Mounds Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Homemade Mounds Cake Recipe You’ll Love Today

Crafting a delectable mounds cake brings pure tropical bliss right to your dessert plate.

Sweet coconut layers mingle with rich chocolate in this decadent treat.

Memories of classic candy bars dance through each luxurious bite.

Creamy textures and intense flavors combine to create something magical.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the intense dark coating.

Coconut enthusiasts find pure joy in every forkful.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Mounds Cake FAQs

  • Is this cake suitable for coconut lovers?

Absolutely! The cake features a generous coconut filling made with shredded coconut, marshmallows, and cream, creating a rich and authentic coconut experience that will delight anyone who loves coconut flavors.

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with your preferred flavor, but a chocolate base works best to complement the coconut filling and create a flavor profile similar to a Mounds candy bar.

  • How difficult is this recipe to make?

This cake is moderately easy to prepare. While it involves multiple steps like making filling and frosting from scratch, the instructions are straightforward and achievable for home bakers with basic cooking skills.

Why Mounds Cake Is A Chocolate Coconut Dream

  • Savor Chocolate Coconut Bliss: Indulge in a rich, decadent dessert that combines the ultimate flavor combination of deep chocolate and sweet coconut, creating a mouthwatering experience that satisfies serious sweet cravings.
  • Craft an Impressive Showstopper: Perfect for special gatherings and celebrations, this stunning cake looks professionally made but can be created by home bakers with basic cooking skills, making you feel like a culinary star.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple modifications like adding extra cream, changing coconut type, or adjusting chocolate intensity to match personal preferences and ingredient availability.
  • Create Memorable Dessert Moments: Designed to delight all ages, this cake transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary celebrations, bringing smiles and creating warm connections around the dinner table.

Ingredients For Mounds Cake

Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich chocolate flavor for the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds extra moisture and tenderness to the cake layers.
Coconut Filling Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth coconut filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps bind the filling together.
  • Marshmallows: Creates a smooth, gooey texture in the coconut mixture.
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds signature coconut flavor and texture to the filling.
Chocolate Frosting Components:
  • Sugar, Butter, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, rich chocolate frosting base.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides intense chocolate flavor and glossy finish to the frosting.

Step-By-Step Mounds Cake

Step 1: Mix the Chocolate Cake Base

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two round cake pans and give them a light coating of grease and flour. Prepare the chocolate cake mix just like the package says. For an extra moisture boost, toss in some sour cream to make the cake super rich and tender.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, typically around 25-30 minutes. Let the layers cool completely – patience is key here!

Step 3: Create the Coconut Magic Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream

Stir until the sugar melts and the mixture bubbles gently. Toss in marshmallows and stir until they transform into a smooth, gooey mixture. Remove from heat and fold in shredded coconut. Allow the filling to cool and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the coconut filling across the top. Gently position the second cake layer and cover with remaining filling.

Step 5: Craft the Chocolate Drizzle

In another saucepan, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter

Heat until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Pull off the heat and stir in chocolate chips until you achieve a glossy, smooth chocolate sauce.

Step 6: Frost with Chocolate Elegance

Pour the chocolate frosting over the assembled cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a luxurious look. Use a spatula to smooth out any uneven spots.

Step 7: Chill and Indulge

Slide the cake into the refrigerator for at least an hour to let everything set. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature to soften slightly.

Pro Tips For Mounds Cake

  • Replace store-bought cake mix with homemade chocolate cake for richer flavor and more control over ingredients.
  • Enhance coconut filling by toasting shredded coconut beforehand, adding deeper nutty notes and improved texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better cake consistency, preventing lumpy batter.
  • Add a splash of almond extract to coconut filling for extra depth and complementary flavor profile.
  • Cool cake layers completely before adding filling to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity of the dessert.

Fun Variations For Mounds Cake

  • Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace shredded coconut with toasted macadamia nuts and add a layer of fresh pineapple between cake layers for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
  • Dark Chocolate Almond Mounds: Incorporate almond extract into the cake batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the frosting for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • No-Bake Mounds Cheesecake: Transform the recipe into a chilled cheesecake by using a coconut cookie crust and creating a creamy coconut cheesecake filling instead of traditional cake layers.
  • Vegan Coconut Chocolate Dream: Substitute ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, vegan chocolate, and egg replacer to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of the classic cake.

Best Pairings For Mounds Cake

  • Pair Sweet Coconut Rum Cocktail: Blend coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of cream for a tropical drink that matches the cake's coconut essence perfectly.
  • Complement Rich Port Wine: Select a sweet, full-bodied port wine that echoes the chocolate's deep flavor and provides a luxurious drinking experience alongside each cake slice.
  • Enhance Dark Chocolate Espresso: Brew a strong, dark espresso to intensify the chocolate notes and cut through the cake's richness with its robust coffee profile.
  • Balance Almond Liqueur: Serve a chilled shot of amaretto or almond liqueur that highlights the cake's nutty undertones and provides a smooth, complementary flavor.

Storage Tips For Mounds Cake

  • Store the Mounds Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain moisture and texture.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure the storage area is cool and away from direct sunlight.
  • Cut individual slices and wrap them separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go portions. Store in the refrigerator for convenient snacking throughout the week.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mounds Cake Recipe

Mounds Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful chocolate bliss meets coconut dreams in this Mounds Cake, a tropical paradise of rich cocoa and creamy coconut. Indulgent layers promise pure dessert ecstasy that will transport taste buds to sweet, luxurious heights.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients required by cake mix package

Cake Moistening Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Coconut and Chocolate Coating:

  • 7 ounces (200 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 14 ounces (400 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and dust two 9-inch round cake pans with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the chocolate cake mixture according to package instructions. For enhanced moisture, incorporate sour cream into the batter, mixing until smooth and uniform.
  3. Distribute the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, carefully smoothing the surface to create level layers.
  4. Bake the cake layers for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any raw batter.
  5. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents condensation and maintains the cake’s structural integrity.
  6. Create the coconut filling by combining sugar and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
  7. Add marshmallows to the cream mixture, stirring until they melt completely and integrate smoothly. Remove from heat and fold in shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Position the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the coconut filling across the surface, creating an even layer.
  9. Carefully place the second cake layer atop the first, then cover with remaining coconut filling.
  10. Prepare chocolate frosting by combining sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil.
  11. Remove frosting from heat and incorporate chocolate chips, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
  12. Pour chocolate frosting over the assembled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a luxurious appearance. Use a spatula to smooth and perfect the frosting’s finish.
  13. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 1 hour to set the layers and frosting. Prior to serving, let the cake rest at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Select a high-quality chocolate cake mix for richer flavor and texture, ensuring the base complements the coconut filling.
  • Enhance moistness by adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cake batter, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and check all ingredient labels carefully.
  • Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free chocolate chips and adjusting the sweetness in the filling with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star