in a 9×13 pan instead of as a layer cake?

Absolutely! Adapting this recipe to a single 9×13 inch pan is a fantastic idea for a simpler, yet equally delicious, presentation. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the bake time, keeping an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked through. Once the cake has cooled, spread the entire tub of marshmallow cream generously over the top. Then, pour on your chocolate icing and add any desired toppings like chopped pecans. While it might be less of a “mudslide” and more of a “mud-flat,” the cake will be incredibly moist, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser.

Mudslide Cake Recipe

Bite out of mudslide cake with chocolate, marshmallow fluff, pecans and coconut.

Rating: 4.93 from 13 ratings

Author: Carlee

Servings: 8 Servings

Mississippi mudslide cake pairs a homemade chocolate cake with pecans, coconut, marshmallows and fudgy icing. It is decadent, delicious and loaded with goodness.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Equipment

  • Wilton 9-Inch Round Cake Pans, Set of 2
  • Hand Mixer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ cups butter softened
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup pecan pieces
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
  • 7.5 oz. Marshmallow Fluff
  • Chocolate Icing (see notes for options)
  • optional: additional pecans for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air and ensuring a tender cake.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
  5. Gently fold in the sweetened flaked coconut and pecan pieces into the batter. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared round baking tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched with a finger.
  8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensuring the cakes are fully cooled is vital before assembly to prevent the marshmallow and icing from melting.
  9. Once cooled, place one cake layer on your chosen cake plate. Carefully spread half of the 7.5 oz. Marshmallow Fluff evenly over this bottom layer. Top with the second cake layer, then spread the remaining marshmallow fluff over the top surface of the cake.
  10. Pour warm Chocolate Icing over the assembled cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides for that signature “mudslide” effect. Use a knife or spatula to gently spread the icing if needed to ensure coverage. Immediately top with additional chopped pecans for garnish, if desired.
  11. Allow the icing to set slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy this incredibly rich and delightful Mudslide Cake!

Notes

For the chocolate icing, you have a few options. You can prepare a warm, pour-over style chocolate icing from scratch, or simply warm a tub of good quality store-bought icing until it reaches a pourable consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting like chocolate buttercream, it’s best to chill the marshmallow fluff for a bit first to help it set and prevent it from mixing with the buttercream.

Here’s a simple recipe for a pourable chocolate icing:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder until smooth.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until a smooth, pourable frosting is formed. Drizzle this warm frosting over the cake and spread with a knife or spatula if necessary.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 577kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 282mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 47g

“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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