Mississippi Mud Brownies are loaded with gooey marshmallows, coconut, toasty pecans and fudge frosting. Stop what you are doing and go make these now!

Two Mississippi Mud Brownies stacked on top of each other with a square of parchment paper between them.


If I was to choose an all-time favorite chocolate dessert, these Mississippi Mud Brownies are definitely in the top 5.

This Mississippi mud brownies recipe is like a regular brownie except it gets loaded with pecans and coconut, then topped with a marshmallow layer, more chopped pecans, and a soft, gooey fudge frosting. They are so rich and wonderful and they will make you famous with all of your friends and co-workers if you take them a batch. Some folks call it Mississippi mud cake but I feel like the texture is more similar to a brownie, hence the name. You can call it whatever you want!

Getting brownie batter just right is really a matter of having a good ratio of eggs to butter to flour. Too much flour and they turn out cakey. Too few eggs and they just aren't rich and fudgy enough. This Mississippi mud brownie recipe gets it just right so you end up with a deliciously chewy brownie.

What really makes this brownie batter special, in my opinion, is adding just enough coconut for a chewier brownie than you might be used to. The texture is just so surprisingly perfect without it being all "coconutty" for people who aren't into that.

These are guaranteed to vanish at any bake sale, potluck, or dessert table at a party or gathering. The rich chocolate layers of moist brownies, gooey marshmallow, and frosting are irresistible!

What You'll Need

  • Butter - I use salted butter in almost all of my baking. You could use oil instead, but it doesn’t give the richness of butter.
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder - Cocoa powder is essential for chocolate brownies, but relies on sugar to bring in the sweetness.
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Coconut - This is an integral part of what makes these brownies "Mississippi Mud" brownies. It adds a subtle coconut flavor, plus great texture.
  • Pecans - A staple in many Southern dishes, chopped pecans add great flavor and texture to these brownies!
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Milk
  • Powdered sugar

How to Make Mississippi Mud Brownies

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add the melted butter to the sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy and light. Add the eggs and vanilla, then beat again until smooth.

Next come the dry ingredients of cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, salt, coconut, and 1 cup of the chopped pecans, then stir to combine.

Mixing ingredients for Mississippi mud brownie batter in a glass bowl.

Pour the brownie batter into a 9x13-inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray or lined with a parchment paper sling. Bake for 30-40 minutes in a 350 degrees F oven until a toothpick or sharp knife inserted in the center of the brownies comes out with just a few crumbs on it.

Line your baking pan with a parchment paper sling for easy removal once the brownies are completely cool. This makes for easier slicing and straighter lines.

Brownie batter spread in a 9x13-inch pan with a parchment paper sling.

While the brownies are baking, mix all of the frosting ingredients together and beat until smooth. Set aside.

Remove the pan of brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the marshmallows on top of the brownies. Wait 5 minutes for the marshmallows to soften and expand a bit from the heat of the hot brownies. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top.

To frost, scoop dollops of the chocolate icing over the soft marshmallows while the brownies are still hot and then gently spread or nudge the dollops of frosting around to touch each other. It won't be perfect because the soft marshmallows make it tricky to truly "frost" the brownies, but it will be okay if marshmallow pokes through in places.

Frosting these brownies while they are still warm helps because the frosting will melt just a bit and make for extra gooey yumminess.

Cool, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Success

  • Don't overbake. The secret to success with most brownie recipes is to underbake slightly so they stay super moist and fudgy.
  • Try adding 1 cup of chocolate chips if you want even more chocolate flavor!
  • Cutting brownies into squares with a plastic knife really does work! Once they have cooled completely, you will usually get cleaner cuts with a plastic knife than a metal one.
A brownie with pecans topped with marshmallows and chocolate frosting.

FAQ's

Can I make Mississippi mud brownies without pecans?

Of course! You can skip the pecans if someone in your family has allergies or you just don't like them. This would make it more of a marshmallow brownies recipe, but they are still delicious! If you can't have pecans but still want a similar crunch, try replacing them with an equal amount of coarsely broken up pretzels.

Can I make this recipe with a brownie mix?

If you want a shortcut you could use your favorite brownie mix and just doctor it up by adding the coconut and pecans to the batter, then topping with the marshmallows, pecans, and chocolate frosting.

How to Store

You can store these brownies on the counter in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for a day or two longer than that. If refrigerated, we suggest pulling them out and letting them sit out on the counter for an hour to come to room temperature before serving.

If you love Mississippi mud brownies, you might also love Mississippi mud cookies, mud pie ice cream cake, or Mississippi mud pie!

More Brownies Recipes

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.

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Mississippi Mud Brownies

5 from 27 votes
Amy Nash
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 brownies
Gooey, and irresistible Mississippi Mud Brownies are loaded with marshmallows, coconut, pecans and fudge frosting.  Stop what you are doing and go make these now!

Ingredients
  

Brownie base

  • 1 cup salted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans, divided
  • ½ (10-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows

Fudge frosting

  • ¼ cup salted butter, melted
  • 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling or spray with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light. Add in the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add cocoa, flour, baking powder, salt, coconut, and 1 cup of the chopped pecans and stir to combine.
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick or sharp knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the brownies are baking, mix all of the frosting ingredients together and beat until smooth. Set aside.
  • Remove the brownies from the oven and Immediately top with the marshmallows. Wait 5 minutes, then sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top.
  • To frost, scoop dollops of frosting over the soft marshmallows while the brownies are still hot and then gently spread or nudge the dollops of frosting around to touch each other. It won't be perfect because the soft marshmallows make it tricky to truly "frost" the brownies, but it will be okay if marshmallow pokes through in places. Frosting these brownies while they are still warm helps because the frosting will melt just a bit and make for extra gooey yumminess.
  • Cool, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep leftover brownies covered in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Pecans: You can skip the pecans if someone in your family has allergies or you just don't like them. This would make it more of a marshmallow brownies recipe, but they are still delicious! If you can't have pecans but still want a similar crunch, try replacing them with an equal amount of coarsely broken up pretzels.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 455IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @HouseOfNashEats or tag #houseofnasheats!

This post was originally published in November, 2016. The photos and content were updated in October, 2022.

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About the author

Hi, I'm Amy

I enjoy exploring the world through food, culture, and travel and sharing the adventure with mostly from-scratch, family friendly recipes that I think of as modern comfort cooking.

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Reader questions and reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Wow Amy! These brownies are really over the top amazing! All my favorite things in one delicious, gooey and decadent brownie! I am happy just thinking about making them - and drooling just a bit! Pinning to make them this week!

  2. 5 stars
    All you have to say is brownies...and my family would come running. In fact...I made brownies for Easter dessert. These are a chocolate lovers dream. My hubby would be ALL over these.

  3. 5 stars
    I am practically drooling at my screen. I love marshmallows so I'm here for this recipe! Plus who can say no to chocolate?!

  4. 5 stars
    Ooohhhh girl. These are calling my name. Pecans, marshmallows, chocolate fudgey brownies all wrapped up together and smothered with frosting? Yes please!!! I need these ASAP. They will be a huge hit for my family and friends!

  5. 5 stars
    I've never made brownies from scratch! I only like gooey brownies though- so I'm pretty sure I could wipe these out in a few minutes flat 😛 These look ridiculously good- I can see why they're your favorite!

  6. 5 stars
    When you go for over the top, you really go for it! It's not enough to make awesome brownies, when you can top them with marshmallows and pecans and then finish it all off with frosting. Yum! These would be gone at the bake sale before I could blink.

  7. 5 stars
    Irresistible is correct! I've been lamenting the fact that there's no dessert in my house tonight, and looking at these brownies, I might need to get to baking right now! They look perfectly decadent and just the kind of thing you want to indulge in for a special treat.

  8. 5 stars
    Holy moly, these live up to their name! I know I couldn't resist. I'd have to forego the marshmallows because for some reason, they're one of those things I just can't bring myself to like, but I think this recipe would be totally bomb without them anyway! That brownie cake is perfection and really, for me, the best part. Is it bad that I'm craving brownies now? At 10am? 😐

  9. 5 stars
    I need a square right now!! WOW! they do look so gooey and rich I would be in chocolate heaven. I have got to make them for my family -- we are all brownie lovers and these brownies take it to the next level.

  10. 5 stars
    Drool fest! Made these last night to take to my mom today-might have to bake another batch since we ate so many!

  11. Hello. If I double this brownie recipe, how long and at what temp should I bake them at?
    Thank you,
    Camilla

    1. Hmmm, are you doubling in a 9x13 pan? They are already a pretty thick brownie, especially once it has all the toppings. It might be easier to just make two separate batches? If you do want to try doubling the brownie I would probably cook for an hour and then test them to see if they are set in the middle with a toothpick. They may need more time. Let me know how it goes!

  12. 5 stars
    Amy, I tried this recipe last week and it was incredible. It calls for a 9x13 pan so I gave half away to a young family in my ward. I almost wish I had them back. My wife and I have eaten the rest in 4 days. This recipe will stay with me for a long time. I've already shared it with my sisters. Thanks for sharing this with us!

    1. I have given treats away many times wishing I had them back the next day myself, lol. I'm so glad these were so well-received!