If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly blends chocolatey richness with sweet, tropical coconut, Mounds Cake is the treat you need. Inspired by the iconic candy bar, this dessert transforms those beloved flavors into a moist, decadent cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of chocolate, a touch of cocoa, melty chocolate chips, and a creamy coconut topping, it’s a showstopper both in flavor and presentation. This step-by-step guide will help you make a bakery-quality dessert in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients before you start baking. Each component contributes to the cake’s irresistible texture and flavor:
Ingredient Quantity
White or yellow cake mix 1 box
Cocoa powder ½ cup
Sugar ½ cup
Chocolate chips 2 cups
Chocolate syrup 1 cup
Cool Whip (8 oz.) 1 tub
Shredded coconut 2 cups
These items are easy to find in most grocery stores, making this dessert convenient as well as indulgent.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mix the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking, which helps the cake maintain a smooth top when it’s done.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare your cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Once the base batter is ready, incorporate the cocoa powder and sugar. Stir thoroughly to make sure the cocoa and sugar are fully blended, giving the cake a deep, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the coconut topping later.
Step 2: Bake and Create the Perfect Cake Base
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Sprinkle the chocolate chips across the surface for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke small holes throughout the top. These holes allow the chocolate syrup to seep into the cake, making it exceptionally moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Add a Generous Layer of Chocolate Syrup
Gently warm the chocolate syrup to make it easier to pour. Drizzle it evenly over the hot cake, making sure it fills the holes you created earlier. This step is essential for ensuring the chocolate flavor permeates every bite. Cover the cake and allow it to cool completely. For the best results, refrigerate overnight, which helps the syrup fully absorb and intensifies the chocolate richness.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Coconut Topping
While the cake cools, focus on the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the Cool Whip and shredded coconut. Mix until smooth and uniform. This mixture provides a light, fluffy contrast to the dense chocolate cake beneath, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the coconut mixture evenly over the top. Take care to cover every corner to ensure each slice has an ample amount of creamy, coconut goodness.
Step 5: Chill, Slice, and Serve
Refrigerate the cake until the coconut topping sets completely. This chilling step helps the layers firm up slightly, making slicing easier and ensuring that each piece holds its shape.
When ready to serve, cut the cake into generous squares or rectangles. The result is a dessert with rich, chocolate-soaked cake on the bottom, pockets of melty chocolate chips throughout, and a sweet, fluffy coconut topping that melts in your mouth.
Tips for the Best Mounds Cake Experience
Cake Mix Selection: White cake creates a slightly lighter texture, while yellow cake adds a subtle buttery flavor. Both options pair beautifully with cocoa and coconut.
Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to intensify the chocolate flavor. For an extra touch of luxury, consider mini chocolate chunks.
Coconut Options: Sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut can be used depending on your taste preference. Toasted coconut adds a nutty dimension if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Mounds Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of additional chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors improve as it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Why This Cake Stands Out
Mounds Cake isn’t just another chocolate dessert—it’s a layered experience. Each bite combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet, tropical crunch of coconut. The technique of poking holes in the cake and drizzling warm chocolate syrup ensures every slice is moist and full of flavor. The final topping of creamy coconut adds a fluffy, satisfying texture that contrasts perfectly with the dense chocolate base.
This dessert is versatile enough for casual family dinners, birthday celebrations, or holiday gatherings. Its visual appeal and irresistible flavor make it a crowd favorite, and the combination of ingredients is sure to evoke the nostalgic taste of the classic Mounds candy bar while elevating it into a full dessert experience.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying this type of dessert for the first time, Mounds Cake is approachable, fun to make, and guaranteed to delight anyone who loves chocolate and coconut. From mixing the batter to chilling the final cake, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
Indulge in a slice today, and you’ll understand why this dessert has earned its place as a beloved treat. The combination of chocolate, coconut, and creamy topping makes it more than just a cake—it’s a celebration of flavor in every bite.