Mississippi Mud Cupcakes are a bite-sized version of the famous Mississippi Mud Cake, a southern classic that has delighted dessert lovers for decades. Rich, fudgy chocolate cake, topped with gooey marshmallow, and finished with a luscious chocolate glaze, these cupcakes bring layers of decadence in every bite.

What makes this dessert truly irresistible is the balance of textures and flavors: soft chocolate sponge, melty marshmallow topping, crunchy pecans, and silky chocolate drizzle. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, Mississippi Mud Cupcakes are a guaranteed hit.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history, step-by-step preparation, ingredient breakdown, variations, and expert baking tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out bakery-worthy every time.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup boiling water
1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Chocolate Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with 12 liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Create Batter
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix gently, then stir in boiling water until batter is smooth and pourable.
Bake Cupcakes
Fill liners ⅔ full with batter. Bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Add Marshmallows
Remove cupcakes from oven, immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows over tops, and return to oven for 2 minutes to soften.
Prepare Glaze
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in cocoa powder and milk, then stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze Cupcakes
Drizzle warm glaze over marshmallow-topped cupcakes. Sprinkle with pecans.
Cool & Serve
Let glaze set before serving. Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days.

Why These Cupcakes Work

Mississippi Mud Cupcakes pack the nostalgic richness of Southern baking into handheld desserts. The gooey marshmallow layer recreates the “muddy” look of the original cake, while the glaze ensures every bite is ultra-chocolaty.

Variations

Peanut Butter Twist: Add peanut butter chips to the batter.
Extra Fudgy: Use coffee instead of boiling water to intensify chocolate flavor.
Nut-Free: Skip pecans and add cookie crumbles.
Holiday Style: Top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Decorate with chocolate curls for a fancy presentation.
Pair with strong coffee or a cold glass of milk.