If you’re a fan of the classic Mounds candy bar, then you’ll love this Mounds poke cake recipe. This delicious dessert combines the flavors of chocolate and coconut in a moist and indulgent cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few simple ingredients.
To make this cake, you’ll need a chocolate cake mix, condensed milk, cream of coconut, Cool Whip, and coconut flakes. The cake is baked as directed on the box, and then poked with holes to allow the coconut mixture to seep in. The coconut mixture is made by combining condensed milk, cream of coconut, and coconut flakes. Once the cake is cooled, the coconut mixture is poured over the top and allowed to soak in. Finally, the cake is topped with Cool Whip and more coconut flakes for a delicious and creamy finish.
This Mounds poke cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking for a sweet treat. It’s easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this cake is such a hit with chocolate and coconut lovers alike?
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: usually water, oil, and eggs)
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (15 oz) can of coconut cream
- 1 (7 oz) package of shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 (12 oz) container of chocolate frosting
- Optional: additional shredded coconut or almond slivers for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box (typically around 350°F or 175°C).
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix as per package directions and pour into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While warm, poke holes throughout the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Mix sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream in a bowl. Pour over the cake, filling the holes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, absorbing the milk mixture.
- Spread shredded sweetened coconut evenly over the top.
- Heat chocolate frosting until pourable and spread over the coconut layer.
- Garnish with additional shredded coconut or almond slivers, if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes plus chilling
Servings: 12 servings
Serving and Storage
Cutting the Cake
Once the Mounds Poke Cake is ready, you can start cutting it into slices. Use a sharp knife to cut through the cake smoothly without causing it to crumble. You can cut the cake into small or large slices depending on your preference. If you’re serving a large group of people, you may want to cut the cake into smaller pieces to make sure everyone gets a fair share.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. The cake will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can either eat them cold or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. The cake will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
It’s important to note that the texture of the cake may change slightly after being refrigerated or frozen. However, it will still be delicious and enjoyable to eat.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Fillings
The beauty of poke cakes is that they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. While the classic Mounds poke cake recipe calls for a coconut cream filling, you can experiment with other fillings to create unique flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Filling: Swap the coconut cream for chocolate pudding or ganache. You can also add chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Mix together peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the mixture over the cake and top with chopped peanuts.
- Lemon Filling: Combine lemon curd, whipped cream, and a splash of limoncello for a tangy twist on the classic poke cake.
Dietary Adjustments
If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry – you can still enjoy a delicious poke cake. Here are a few substitutions you can make to adapt the Mounds poke cake recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure any additional ingredients are also gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free flour to make your own cake from scratch.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut milk and use a dairy-free whipped topping. You can also make your own whipped cream using coconut cream.
- Vegan: Use a vegan cake mix and substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk or another non-dairy alternative. For the whipped topping, use a vegan whipped cream or make your own using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and powdered sugar.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions – feel free to get creative and come up with your own variations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for a traditional Mounds poke cake?
To make a traditional Mounds poke cake, you will need a chocolate cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, chocolate frosting, and shredded coconut. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients such as eggs, oil, and water, depending on the specific cake mix used.
How do you make a Mounds poke cake with condensed milk?
To make a Mounds poke cake with condensed milk, you will need to bake a chocolate cake according to the package instructions. Once the cake is done, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. In a separate bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk and cream of coconut. Pour the mixture over the cake, making sure to spread it evenly so that it soaks into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely before topping it with chocolate frosting and shredded coconut.
What is the best way to incorporate cake mix into a Mounds poke cake?
When making a Mounds poke cake, it is important to follow the instructions on the cake mix box carefully. Be sure to use the correct amount of eggs, oil, and water, and mix the batter until it is smooth and free of lumps. Once the cake is baked, use a fork to poke holes in the top of the cake before adding the condensed milk and coconut mixture.
How do you prepare the chocolate frosting for a Mounds poke cake?
To prepare the chocolate frosting for a Mounds poke cake, you can either use a store-bought frosting or make your own. To make your own chocolate frosting, you will need unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix the cocoa powder and powdered sugar together in a bowl, then add the butter and vanilla extract. Gradually add milk to the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
What steps are involved in creating a coconut filling for a Mounds cake?
To create a coconut filling for a Mounds cake, you will need cream of coconut, which is a sweetened coconut milk. Mix the cream of coconut with shredded coconut in a bowl until it forms a thick, creamy filling. Once the cake has been poked and cooled, pour the coconut filling over the top of the cake, making sure to spread it evenly so that it fills all the holes.
How can you prevent a poke cake from becoming soggy?
To prevent a poke cake from becoming soggy, it is important to let the cake cool completely before adding any toppings or fillings. Additionally, be sure to poke the holes in the cake evenly and not too deep, as this can cause the cake to become overly moist. Finally, be sure to store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve to help maintain its texture.