The Mounds Poke Cake brings together the best of both worlds – the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate paired with the tropical sweetness of coconut. Infused with a luscious coconut cream soak, this cake stays incredibly moist and flavorful, making it perfect for parties or gatherings. Each bite delivers the creamy, decadent experience of a Mounds candy bar, but in cake form.
Topped with shredded coconut and chocolate frosting, this cake is a coconut lover’s paradise. It’s an easy, make-ahead dessert that can be stored in the fridge, ensuring all the flavors blend beautifully before serving. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply indulging in a sweet, tropical treat!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 15 oz can coconut cream
- 7 oz sweetened shredded coconut
- 12 oz chocolate frosting
- Toasted coconut or almond slivers for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a greased 9×13 baking pan until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the top.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Let the cake cool to room temperature (1-2 hours), allowing it to absorb the coconut mixture.
- Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut evenly over the cooled cake.
- Microwave the chocolate frosting for 20-30 seconds until pourable, then pour it over the coconut layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Garnish with toasted coconut or almond slivers if desired.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Cooling Time: 1-2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Mounds Candy Bar Inspiration
The Mounds candy bar is a popular treat that features a coconut filling coated in dark chocolate. This cake mimics those flavors by combining:
- A moist chocolate cake base.
- A coconut cream soak that gets absorbed by the cake for added moisture and flavor.
- A layer of shredded coconut on top of the cake.
- A chocolate frosting that finishes the dessert, mirroring the outer layer of a Mounds bar.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chocolate Cake Mix: You can use a boxed mix for convenience, but if you prefer a richer flavor, you can make a homemade chocolate cake from scratch. Either way, the cake will serve as the base for the coconut cream soak.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sweet milk is mixed with coconut cream to create the perfect filling for the poke cake. It adds sweetness and helps keep the cake extra moist.
- Coconut Cream: A key ingredient that infuses the cake with its signature coconut flavor. It’s thicker and creamier than coconut milk, giving the cake a luxurious texture.
- Shredded Coconut: Sprinkling sweetened shredded coconut on top of the cake adds texture and boosts the coconut flavor.
- Chocolate Frosting: A smooth layer of chocolate frosting ties everything together, creating the perfect combination of chocolate and coconut. For an extra indulgent treat, you can use dark chocolate frosting, or add melted chocolate ganache on top for a glossy finish.
Why Mounds Poke Cake is Perfect for Entertaining
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be prepared 1-2 days ahead of time, allowing the coconut cream to fully soak into the cake, enhancing the flavor and texture. This makes it an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings where you want to minimize last-minute preparations.
- Feeds a Crowd: Since it’s made in a large 9×13 baking pan, this cake is perfect for serving a crowd. Each slice offers a rich, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress guests.
- Easy to Serve: The cake is best served chilled, making it simple to slice and serve at events without worrying about it becoming too messy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mounds Poke Cake
- Poke Deep Holes: Use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes in the cake that are about 1 inch apart. Make sure the holes go deep enough to allow the coconut cream mixture to really penetrate the cake.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: After pouring the coconut cream mixture over the cake, allow it to cool completely before adding the shredded coconut and frosting. This ensures that the soak has time to fully absorb and the cake stays moist.
- Microwave the Frosting: Warming the frosting in the microwave for 20-30 seconds makes it easier to pour and spread over the cake. It will create a smooth, even layer that coats the coconut and adds a glossy finish.
Variations and Customizations
- Almond Joy Poke Cake: If you prefer the flavors of an Almond Joy candy bar, add a handful of toasted almond slivers on top of the cake along with the shredded coconut. You could even add almond extract to the coconut cream soak for a nutty twist.
- Dark Chocolate Lover’s Version: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use a dark chocolate cake mix and dark chocolate frosting. You could also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check that the other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
- Toppings: In addition to the shredded coconut, you can top the cake with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or Cool Whip on top of each slice to balance the richness of the cake with a light, airy topping.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream served alongside a slice of this cake makes for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Garnished with Mounds Candy: For a fun presentation, add a small piece of Mounds candy on top of each slice or along the side of the plate.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: You can also freeze individual slices of the cake for later. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe while still keeping the indulgence:
- Lightened Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use a low-fat version of sweetened condensed milk to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Lower Sugar Option: Opt for sugar-free chocolate cake mix and frosting to lower the sugar content. You can also use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet cake.
- Coconut Milk Instead of Coconut Cream: Swap the coconut cream for light coconut milk to reduce the fat content while still maintaining a delicious coconut flavor.
Fun Facts About Coconut and Chocolate Pairing
- Coconut and chocolate have been a favorite dessert pairing for years due to their contrasting flavors. The tropical sweetness of coconut perfectly complements the rich, deep flavor of chocolate, creating a balanced and indulgent dessert experience.
- Coconut is rich in fiber and healthy fats, which can help you feel fuller for longer when eating desserts like this one. Paired with dark chocolate, which is full of antioxidants, this dessert can offer some nutritional benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why You Should Make This Cake
- Easy and Accessible: Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this recipe is simple and doesn’t require any advanced techniques.
- Show-Stopping Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy coconut creates a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, this cake serves a large group and is always a hit at parties and potlucks.
Conclusion
A poke cake is a classic American dessert where holes are poked into the cake after baking, and a sweet liquid like pudding, gelatin, or condensed milk is poured over the top. These holes allow the liquid to seep into the cake, making it ultra-moist and flavorful. In the case of the Mounds Poke Cake, the liquid filling is a rich mixture of sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream, giving the cake a luxurious coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate base.