Delicious Mounds Cake Recipe: A Coconut Lover’s Dream

Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing my mounds cake recipe, a dessert that’s always a hit. What makes a mounds cake recipe unforgettable? It’s the mix of dark chocolate and sweet coconut that creates pure magic in every bite. I first discovered this incredible dessert when I was craving something that captured the essence of my favorite candy bar, and it instantly became a favorite in my household.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate coconut cake and wants something easy, delicious, and fun to bake. You’ll need dark chocolate with 60% cocoa, unsweetened coconut, and coconut milk for creaminess. This journey will teach you to make a rich chocolate coconut cake that wows everyone at your next gathering.

Creating a stunning mounds cake is easy with the right ingredients and techniques. It’s perfect for any event, whether you love Mounds candy or just want a new dessert to add to your repertoire. The combination of moist chocolate base, creamy coconut filling, and smooth ganache topping makes this dessert absolutely irresistible. So, what makes a mounds cake special, and how do you make a delicious chocolate coconut cake? Let’s dive in and see why this mounds cake recipe is a must-try!

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Quick Recipe Facts

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Calories: 350 per serving

Friendly touch: This recipe is surprisingly manageable and rewarding – perfect for weekend baking projects or special occasions when you want to impress!

Tip: Prep your ingredients for a smooth homemade mounds cake experience. Having everything measured and ready before you start will make the process seamless and enjoyable.

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Ingredients

For this mounds cake recipe, you’ll need a carefully curated list of ingredients that add flavor, moisture, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create this coconut lover’s dream:

For the Cake:

• Chocolate cake mix: 14.25 oz (or make a chocolate cake from scratch if you prefer a more homemade touch)
• Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (15 oz) – this adds incredible moisture and sweetness
• Coconut cream: 1 cup – for that authentic coconut richness
• Shredded coconut: 1 cup – the star ingredient that gives this cake its signature texture
• Dark chocolate: 1 cup (for ganache) – I recommend using dark chocolate with 60% cocoa for the perfect balance

Optional Additions:

• Chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and visual appeal
• A sprinkle of sea salt to balance sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor
• A touch of caramel or chocolate sauce to enhance the flavor even further

You can swap butter with coconut oil for a lighter coconut cake version if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. The coconut cream adds a rich, tropical flavor that makes your mounds cake moist and delicious. These ingredients will help you make a delicious mounds cake that’s perfect for any event. Using top-notch ingredients and a reliable recipe will impress everyone at your table.

Pro ingredient tip: Don’t skimp on the quality of your dark chocolate – it truly makes a difference in the final ganache topping!

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Instructions

Preparing the Chocolate Cake Base

Step 1: Choose your base: Use a boxed chocolate cake mix for convenience or prepare a homemade chocolate cake if you’re feeling ambitious. To boost moisture, incorporate a dollop of sour cream into the batter – this is my secret trick for an extra fudgy texture!

Step 2: Prepare the batter: Blend the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water (or follow your homemade recipe’s instructions). Mix gently until just combined, as overmixing may result in a dense cake. I like using a wooden spoon for the final few stirs; it just works better and gives you more control.

Step 3: Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this helps your mounds cake bake evenly. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 baking pan. Make sure to grease your pan thoroughly to prevent sticking – trust me, it makes a difference! Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Let the cake cool completely before proceeding to the next steps. This is crucial for the poke cake technique we’ll be using!

Creating the Coconut Filling Layer

Step 1: Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of coconut cream, and 1 cup of shredded coconut. Mix well until fully incorporated. The sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream create the perfect consistency and flavor for this chocolate coconut dessert.

Step 2: Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of coconut cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up. You want it pourable but not runny.

Step 3: Apply the filling: Once the cake has cooled, use a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Don’t skip this step – it’s essential! Evenly pour the coconut filling over the top, making sure it seeps into the holes to enhance the flavor throughout every layer. The classic poke cake technique ensures maximum coconut goodness in every bite.

Helpful hint: Make sure your holes are deep enough (about ¾ of the way through the cake) to really soak up that delicious coconut filling.

Mastering the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Step 1: Prepare the ganache: Heat 1 cup of dark chocolate with ½ cup of heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Stir continuously while heating the chocolate and cream to prevent lumps – patience is key here! Remove from heat and let it cool to 75°F–80°F to achieve the perfect consistency. This temperature ensures the ganache is pourable but thick enough to create a beautiful coating.

Step 2: Spread the ganache: Pour the ganache over the cake, spreading it evenly to cover the top. The chocolate ganache topping complements the coconut filling and chocolate cake beautifully. Let it rest for a few hours at room temperature to set properly, or refrigerate for faster setting.

Ganache pro tip: You can also use a pourable chocolate frosting as an alternative if you’re short on time, though homemade ganache truly elevates this dessert!

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Assembling the Cake

Layering Techniques

After pouring the coconut filling and ganache, you can add optional decorations like toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for extra flair. These finishing touches like garnishing with toasted coconut really make the cake look professional and add wonderful texture.

For an Almond Joy twist, consider adding almond extract (about ½ teaspoon) to your coconut filling, or sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the ganache before it sets completely.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow all the layers to set beautifully. This patience will be rewarded with clean, beautiful slices that showcase all your hard work. The cake can be served chilled or at room temperature – both ways are absolutely delicious!

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Pro Tips

Tip 1: Prevent a dry cake by keeping a close eye on the baking time and remove the cake as soon as it’s done. Overbaking is the number one cause of dry cakes, so set that timer!

Tip 2: Enhance the filling’s flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the coconut mixture for added depth. This small addition makes a big difference in the overall taste profile.

Tip 3: Achieve a smooth ganache by maintaining low heat and constant stirring. Never rush this process – a smooth, glossy ganache is worth the extra attention.

Tip 4: Use room temperature eggs in your cake batter for a fluffier mounds cake. Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize up and not incorporate properly.

Tip 5: Decorate like a pro by using a pastry bag to pipe designs with extra ganache or whipped cream for a polished finish. Even simple swirls can make your cake look bakery-worthy!

Tip 6: Don’t skip chilling the assembled cake – it helps all the layers meld together and makes slicing much easier and cleaner.

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Serving Suggestions

Your homemade Mounds cake is ready to impress! Here are some wonderful ways to serve this decadent dessert:

• Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled depending on your preference and the weather
• Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience
• Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream to double down on the tropical flavors
• Serve alongside coffee or tea – the bitterness of coffee especially complements the sweet coconut and chocolate perfectly
• Garnish individual slices with fresh berries for a pop of color and a touch of tartness

These serving ideas elevate your chocolate coconut dessert experience and make each slice feel extra special. The contrast of temperatures – warm cake with cold ice cream – is absolutely heavenly!

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Storage and Reheating

Proper storage ensures your mounds cake stays fresh and delicious for days:

At Room Temperature

Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely covered to prevent the ganache from drying out.

In the Refrigerator

Extend its freshness by storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cool temperature actually helps the flavors meld together even more beautifully over time.

Freezing

For long-term storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. This is perfect for portion control or keeping a secret stash for late-night cravings! Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best results.

Reheating

Serve the cake at room temperature or microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds to soften the ganache. Just a few seconds of warming brings back that just-made texture and makes the ganache perfectly glossy again.

Storage tip: Leftover mounds cake stays moist when stored properly in an airtight container. Avoid the fridge if you plan to eat it within 2-3 days and prefer a softer texture.

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Health & Nutrition Info

Understanding the nutritional content helps you enjoy this treat mindfully:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fiber: 2g

This nutritional information is based on a standard serving size and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Modifications

This coconut chocolate treat can be adapted for different dietary needs:

• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut cream throughout
• Reduce sugar: Cut the sweetened condensed milk with half unsweetened coconut milk
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or recipe for the base
• Lower calorie version: Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content (70-85%) and reduce the ganache layer slightly

Consider these swaps for lower sugar or healthier fats if you’re looking for a lighter version. This healthier chocolate coconut cake option is perfect for weekend treats when you want to indulge more mindfully.

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Conclusion

Baking a Mounds cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that lets you showcase your skills while creating a dessert everyone will love. With the right techniques and quality ingredients, you can replicate the classic taste of a Mounds bar in cake form. The combination of moist chocolate base, rich coconut filling, and smooth ganache topping makes this dessert absolutely unforgettable.

With its moist chocolate base, rich coconut filling, and smooth ganache topping, it’s a dessert perfect for any occasion – from birthday parties to holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Mounds cake!

Try this mounds cake recipe and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear about your experience making this coconut lover’s dream. Did you add any creative variations? What did your family think? Drop a comment below and share your baking success story!

Don’t forget to: Rate this recipe, share it on social media with your fellow dessert lovers, and check out our other chocolate and coconut dessert recipes for more delicious inspiration!

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FAQ

What is a Mounds cake?

A Mounds cake is a rich dessert that turns the Mounds candy bar into a stunning cake. It has a moist chocolate base, a creamy coconut filling, and a rich chocolate topping. This mix of chocolate and coconut is a delightful homemade treat that captures all the flavors you love from the classic candy.

Where does the Mounds cake recipe come from?

The Mounds cake recipe started with the famous Mounds candy bar. As it became more popular, home bakers wanted to make a cake version. Now, we have the easy mounds cake recipe that many love for its moist and flavorful mix of chocolate and coconut.

What ingredients are needed to make a homemade Mounds cake?

To make a homemade Mounds cake, you need a chocolate cake base, a creamy coconut filling made with sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. Each part is key to getting the authentic Mounds flavor and texture that makes this dessert so special.

What kitchen tools and equipment are required to make a Mounds cake from scratch?

You’ll need basic baking equipment like a mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, and a 9×13 cake pan. You’ll also need common kitchen tools like a spatula, a wooden spoon for poking holes, and a whisk. This recipe focuses on using basic items to make it accessible for everyone.

How do you make the chocolate cake base for a Mounds cake?

The chocolate cake base can be made from a boxed mix or from scratch, depending on your preference and time. Using sour cream helps make the cake rich and fudgy. This is key to getting the right texture that holds up to the moist coconut filling.

What is the process for creating the coconut filling for a Mounds cake?

The coconut filling is made by mixing sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, and shredded coconut. This creates the perfect consistency and flavor. The mixture should be pourable enough to seep into the poked holes but thick enough to create a distinct layer.

How do you make the chocolate ganache topping for a Mounds cake?

The chocolate ganache topping is made by creating a smooth, glossy ganache from dark chocolate and heavy cream. Tips for getting the right consistency and temperature (75°F–80°F) for pouring are essential. The ganache should be thick enough to coat but liquid enough to spread smoothly.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, your mounds cake can be frozen for up to 2 months! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This makes it perfect for meal prep or always having dessert ready for unexpected guests.

What if I don’t have coconut cream?

If you don’t have coconut cream, you can substitute with the thick cream from the top of a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk. You can also use heavy cream with a bit of coconut extract for flavor, though the coconut cream provides the most authentic taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually improves when made a day ahead, as it gives all the layers time to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

How can I adjust sweetness?

To reduce sweetness, use dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content for the ganache, and consider using half the amount of sweetened condensed milk mixed with unsweetened coconut milk. You can also reduce the sugar in a homemade cake base.

Are there any creative variations on the classic Mounds cake recipe?

Yes, there are many creative variations! You can add almond extract or sliced almonds for an Almond Joy twist. You can also use different chocolates (milk chocolate for sweeter, extra dark for more intense) or add flavors like coffee or orange to complement the coconut and chocolate. Some bakers even add a layer of caramel for extra decadence!