If you’ve ever loved biting into a Mounds candy bar, then the Mounds Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dessert takes that iconic combination of rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and a fudgy finish, transforming it into a moist, irresistible cake that feels like a homemade celebration with every forkful. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Mounds Cake Recipe delivers layers of comforting flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with any great recipe, the magic starts with simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing this cake to life. From the fluffy chocolate cake base to the luscious coconut marshmallow layer and the decadently rich chocolate fudge topping, every element is perfectly balanced to create that classic Mounds experience.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides a moist, chocolaty foundation and saves time on making cake from scratch.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds tenderness and moisture to the cake batter.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the coconut mixture, ensuring every bite has that signature sweetness.
- Flaked coconut (12 oz): Delivers the chewy, tropical texture reminiscent of the candy bar.
- Mini marshmallows (120 pieces): Melt into the coconut layer, creating a gooey, luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Adds a wonderful nutty crunch that complements the sweet elements.
- Margarine (1/2 cup): Melts into the fudge sauce, contributing to its creamy texture.
- Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the fudge topping for an indulgent finish.
- Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the fudge sauce.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz): Creates a silky fudge sauce that thickens perfectly as it simmers.
How to Make Mounds Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven and baking the chocolate cake according to the package instructions. This step is the foundation of your Mounds Cake Recipe, so be sure to follow the directions closely to get a moist, fluffy cake that will hold all the delicious layers perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Coconut Filling
While your cake is baking, combine the flaked coconut, sugar, mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans in a bowl. This mixture will create the luscious, chewy filling layer, bursting with the tropical notes and fun textures that are essential to this recipe.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Fudge Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the margarine and sugar together over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and evaporated milk, then bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. This fudge sauce is the crown jewel of the Mounds Cake Recipe, creating that rich, chocolatey finish that everyone will rave about.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has baked and completely cooled, generously spread the coconut and marshmallow mixture all over the top. This sticky, sweet layer is what makes this cake feel so indulgent and reminiscent of the candy bar inside your favorite candy aisle.
Step 5: Pour the Fudge Sauce
Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce over the coconut layer, making sure it covers the entire cake evenly. The sauce will sink slightly into the coconut layer, making every bite rich and gooey.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Place your assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill it for at least an hour. This step is crucial for the fudge sauce to set just right, melding the layers together and making the cake easier to cut and serve.
How to Serve Mounds Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, lightly sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or a few chopped pecans on top just before serving. These touches add an inviting crunch and a pop of texture that enhances the overall experience of the Mounds Cake Recipe.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a star dessert alongside simple yet complementary sides like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess of the ice cream balances the richness of the chocolate and marshmallow layers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the cake in individual clear cups or jars, layering chunks of the cake with whipped cream and toasted coconut. It makes for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for parties or potlucks. You could also drizzle a little extra fudge sauce on the plate for elegant plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, be sure to cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen, and the texture stays moist, making it a tasty treat for days after baking.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully if you want to save some for later. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
If you prefer to serve the cake slightly warmed, gently heat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will soften the fudge topping and bring out the gooey richness without melting the marshmallows entirely.
FAQs
Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?
Absolutely! While the cake mix keeps things quick and consistent, a homemade chocolate cake base will work beautifully if you prefer. Just make sure it’s moist and sturdy enough to hold the coconut and fudge layers.
What type of coconut works best for this recipe?
Flaked coconut is ideal because it provides that perfect chewy texture without being overly dry or shredded too finely. Using sweetened flaked coconut helps maintain the familiar sweetness you expect in a Mounds Cake Recipe.
Can I substitute margarine with butter?
Yes, butter can be used instead of margarine in the fudge sauce for a richer flavor. Just be mindful that butter might change the texture slightly and may need to be monitored carefully while melting to avoid burning.
Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?
Chilling is important as it allows the fudge sauce to set and the layers to meld together. Serving it immediately could result in a runnier cake that’s harder to slice and less enjoyable in texture.
How long will the Mounds Cake keep in the refrigerator?
The cake should stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the textures may start to degrade, especially the marshmallow and fudge layers.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Mounds Cake Recipe enough if you’re craving a dessert that feels both nostalgic and uniquely special. It’s the perfect blend of chocolate, coconut, and rich fudge that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Print
Mounds Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 54 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mounds Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a luscious coconut and marshmallow mixture, finished with a smooth homemade chocolate fudge sauce. This recipe combines the classic flavors of coconut and chocolate, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup milk
For the Coconut Topping
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 oz flaked coconut
- 120 mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Chocolate Fudge Sauce
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 12 oz evaporated milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the chocolate cake mix package instructions. Prepare and bake the cake as directed on the box. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Mix the Coconut Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flaked coconut, sugar, mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the Chocolate Fudge Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine. Add the sugar and stir until the mixture is well combined. Stir in the cocoa powder and evaporated milk, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the fudge sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the prepared coconut topping evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Pour Chocolate Fudge Sauce: Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce over the top of the coconut layer, spreading it gently with a spatula if necessary to cover the surface.
- Chill the Cake: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the fudge sauce to set, making the cake easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the coconut topping to prevent melting the marshmallows and coconut.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
- Use mini marshmallows for better distribution throughout the coconut mixture.
- Refrigerate leftovers covered, good for up to 3 days.
- Serve chilled for best texture and flavor experience.
