Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake is a rich and decadent chocolate cake that is layered with marshmallows and topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. It's a delightful dessert that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Here's a recipe to make Mississippi Mud Cake:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot cake.
10. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and slightly golden.
11. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder until well combined.
12. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
13. Pour the frosting over the marshmallow layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
14. In another saucepan, heat the heavy cream for the ganache until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
15. Pour the ganache over the frosting layer, spreading it evenly.
16. Let the Mississippi Mud Cake cool completely and allow the ganache to set before serving.

Mississippi Mud Cake is best served at room temperature. It's a rich and indulgent dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this chocolatey delight!