You’re not just baking dessert—you’re making something special. When Mississippi mud brownies come out of the oven, their rich smell fills the kitchen and draws everyone in. These brownies are soft, gooey, and full of chocolate, with melted marshmallows and smooth frosting on top. They’re perfect for cozy days or celebrations and always bring a warm, comforting feeling.
Why We Love These Mississippi Mud Brownies
There’s no denying the appeal of Mississippi mud brownies. What makes them truly special? It’s all in the layers:
Fudgy base: Rich and chewy, the brownie layer sets the stage with intense chocolate flavor.
Melty marshmallow layer: Marshmallows create a gooey, cloud-like topping that melts just enough to blend into the brownie.
Smooth chocolate frosting: A final pour of warm chocolate icing adds an irresistible sheen and richness.
Textural contrast: Crunchy pecans and soft marshmallows make each bite more interesting.
Ingredients
Mini Marshmallows – The signature topping for Mississippi Mud Brownies, these add a gooey, sweet, and soft texture that contrasts perfectly with the rich brownie base.
Unsalted Butter (for Frosting) – Used in the frosting to create a creamy texture and enhance the flavor of the Mississippi Mud Brownies.
Milk – Helps to thin out the frosting, giving it the right consistency to pour over the marshmallows in Mississippi Mud Brownies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for Frosting) – Adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to the frosting that pairs beautifully with the marshmallows.
Powdered Sugar – Used to sweeten the frosting without affecting its smooth texture, making the Mississippi Mud Brownies decadent.
Chopped Pecans (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, perfect for topping your Mississippi Mud Brownies if desired.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the base: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Bake the brownie layer: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Add marshmallows: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
Cool slightly: Let the marshmallows soften and melt naturally on the hot brownies while you prepare the frosting.
Make the frosting: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in milk and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Frost the brownies: Pour the warm frosting over the marshmallow layer. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
Let it set: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing them into squares.
Expert Tips for the Best Mississippi Mud Brownies
Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
Don’t overbake the brownies—you want that soft, fudgy texture.
Let them cool fully before cutting, or you’ll end up with a messy (but delicious) crumble.
Toasted pecans offer extra crunch and a boost of flavor.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate richness.
Fun Variations of Mississippi Mud Brownies
You can put your spin on this classic by adjusting flavors or ingredients to match your cravings.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on the brownie batter before baking and swirl with a knife.
S’mores Inspired: Add crushed graham crackers to the base and drizzle with melted chocolate and marshmallows.
Double Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips with the brownie batter for extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend in place of regular flour.
Nut-Free Version: Simply leave out the pecans or substitute with crushed cookies.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Brownies
Presentation can take these brownies from great to unforgettable:
Warm with ice cream: Serve slightly heated with a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream.
Party platter: Cut into bite-sized squares and place in mini cupcake liners for a neat, buffet-style treat.
Holiday flair: Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate over the top.
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FAQs About Mississippi Mud Brownies
What makes Mississippi mud brownies different from regular brownies?
These brownies go beyond the basics with gooey marshmallows and a rich chocolate frosting layered on top of the fudgy base, giving them a multi-textured, indulgent feel.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting too much?
Let the brownies cool for 2–3 minutes before adding marshmallows. They’ll soften from the residual heat without fully liquefying.
Can I make Mississippi mud brownies without nuts?
Absolutely. The nuts are traditional but optional. You can skip them or add a different crunch, like pretzels or toffee bits.
Why are they called Mississippi mud brownies?
Their rich, dark, and gooey appearance resembles the thick mud along the banks of the Mississippi River, hence the name.
Mississippi Mud Brownies
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter melted
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 eggs Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (for Frosting)
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for Frosting)
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Let the marshmallows soften and melt naturally.
- For the frosting: Melt the butter over low heat. Stir in milk and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour the warm frosting over the marshmallow layer and sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing into squares.