Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Mounds poke cake! Inspired by the beloved Mounds candy bar, this cake is a delightful explosion of chocolate and coconut that never fails to bring a smile to my face. I mean, who can resist that rich chocolate cake, filled with sweetened condensed milk, and topped with a heavenly layer of shredded coconut? It’s like a party in your mouth! The best part? It’s super easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone!
Ingredients for Mounds Poke Cake
To whip up this luscious Mounds poke cake, you’ll need some simple yet delightful ingredients. Don’t worry, they’re easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional for that extra crunch!)
Make sure you have everything ready before you dive into the baking process. It just makes things so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Mounds Poke Cake
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your mixing bowl and prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. It’s usually just mixing the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs—so simple! Once it’s all combined and looking delicious, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Baking the Cake
Now, pour that luscious batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out! Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 30–35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial, so don’t skip it!
Poking and Filling
After your cake has cooled a bit, it’s time to let the magic happen! Grab a fork and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Don’t be shy—this is where the sweetened condensed milk will seep in! Pour the condensed milk over the cake, making sure to fill those holes. Just imagine how moist and flavorful this will make the cake—yum!
Topping and Chilling
Next, spread the shredded coconut evenly over the top for that signature Mounds flavor. Now, here’s the hard part—let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps everything meld together beautifully! Just before serving, frost the top with chocolate frosting and sprinkle on those chopped almonds if you’re using them. Trust me, this final touch makes it even more irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways! This Mounds poke cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making it:
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy days!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Always a crowd-pleaser; everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Rich chocolate and coconut flavors that create a deliciously moist cake.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings!
Seriously, once you dive into this cake, you’ll understand why it’s such a hit!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Mounds poke cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, be sure to let the cake cool completely before poking those holes—this allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak in without making a soggy mess. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the shredded coconut before adding it on top; it adds a delightful crunch and nutty taste! Also, feel free to swap the chocolate frosting for a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous—it really elevates the whole dessert!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful Mounds poke cake. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
With all that chocolatey goodness, it’s a treat worth savoring!
FAQ About Mounds Poke Cake
You might have some burning questions about this scrumptious Mounds poke cake, and I’m here to help! Here are a few of the most common inquiries:
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even red velvet for a fun twist.
How long will the cake last in the fridge?
It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long with how delicious it is!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute it with a homemade version using milk and sugar, but the texture might differ slightly.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mounds poke cake is vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a slice!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Mounds poke cake is super easy! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you’re feeling generous, you can also share it with friends or family—trust me, they’ll thank you! Now, if you want to enjoy it warm, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you’ll lose that lovely, moist texture. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Print
Mounds Poke Cake: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious mounds poke cake inspired by the classic candy bar.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- Spread shredded coconut evenly on top.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Frost with chocolate frosting before serving.
- Top with chopped almonds if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding condensed milk.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mounds poke cake, chocolate cake, coconut dessert
