Ingredients
For the Cake
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water
For the Topping
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 200 g semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Preparing the Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps in the batter and ensures an even distribution of leavening agents. Add the sugar and stir well.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring continuously. This ensures a uniform batter without overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Step 4: Add Hot Water
Carefully stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal. The hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder, making the cake extra chocolatey.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; the cake should be moist and slightly fudgy.
Step 6: Cool
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the topping to set properly without sliding off.
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Preparing the Topping
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate
Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and butter, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to melt. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Nuts (Optional)
Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. The nuts add texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate.
Step 4: Pour Over Cake
Spread the chocolate topping evenly over the cooled cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out, covering every corner. If the cake is still warm, the topping may sink slightly into the cake, creating a “muddy” texture—perfect for a Mississippi Mud Cake.
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Serving Suggestions
Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Make it Extra Decadent
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for a salted caramel variation.
• Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top for added texture.
• Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the cake and topping for an even fudgier experience.
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Tips for the Perfect Mississippi Mud Cake
1. Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of the topping depends heavily on the chocolate. Choose semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for the richest taste.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake tough. Stir just until combined.
3. Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary. Start checking the cake 5 minutes before the recommended baking time.
4. Cool Completely: The topping sets best on a cooled cake. Patience pays off!
5. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat slightly before serving for a fresh-out-of-oven feel.
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Variations
Mississippi Mud Pie Version
• Use a graham cracker crust instead of a cake base.
• Add a layer of chocolate or coffee-flavored pudding.
• Top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate ganache.
Vegan Version
• Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
• Ensure the chocolate used is dairy-free.
Gluten-Free Version
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it to maintain texture.
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Why It’s Called Mississippi Mud Cake
The name comes from the cake’s appearance and texture. Once baked and topped, the cake resembles the thick, muddy banks of the Mississippi River. Its dense, gooey layers of chocolate create a rich dessert that’s moist, chocolatey, and indulgent.
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Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of chocolate in its most indulgent form. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a special treat, it’s sure to impress anyone who loves deep, rich chocolate flavors. The combination of moist cake, gooey chocolate topping, and crunchy nuts makes every bite irresistible. With the tips, variations, and detailed instructions above, you can easily master this classic Southern dessert in your own kitchen.