The Cake Slice Bakers Present.....Mississippi Mud Cake.

I almost didn't make this one...it got some bad reviews...however, in the midst of making 3 other cakes, I thought "what the heck" - I never wanted to make the accompanying frosting for it though, I just decided after the cake was done, I would sprinkle on marshmallows, chocolate chips and pecans (instead of putting them inside the batter) - I'm so glad I made them...huge success in my world....good PMS bars.

I think you might call my version more of a Minnesota Rocky Road Bar, but nevertheless, an easy, yummy treat. Try it you'll like it.

Mississippi Mud Cake

(Southern Cakes by Nancie McDermott)

Makes one 13 x 9 inch sheet cake

For the Cake
1 cup (2sticks) butter, cut into big chunks
½ cup cocoa powder
4 eggs, beaten well
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
1½ cups all purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Mississippi Mud Frosting
One 16 ounce box (3¼ cups) confectioners sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
½ cup milk or evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups mini marshmallows or 3 cups large marshmallows quartered


Method ? Cake
Heat the oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 13x9 inch pan. In a medium saucepan combine the butter and cocoa powder and cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the butter is melted and the mixture is well blended, about 3 ? 4 minutes. Stir in the beaten eggs, vanilla, sugar, flour, salt and pecans and beat until the batter is well combined and the flour has disappeared.

Quickly pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cake springs back when touched gently in the centre and is beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.

While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting so it is ready to pour over the hot cake.

Method ? Mud Frosting
In a medium bowl combine the confectioners sugar and the cocoa powder and stir to mix well. Add the melted butter, milk and vanilla and beat everything together well. Set aside until the cake is done.

To Serve
Remove the cake from the oven, scatter the marshmallows over the top and then return the cake to the hot oven for about 3 minutes to soften the marshmallows.
Place the cake, still in the pan, on a wire rack. Pour the frosting all over the marshmallow dotted cake and eat straight away or allow to cool to room temperature. Cut the cake into squares and serve.