Dreamy Mounds Poke Cake Recipe

Heavenly Dreamy Mounds Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Cloud Bites!

Dessert enthusiasts craving a decadent chocolate mounds poke cake will find pure bliss in this irresistible treat.

The rich, coconut-infused layers promise a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Dark chocolate and sweet coconut intertwine, creating a dessert that feels like a tropical escape.

Each forkful brings a luxurious blend of creamy textures and bold taste sensations.

Condensed milk seeps into the soft cake, ensuring every bite is moist and indulgent.

Chocolate lovers and coconut fans will swoon over this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey that satisfies your deepest sweet tooth cravings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 100 kcal

Servings: 17

What Goes Inside Mounds Poke Cake

For Base Layer:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the foundational chocolatey canvas, select a high-quality mix for rich flavor and smooth texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake moisture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
  • Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cake base.
For Coconut Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates creamy, luscious filling that penetrates cake deeply, choose full-fat version for maximum indulgence.
  • Shredded Coconut: Delivers tropical texture and authentic mounds flavor, select unsweetened for better control of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, opt for pure extract over imitation.
For Topping Layer:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides silky base for chocolate ganache, select high-fat content cream for luxurious finish.
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates glossy, rich chocolate layer, dark chocolate recommended for intense flavor.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful crunch and extra chocolate burst, sprinkle generously for visual appeal.

Tools for Mounds Poke Cake Layers

  • 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for baking the chocolate cake base.
  • Wooden spoon or straw: Perfect for creating holes in the cake for filling.
  • Small saucepan: Needed to prepare the coconut filling mixture.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting chocolate and heating cream.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Mixing bowl: Helps mix cake batter and combine ingredients.
  • Whisk or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: Helpful for cutting and serving the finished cake.

Pour, Poke, and Frost Your Mounds Poke Cake

  • Whip Up the Chocolate Base

Grab your favorite chocolate cake mix and follow the box instructions. Pour the silky batter into a greased pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Create a Creamy Coconut River

Warm sweetened condensed milk with shredded coconut and a splash of vanilla in a saucepan. Stir until the mixture transforms into a luscious, dreamy filling.

  • Perforate the Cake Canvas

Once the cake has cooled slightly, playfully poke holes all over using a wooden spoon handle or straw. Make them deep enough for the filling to dive into.

  • Drench in Coconut Goodness

Generously pour the coconut mixture over the cake, watching it seep into every little crevice. Let it rest for a few minutes to absorb all that tropical flavor.

  • Craft a Chocolate Blanket

Heat cream until it’s just simmering, then blend with chocolate chips. Stir until you have a glossy, rich chocolate topping that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Add the Final Flourish

Spread the chocolate layer evenly across the cake. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and additional coconut for a show-stopping finish.

  • Chill and Delight

Refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors mingle and intensify. Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon over this decadent treat.

Fun Additions to Upgrade Your Mounds Poke Cake

  • Prepare the cake a day in advance to let flavors intensify and become more pronounced, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
  • Ensure you poke plenty of holes evenly across the cake to guarantee maximum coconut filling absorption and ultimate moistness.
  • Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a vegan-friendly version of this decadent dessert.
  • Replace the traditional cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising on taste.
  • Cut smaller pieces and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream to elevate the dessert's richness and presentation.

Mounds Poke Cake Serving Tips for Dessert Tables

  • Tropical Beach Party Vibes: Serve this cake at a summer gathering with palm leaf decorations and tiki-style plates for a fun, beachy atmosphere that matches the coconut theme.
  • Sweet Dessert Duo: Pair each slice with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich, creamy texture and complement the chocolate and coconut flavors.
  • Movie Night Delight: Cut into smaller squares and serve during a chocolate or tropical-themed movie marathon, making it an easy-to-share dessert that everyone will love and can't resist.
  • Afternoon Tea Twist: Create an elegant dessert platter with this cake alongside other coconut-based treats like macaroons or coconut cookies, perfect for a sophisticated afternoon tea experience.

Best Storage Tips for Mounds Poke Cake Leftovers

  • Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and flavor intact. Always cover tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, maintaining its delicious texture.
  • Store between 34-40°F to keep the cake fresh. Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially due to cream and milk ingredients.
  • Cut slices before chilling for easier portioning. Use a clean, sharp knife wiped with hot water between cuts to create smooth, beautiful serving pieces without crumbling the soft cake.

FAQs

  • What inspired the creation of this Mounds Poke Cake?

This dessert combines the classic Mounds candy bar flavors of chocolate and coconut into a delightful cake form, offering a nostalgic twist on a beloved treat.

  • Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This recipe uses a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it super easy for home bakers of all skill levels to create a delicious dessert.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, which allows the flavors to blend and the filling to fully soak into the cake.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll only need basic kitchen tools like a 9×13 inch baking pan, a wooden spoon or straw for poking holes, and a microwave-safe bowl for the chocolate topping.

Print
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Dreamy Mounds Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Mounds Poke Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Chocolate coconut paradise Mounds Poke Cake combines classic dessert layers with tropical flavors. Rich chocolate and creamy coconut create a delightful sweet experience you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (237 ml) water
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
  • 1 container (8 oz / 226 g) whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (118 ml) chocolate syrup or chocolate ganache (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Cake Preparation: Blend chocolate cake mix according to package directions, pouring batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and baking until a toothpick emerges cleanly.
  2. Coconut Infusion: While cake bakes, simmer sweetened condensed milk with shredded coconut and vanilla extract in a saucepan until seamlessly integrated.
  3. Perforation Process: After slight cooling, puncture cake’s surface systematically using a wooden spoon handle, creating channels for optimal filling absorption.
  4. Filling Distribution: Pour warm coconut mixture across cake, ensuring complete penetration through meticulously crafted holes.
  5. Chocolate Topping Creation: Gently heat heavy cream to a soft simmer, then merge with chocolate chips, stirring until achieving a silky, glossy texture.
  6. Decorative Finish: Drizzle molten chocolate over cake’s surface, then garnish with mini chocolate chips and additional coconut shreds for textural intrigue.
  7. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for two hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, indulgent profile before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Accuracy ensures the perfect balance of flavors and texture in your Mounds Poke Cake.
  • Control Cake Moisture: Avoid over-perforating the cake to prevent it from becoming soggy; create strategic, evenly spaced holes for optimal filling absorption.
  • Temper Chocolate Carefully: Slowly melt chocolate with cream, stirring consistently to achieve a smooth, glossy topping without burning.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version, or use low-fat condensed milk for a lighter alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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