Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of the South? This Old Fashioned Mississippi Mud Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a rich and decadent chocolate experience that's surprisingly easy to make. Forget those complicated bakery recipes; this homemade version is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering all the deliciousness of a classic Southern treat. This recipe offers a simple approach to a truly satisfying dessert, ideal for quick dinner ideas and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (115g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for even baking.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The hot coffee adds incredible moisture and depth of flavor to the cake.
Baking the Mississippi Mud Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Making the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Delight: Frosting and Topping
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly with the chocolate fudge frosting.
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the frosted cake.
Tips and Variations for your Mississippi Mud Cake
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for an extra coffee boost.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or even fresh berries would be delicious additions.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Old Fashioned Mississippi Mud Cake is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The ease of preparation combined with the rich, intense flavor makes it a must-try recipe for all home bakers. Enjoy!