Mounds Poke Cake: A Coconut-Chocolate Lover’s Dream

If you’re a fan of Mounds candy bars, this Mounds Poke Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! This indulgent cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coconut in every moist, gooey bite. With a decadent chocolate cake base soaked in creamy coconut filling and topped with whipped topping and shredded coconut, it’s an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday party, or just a weeknight dessert, this poke cake is guaranteed to wow your family and friends. Let’s bake this chocolatey coconut masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love Mounds Poke Cake

Rich and Moist: The poke cake technique ensures every bite is soaked with sweet coconut flavor.
Simple to Make: With the help of a boxed cake mix, this dessert comes together easily.
Candy-Inspired: Tastes just like a Mounds bar, with the perfect balance of chocolate and coconut.
Perfect for Any Occasion: A great make-ahead dessert for holidays, potlucks, or celebrations.

What Does Mounds Poke Cake Taste Like?

This cake is rich, moist, and bursting with coconut flavor. The chocolate cake base is soft and fluffy, while the sweetened coconut mixture soaks into the cake for a creamy, gooey texture. Topped with whipped topping and shredded coconut, it’s a dessert that’s decadent, refreshing, and perfectly sweet.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Chocolate cake mix (1 box, plus ingredients listed on the box—typically eggs, water, and oil)
Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz)
Coconut milk (1 can, 13.5 oz, unsweetened)
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

For the Topping:

Whipped topping (1 container, 8 oz, thawed)
Sweetened shredded coconut (1½ cups)
Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish (to bake and assemble the cake).
Mixing bowls (for the batter and topping).
Wooden spoon or skewer (to poke holes in the cake).
Spatula (for spreading the whipped topping).

How to Make Mounds Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the chocolate cake batter as directed on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake, spacing the holes about 1 inch apart. Be sure to poke all the way to the bottom of the cake.
Slowly pour the coconut filling over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly if needed.
Let the cake cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to soak in.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Once the cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake.
Sprinkle the shredded coconut generously over the whipped topping.
If desired, drizzle chocolate syrup or melted chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.

Step 5: Serve

Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk!

Tips for the Best Mounds Poke Cake

Let the Filling Soak: Don’t rush the chilling process—it’s key to getting a moist, flavorful cake.
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the creamiest filling, stick with full-fat coconut milk rather than reduced-fat or coconut cream.
Toast the Coconut (Optional): For extra texture and flavor, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet or oven until lightly golden before sprinkling it on top.
Make Ahead: This cake is even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Variations

Almond Joy Poke Cake: Add sliced almonds on top along with the coconut for an Almond Joy-inspired version.
Double Chocolate: Stir ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking for extra chocolatey goodness.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and coconut whipped topping for a dairy-free version.
Caramel Coconut Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped topping along with the chocolate syrup for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve with Mounds Poke Cake

This rich, moist cake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with these accompaniments to make it even more special:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a creamy, cold contrast to the cake’s flavors.
Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle extra fudge sauce on individual slices for added indulgence.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee pair perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze: This cake can be frozen (without the whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the topping before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade chocolate cake?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe as the base. Just make sure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare the cake up to the topping step and refrigerate overnight. Add the whipped topping and shredded coconut just before serving.

Can I toast the coconut topping?

Yes! Toasting the coconut adds a nutty flavor and crispy texture. Simply spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Conclusion

There you have it—Mounds Poke Cake, a rich, moist, and coconut-filled dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its indulgent flavors and simple preparation, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive celebrations.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more delicious dessert ideas, check out my coconut cream pie or chocolate lava cake—you’ll love them too!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 390
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 38g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy every moist, chocolatey, coconut-filled bite of this Mounds Poke Cake—it’s a dessert to remember! 🥥🍫🎂