Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
- 1 cup salted butter, sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
Chocolate Icing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, sliced
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a half sheet pan (18x13 inches) and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Boil Butter Mixture. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 cup sliced butter, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a light boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then stir in 2/3 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 2 whisked eggs until smooth.
- Bake the Cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. About 15 minutes into baking, prepare the chocolate icing.
- Add Marshmallows. When the cake is done, immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly across the top. Place the pan under the broiler for 1 minute to toast the marshmallows lightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Make the Chocolate Icing. Melt 1/2 cup sliced butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/3 cup cocoa powder until melted and it reaches a light simmer. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in 1/3 cup milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar. Gradually stir in 3 cups sifted powdered sugar until well combined. If the icing is too thick, thin with 2-3 tablespoons more milk; if too thin, add up to 1/4 cup more powdered sugar. Fold in chopped pecans if using.
- Frost the Cake. Pour the warm chocolate icing over the cake topped with toasted marshmallows, spreading gently with a rubber spatula to cover evenly. Work quickly, as the icing will begin to harden upon cooling.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Watch the marshmallows closely while broiling; they can burn quickly.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans from the frosting.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk or powdered sugar to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This cake is rich and dense; smaller serving sizes are recommended.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American