Mississippi Mud

The history of the decadent dessert is about as murky as its namesake—the muddy banks of the Mississippi River that its chocolaty base resembles—but there’s no doubt it’s a Southern favorite. Whether the moniker Mississippi mud makes you think “pie” or “cake,” the two desserts are similar yet not synonymous. The classic pie is made up of a cookie-based crust, a fudgy chocolate custard or pudding filling, and whipped cream or ice cream on top. Mississippi mud cake incorporates marshmallows, frosting, and nuts atop fluffy chocolate cake for another irresistible treat. Pie, cake, or another take on the beloved flavors, these recipes are all worthy of becoming classics