Ingredients

Nonstick baking spray flour
3 cups sugar
1 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups whole buttermilk
1 1/2 cups boiling water
Mississippi Mud Filling, recipe follows
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows, for garnish
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans, for garnish
1/4 cup special dark fudge sauce, for garnish

Mississippi Mud Filling:

1 (8-ounce) container frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed
1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup toasted and chopped pecans

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (9.7-ounce) box bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
6 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 2 (10-inch) baking pans with nonstick baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. In another large bowl, add the eggs and vanilla and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Slowly add butter mixture, beating until combined.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa. Gradually add to the sugar mixture, alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined after each addition. Slowly add the boiling water, beating until just combined. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pans, and bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 28 to 34 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes and let them cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Mississippi Mud filling evenly between layers. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours. Spread Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over top and sides of cake. Just before serving, sprinkle marshmallows and pecans evenly over the top and drizzle with fudge sauce. Store the cake, covered, in refrigerator.

Mississippi Mud Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping, marshmallow creme, and cream cheese. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in the pecans, then cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the melted chocolates, beating until combined. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth. Add vanilla, beating until incorporated. Use the frosting immediately.

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen