The Sweet Surprise: Homemade Mounds Cake Recipe for All

Creamy coconut and rich chocolate come together in this delightful mounds cake recipe that feels like a tropical dessert dream.

Layers of sweet, shredded coconut dance between decadent chocolate cake tiers.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over each velvety bite packed with intense flavor.

Classic candy bar inspiration meets homemade comfort in this irresistible confection.

Imagine indulging in a slice that combines smooth chocolate with dreamy coconut notes.

Delicate yet bold, this cake promises to transport you to a sunny paradise with every forkful.

What Makes Mounds Cake Rich and Indulgent

• Unbelievably Simple Baking: Create a decadent dessert with minimal cooking skills needed, using basic pantry ingredients and a boxed cake mix.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Sensation: Deliver a rich, indulgent treat that combines classic coconut and chocolate flavors guaranteed to impress family and friends.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this delightful cake in advance and let it chill, making it perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and stress-free entertaining.
• No-Fuss Dessert Delight: Craft a show-stopping cake with straightforward steps that require no advanced baking techniques, suitable for novice and experienced bakers alike.

What You’ll Need to Make a Mounds Cake

• Boxed Cake Mix: A convenient and quick foundation for the Mounds Cake that provides a soft and fluffy base.

• Flaked Coconut: Adds a tropical texture and signature Mounds flavor to the cake.
• Mini Marshmallows: Provides a sweet and gooey element that binds the coconut layer together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth to the coconut mixture.

• Margarine: Creates a rich and smooth base for the chocolate topping.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the fudge-like consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor to the topping.
• Evaporated Milk: Helps create a creamy and silky texture for the fudge.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and additional flavor to the chocolate layer.

Instructions for Baking a Moist Mounds Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake Base

Grab a boxed cake mix and follow the package directions to create a delicious cake foundation. Once baked, let the cake cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Coconut Marshmallow Blanket

• Flaked coconut
• Mini marshmallows
• Vanilla extract

Gently spread this sweet mixture evenly across the cooled cake surface.

Step 3: Whip Up Decadent Chocolate Fudge Sauce

• Margarine
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Evaporated milk

Heat the mixture, stirring continuously until it reaches a rolling boil.

• Chopped pecans

Step 4: Final Assembly and Chill

Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce over the coconut marshmallow layer.

Carefully transfer the cake to the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2 hours. The chilling process helps the layers meld together and intensifies the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cake from the refrigerator and slice into generous portions. Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Pro Tips for the Best Mounds Cake Layers

• Use a high-quality chocolate cake mix for a richer base that complements the coconut and fudge layers.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the coconut layer to prevent melting or sogginess.
• Toast the coconut flakes lightly in a pan for enhanced nutty flavor and added crunch to the dessert.
• Consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine for a more natural and buttery fudge topping.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the fudge layer to balance the sweetness and create a gourmet touch.

Delicious Twists on the Traditional Mounds Cake

• Gluten-Free Mounds Cake: Replace box cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Coconut Dream Cake: Swap margarine with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and select vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate.
• Tropical Almond Joy Variation: Add chopped almonds to the coconut layer and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished cake for extra richness.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Use sugar-free cake mix, substitute sugar with stevia, and incorporate sugar-free marshmallows to reduce overall sweetness.

Pairing Treats to Enjoy with Mounds Cake

• Pair Sweet Coconut Symphony: Select a crisp Moscato d'Asti wine that complements the cake's rich sweetness and highlights the coconut's tropical notes.
• Create Chocolate Lover's Coffee Break: Brew a dark roast espresso or French press coffee to balance the cake's intense chocolate fudge layer and cut through its richness.
• Enhance Nutty Beverage Harmony: Mix a creamy amaretto liqueur that echoes the pecan's warmth and adds a sophisticated almond undertone to the dessert experience.
• Refresh with Tropical Twist: Serve a chilled coconut water or piña colada mocktail that amplifies the cake's coconut essence and provides a refreshing counterpoint to its decadent texture.

How to Store Your Leftover Mounds Cake

Store the Mounds Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.

Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Keep the cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, especially due to the marshmallow and dairy ingredients.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. For best texture, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the fudge topping.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

The combination of coconut, marshmallows, and chocolate creates a rich, decadent dessert that mimics the flavors of a Mounds candy bar.

• Can I use fresh coconut instead of flaked coconut?

While fresh coconut can work, flaked coconut is recommended for the best texture and easier mixing with marshmallows.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, the recipe uses a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it easy for home bakers of all skill levels to prepare.

• How do I know when the fudge topping is ready?

The fudge is ready when it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency after boiling for 3-4 minutes and becomes slightly thickened.

Mounds Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mounds cake recipe brings tropical paradise to dessert tables with rich chocolate and coconut layers. Indulgent flavors dance together, creating a delightful experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 12 ounces (340 grams) flaked coconut
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 120 mini marshmallows
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) margarine
• 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 12 ounces (340 milliliters) evaporated milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare cake mix according to package directions, ensuring a perfectly baked foundation at 350°F. Transfer cake to cooling rack and let rest until completely cooled.
2. Create a luscious coconut layer by gently folding flaked coconut, mini marshmallows, and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Evenly distribute the coconut-marshmallow mixture across the entire surface of the cooled cake, creating a uniform layer.
4. Craft decadent fudge topping by combining margarine, sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
5. Continuously stir the fudge mixture, bringing it to a rolling boil. Maintain a steady simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavor.
6. Remove fudge from heat and immediately incorporate chopped pecans, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
7. Carefully pour the warm fudge topping over the coconut layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours to set the layers and intensify the flavors. Slice and serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap boxed cake mix with homemade chocolate cake for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Use toasted coconut flakes to enhance the nutty depth and add a delightful crunch to the marshmallow layer.
• Experiment with dark cocoa powder in the fudge topping for a more intense chocolate experience and less sweetness.
• Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk to amplify the tropical coconut notes throughout the dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 389 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg