Mounds Cake Recipe: A Coconut and Chocolate Lover’s Delight

For those who can’t resist the combination of rich chocolate and sweet coconut, this Mounds Cake Recipe is a must-try. Inspired by the classic Mounds candy bar, this cake layers moist chocolate cake with a decadent coconut filling, all topped off with a luscious chocolate frosting. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a special occasion or indulging in a weekend treat, this cake will satisfy your craving for something both sweet and indulgent.

The Mounds Cake Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the iconic pairing of chocolate and coconut. The layers of this cake are soft, moist, and full of flavor, with each bite providing the perfect balance of textures and tastes. From the creamy coconut filling to the rich chocolate frosting, every element of this cake works together to create a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a show-stopping Mounds cake, including tips for achieving the perfect coconut filling, a smooth chocolate frosting, and suggestions for creative variations. Additionally, we’ll offer tips on storing leftovers and ideas for serving this cake at your next gathering. Let’s get started with this easy and delicious Mounds Cake Recipe!

If you love rich, chocolatey desserts, don’t miss this decadent Hershey Bar Cake Recipe for another indulgent treat.

Ingredients for the Mounds Cake Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Mounds Cake Recipe, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent cake:

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

To prepare the Coconut Filling:

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed to adjust consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

Additional shredded coconut for garnish
Chocolate chips or chocolate shavings

Tools and Equipment for the Mounds Cake Recipe

Before you begin baking, make sure you have the following tools and equipment to successfully create your Mounds Cake Recipe:

2 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan
Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
Electric mixer or hand whisk for the cake batter and frosting
Spatula for spreading the frosting
Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
A wire cooling rack to allow the cakes to cool completely
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate (if garnishing with chocolate)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Mounds Cake Recipe

I- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to prevent any lumps.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add Wet Ingredients to Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until the batter is smooth. The key to a moist cake is to not overmix the batter—just combine until everything is well blended.
Add Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water, being careful as the batter will be thin. The boiling water enhances the cocoa powder, resulting in a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
Pour the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, or pour it into the 9×13-inch pan. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
Bake the Cakes: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

II- Make the Coconut Filling for the Mounds Cake

Combine Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well blended. The mixture should be sticky and thick, similar to the filling of a Mounds candy bar.
Set Aside to Thicken: Allow the coconut filling to sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before assembling the cake. This step ensures that the filling doesn’t spill out when layered between the cakes.

III- Make the Chocolate Frosting for the Mounds Cake

Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. This forms the base of the frosting.
Add Cocoa Powder and Powdered Sugar: Gradually sift in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the ingredients are fully combined.
Add Vanilla and Cream: Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Continue beating the frosting until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, add more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. The frosting should be smooth and easy to spread but not too runny.
Taste and Adjust: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, and taste the frosting. You can add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor if desired.

IV- Assemble and Frost the Mounds Cake

Assemble the Cake Layers: Once the cake layers have completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread the coconut filling evenly over the top, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling over.
Add the Second Layer: Gently place the second cake layer on top of the coconut filling. Press down lightly to ensure the layers stick together.
Frost the Cake: Using an offset spatula or knife, spread the chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Take your time to achieve a smooth, even layer. If you want to create a more rustic look, you can leave the frosting slightly textured.
Optional Garnish: For extra flair, garnish the cake with additional shredded coconut, chocolate shavings, or even chocolate chips. These add texture and make the cake visually stunning.

V- Serve and Enjoy Your Mounds Cake Recipe

Once your cake is frosted and garnished, it’s ready to be sliced and served. Each bite will deliver a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake, sweet coconut filling, and creamy frosting. Serve with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Variations of the Mounds Cake Recipe

This Mounds Cake Recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Almond Joy Cake

If you prefer the combination of almonds and coconut, turn this Mounds Cake Recipe into an Almond Joy Cake by adding toasted almonds. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of toasted, chopped almonds into the coconut filling or directly onto the frosting for added crunch and flavor.

2. Dark Chocolate Mounds Cake

For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder and substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate in the frosting. This variation of the Mounds Cake Recipe is perfect for those who love bittersweet chocolate with their coconut.

3. Gluten-Free Mounds Cake

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Ensure that the other ingredients, like baking powder and cocoa powder, are also certified gluten-free. This version of the Mounds Cake Recipe allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this indulgent dessert.

4. Coconut-Lovers Mounds Cake

For those who can’t get enough coconut, enhance this Mounds Cake Recipe by adding a layer of coconut-flavored whipped cream between the layers. You can also top the cake with toasted coconut flakes for a crunchier texture and a more intense coconut flavor.

5. Mounds Cake Cupcakes

Turn this Mounds Cake Recipe into cupcakes for a fun and individual-serving dessert. Simply divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes. Once baked, fill the center of each cupcake with a dollop of the coconut filling and top with chocolate frosting.

For a lighter, more elegant dessert option, consider trying this delightful Princess Cake Recipe.

Serving Suggestions for the Mounds Cake Recipe

This Mounds Cake Recipe is delightful on its own, but there are several ways to elevate your presentation and make the dessert even more special:

1. Serve with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice of cake for an extra layer of indulgence. The light, airy whipped cream balances out the rich, dense cake and frosting.

2. Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

For an even more decadent touch, drizzle homemade or store-bought chocolate sauce over each slice of cake before serving. The extra layer of chocolate adds a luxurious finish to this Mounds Cake Recipe.

3. Pair with Fresh Berries

The rich chocolate and coconut flavors pair beautifully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries helps cut through the sweetness of the cake, making for a well-balanced dessert.

4. Serve with Ice Cream

For an indulgent treat, serve each slice of Mounds Cake with a scoop of vanilla or coconut-flavored ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the rich cake, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Storage Tips for Mounds Cake Recipe

If you have leftovers of this Mounds Cake Recipe, here’s how to store them to maintain freshness and flavor:

Refrigeration

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Since the coconut filling and frosting contain dairy, it’s best to keep the cake chilled. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to soften slightly.

Freezing Mounds Cake

If you’d like to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight, then bring them to room temperature before serving.

For additional tips on freezing cakes, visit King Arthur Baking’s guide on the best way to freeze cakes here.

FAQs About Mounds Cake Recipe

Can I use unsweetened coconut for this recipe?

While sweetened coconut is recommended for this Mounds Cake Recipe, you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet filling. You may want to increase the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to maintain the right consistency.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make this cake dairy-free, use dairy-free substitutes such as plant-based butter and milk for the cake and frosting. For the coconut filling, use coconut milk or cream instead of sweetened condensed milk.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake layers a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature and assemble the cake with the filling and frosting just before serving.

How can I make the frosting more chocolatey?

To intensify the chocolate flavor in the frosting, add an additional 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or use melted dark chocolate in place of some of the cocoa powder.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Mounds Cake Recipe

This Mounds Cake Recipe combines two of the best dessert flavors—rich chocolate and sweet coconut—into one delicious cake. Whether you’re a fan of the Mounds candy bar or simply love the combination of coconut and chocolate, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist chocolate cake layers, creamy coconut filling, and luscious chocolate frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Not only is this cake easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable. Whether you prefer dark chocolate, added almonds, or a gluten-free version, there are endless ways to make this cake your own. Serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a truly indulgent treat.

So, the next time you’re craving something rich, sweet, and coconutty, look no further than this Mounds Cake Recipe. You’ll love how each bite delivers the perfect balance of chocolate and coconut flavor.