Mounds Cake 🥥🍫
If you’re a fan of the classic Mounds candy bar, you’re going to fall in love with this Mounds Cake! Mounds Cake combines a rich…

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Ingredients
Instructions
- This decadent dessert is easy enough for any home baker.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake according to the package instructions, usually 30–35 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- While the cake is baking, combine in a bowl:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar
- Mix until fully combined.
- Allow the baked cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes for extra flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with:
- Toasted coconut
- Chocolate curls
- Mini chocolate chips
- Slice and serve.
If you’re a fan of the classic Mounds candy bar, you’re going to fall in love with this Mounds Cake! Mounds Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate cake with a luscious sweet coconut filling and a smooth chocolate frosting for the ultimate chocolate-and-coconut dessert. It’s incredibly easy to make using a cake mix, yet tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Whether you’re baking for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this decadent cake is always a hit.
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Why You’ll Love This Mounds Cake
This chocolate coconut cake is pure dessert heaven.
Rich Chocolate Flavor
A moist chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut filling.
Easy to Make
Starts with a boxed cake mix for quick preparation.
Candy Bar Inspired
Tastes just like a homemade Mounds candy bar.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Great for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Even more delicious after chilling for a few hours.
What Does Mounds Cake Taste Like?
This cake is rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey with a thick, sweet coconut layer nestled between the cake and frosting. The creamy coconut filling perfectly complements the smooth chocolate frosting, creating a dessert that’s indulgent without being overly complicated.
Benefits of Making Mounds Cake
Beginner-Friendly
Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable pantry staples.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
Perfect for feeding a large group.
Freezer-Friendly
Slices freeze beautifully for future treats.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Coconut Filling
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Topping
- 16 ounces chocolate frosting
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Chocolate curls
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped almonds
- Chocolate shavings
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Essential Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Customize this cake with your favorite flavors.
Add Crunch
Mix into the coconut filling:
- Chopped pecans
- Sliced almonds
- Macadamia nuts
Extra Chocolate
Top with:
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate ganache
- Dark chocolate curls
Flavor Variations
Add:
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
How to Make Mounds Cake
This decadent dessert is easy enough for any home baker.
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake according to the package instructions, usually 30–35 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling
While the cake is baking, combine in a bowl:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar
Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Allow the baked cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.
Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes for extra flavor.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
Step 5: Garnish
Sprinkle with:
- Toasted coconut
- Chocolate curls
- Mini chocolate chips
Slice and serve.
What to Serve with Mounds Cake
This rich dessert pairs beautifully with:
Favorite Pairings
- Fresh strawberries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Hot coffee
- Cold milk
- Coconut ice cream
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual slices or the entire cake for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
General Information
Mounds Cake is inspired by the beloved Mounds candy bar, which features sweet coconut coated in rich dark chocolate. This easy cake version transforms those classic flavors into a moist, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for every occasion.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 360mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Conclusion
This Mounds Cake is a dream dessert for chocolate and coconut lovers. With its moist chocolate cake, creamy coconut filling, and rich chocolate frosting, every bite is reminiscent of the classic candy bar that inspired it. Best of all, it’s easy enough to make for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for holidays and celebrations.
If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this irresistible chocolate coconut cake too!
You May Also Enjoy
- 3-Ingredient Homemade Mounds Bars
- Chocolate Lasagna
- Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Matilda Cake
- Fluffy Coconut Cream Cake Squares 🥥🍫
Tips for Success
Let the Cake Cool Before Frosting
A completely cooled cake prevents the frosting from melting.
Toast the Coconut
Toasted coconut adds extra flavor and a slight crunch.
Chill Before Serving
Refrigerating the cake for an hour helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Use Quality Chocolate Frosting
A rich chocolate frosting complements the sweet coconut filling perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade chocolate cake?
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake works beautifully.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but the filling will be less sweet. You may want to add a little extra powdered sugar to balance the flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.
Can I use chocolate ganache instead of frosting?
Definitely. Chocolate ganache creates an even richer finish.
Can I add almonds?
Yes! Chopped toasted almonds make this taste more like an Almond Joy cake.
