Mounds Cake

If you love the classic chocolate and coconut combo, then Mounds Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a moist chocolate cake layered with creamy, sweetened coconut filling and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. It’s everything you crave in a dessert—rich, indulgent, and utterly unforgettable. One bite in and you’ll see why this treat has become a family favorite for generations.

Behind the Recipe

This cake has been a go-to in our family for potlucks, birthdays, and those “just because” baking days. My aunt would always show up with a pan of this Mounds Cake, and no matter how much food was on the table, this was the one dessert that vanished first. She kept the recipe simple, using a cake mix for ease, but it tasted like something straight from a bakery. Recreating it in my own kitchen feels like honoring those sweet, chocolatey memories.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Inspired by the beloved Mounds candy bar, this cake takes those same signature flavors—coconut and dark chocolate—and transforms them into a rich dessert. While the candy has been around since the 1920s, home bakers started adapting it into cakes and bars decades ago. The beauty of this recipe is that it captures all that nostalgia in a single slice while being incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love Mounds Cake

This dessert checks every box—it’s easy, indulgent, and always a hit. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a weeknight treat.

Budget-Friendly: Uses a cake mix and basic pantry ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Comes together with minimal prep.

Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, chocolate intensity, or even make it gluten-free.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves that gooey coconut center and chocolate top.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Great for Leftovers: Stores beautifully for days and still tastes amazing.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few little tricks will help you achieve that bakery-quality slice every time.

1. Use parchment paper in your pan for easy removal and clean edges.
2. Gently press the coconut filling into the batter to help it set better.
3. Don’t overbake the cake—moisture is key to the rich texture.
4. Let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache so it sets properly.
5. Toast a little coconut for garnish if you want texture and a hint of crunch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just some kitchen basics to make magic happen.

9×13-Inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for even layers.

Mixing Bowls: One for cake batter and another for the coconut filling.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate amounts.

Saucepan: To make the silky ganache topping.

Whisk or Spoon: To stir the ganache until smooth.

Rubber Spatula: For spreading the layers evenly.

Ingredients in Mounds Cake

Each layer of this cake plays its role—from fluffy base to gooey center to luscious topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chocolate Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz), plus ingredients on the package. Acts as the rich, moist base.
2. Shredded Sweetened Coconut: 1 1/2 cups. Brings sweetness and that signature chewy texture.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Sweetens the coconut filling.
4. Evaporated Milk: 1 cup. Helps create a creamy filling.
5. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 1/2 cups. Melt down into a rich ganache topping.
6. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick). Adds creaminess and richness to the topping.
7. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Rounds out the flavor with a warm finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

No need to run to the store—here are some smart swaps you can make:

Chocolate Cake Mix: Use devil’s food or fudge cake for extra richness.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Unsweetened coconut with added sugar if preferred.
Evaporated Milk: Substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
Butter: Margarine or plant-based butter works just as well.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract adds a twist if you love nuttier notes.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shredded Sweetened Coconut: This is what gives Mounds Cake its iconic texture. It’s moist, chewy, and perfectly balances the rich chocolate flavor.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They melt into a glossy, smooth ganache that sets beautifully on top and provides that classic candy bar finish.

Instructions for Making Mounds Cake

Layer by layer, you’re about to build a dessert that wows. Let’s walk through each step together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Prepare chocolate cake mix according to the box instructions. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a separate saucepan, combine shredded coconut, sugar, and evaporated milk. Heat over medium, stirring until mixture is warmed through and combined.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spoon the coconut filling over the cake batter in the pan. Gently spread it into an even layer. Pour the remaining cake batter on top and smooth it out.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Cool completely in the pan.
6. Finishing Touches:
   In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled cake and spread evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Sprinkle with extra shredded coconut if desired. Chill slightly to set the ganache, then slice and serve.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Mounds Cake is all about contrast. The bottom layer is rich and tender, the center is soft and gooey with chewy coconut, and the ganache is silky and dense. Sweet, chocolatey, and coconutty in every bite—it’s an indulgence you won’t soon forget.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Want your cake to be bakery-level every time? Try these:

• Bake until just set to avoid dryness.
• For thicker ganache, chill before spreading.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for extra flair.
• Chill before slicing for clean layers.

What to Avoid

Even a simple cake can go sideways. Avoid these common missteps:

• Overbaking. Dry cake ruins the whole experience.
• Pouring hot ganache on a warm cake. Let it cool first.
• Using unsweetened coconut without adjusting the sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 390

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Mounds Cake actually gets better with time. Make it the day before, store it in the fridge, and let it chill overnight. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices individually wrapped—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve Mounds Cake

Serve chilled or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert pairing. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little extra ganache on the plate before serving.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to give them new life:

• Cut into cubes and layer into a chocolate trifle.
• Crumble over ice cream with chocolate syrup.
• Sandwich between cookies for a mega dessert.

Additional Tips

• Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly through the layers.
• Add a pinch of salt to the ganache for contrast.
• Line your pan with parchment for neat edges.

Make It a Showstopper

Top with swirls of whipped cream, extra toasted coconut, and chocolate shavings. Present it on a cake stand or slice onto dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a bakery-worthy look.

Variations to Try

• Almond Joy Twist: Add chopped almonds to the coconut filling.
• Mocha Mounds: Use coffee instead of water in the cake mix.
• Double Chocolate: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter.
• Caramel Drizzle: Swirl in caramel sauce before baking.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified GF cake mix and double-check all labels.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of mix?
A1: Absolutely! Any rich chocolate cake base will work.

Q2: Do I have to toast the coconut?
A2: No, but toasting adds a lovely texture and flavor boost.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! It actually tastes better the next day.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q5: Can I freeze Mounds Cake?
A5: Yes. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q6: How sweet is this cake?
A6: It’s rich but balanced—if you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the coconut layer slightly.

Q7: Can I use dark chocolate chips?
A7: Yes, they add a deeper, more intense flavor.

Q8: What’s the best way to slice it?
A8: Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe between cuts.

Q9: Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
A9: Yes, because of the ganache and coconut filling.

Q10: Can I make this in a round cake pan?
A10: You can, but a 9×13 gives better layer distribution and easier slicing.

Conclusion

Mounds Cake is the ultimate dessert for coconut and chocolate lovers. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking but special enough to serve at celebrations. One bite and you’ll be hooked. Trust me, this one’s worth every bite.

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