If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey desserts with a luscious coconut twist, this Mounds Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine a moist chocolate cake base layered with a decadent coconut, marshmallow, and pecan filling, all topped with a silky homemade chocolate fudge sauce. Every bite delivers the nostalgic flavors of the classic Mounds candy bar but amplified into a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be reaching for seconds before the first forkful even disappears.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mounds Cake Recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the cake mix lays down a tender, chocolatey foundation, the coconut mixture adds chewy sweetness and crunch, while the fudge topping brings that irresistible, glossy chocolate finish that everyone craves.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: The base of our cake, offering convenience without compromising flavor or texture.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender as it bakes.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the coconut mixture and balances flavors.
- 12 oz flaked coconut: Provides chewy texture and authentic tropical coconut taste.
- 120 mini marshmallows: Melt into the coconut layer for gooey, fluffy sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Adds a subtle nutty crunch giving the cake added complexity.
- 1/2 cup margarine: Essential for the fudgy chocolate topping’s silky consistency.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the chocolate fudge layer perfectly.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate richness to the fudge sauce.
- 12 oz evaporated milk: Creates a creamy base for the chocolate fudge glaze that thickens beautifully.
How to Make Mounds Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix’s package instructions. Prepare the chocolate cake batter with the provided cake mix and 1 cup of milk. Pour it into a greased or lined pan, then bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This forms the rich, moist foundation for your Mounds Cake Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Marshmallow Mixture
While the cake bakes, whisk together the flaked coconut, sugar, mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans in a bowl. This heavenly filling will be spread over the baked cake, giving you that signature chewy, sweet layer reminiscent of the iconic candy bar’s filling.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Fudge Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine and stir in sugar. Whisk in the cocoa powder and evaporated milk, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently until smooth, thick, and glossy. This luscious fudge sauce is the crowning glory of your Mounds Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the chocolate cake has cooled completely, spread the coconut and marshmallow mixture evenly over the surface. Then, gently pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. This layering is what elevates the cake to pure bliss territory.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate your assembled cake for at least one hour. Chilling allows the fudge sauce to set perfectly and the flavors to meld together, making every slice rich, creamy, and easy to cut for serving.
How to Serve Mounds Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Mounds Cake Recipe presentation to the next level, sprinkle a few extra toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top just before serving. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream can add a delicate touch of elegance and extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh berries to cut through the richness, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm chocolate flavors. A light espresso or a cup of rich hot chocolate also makes a cozy, delightful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mounds Cake Recipe in individual clear dessert cups showcasing each luscious layer. Alternatively, turn it into cupcakes by using the coconut and fudge as a filling and topping on baked cake rounds for portable, bite-sized treats that wow guests at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Mounds Cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay moist, flavorful, and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the texture of the coconut layer and fudge topping.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, let it come to room temperature first, then gently heat single slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the melty, gooey quality of the fudge sauce without drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine with butter in the Mounds Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Butter will add a richer flavor to the fudge sauce and can work perfectly in place of margarine. Just use the same amount and melt it gently to avoid burning.
Do I need to use evaporated milk for the fudge sauce?
Evaporated milk gives the fudge glaze its creamy consistency, but if you don’t have any, you can try regular milk or half-and-half. The texture may be slightly different, but the sauce will still be delicious.
Can I make the Mounds Cake Recipe completely from scratch?
Yes! Instead of using a boxed cake mix, you can bake your favorite chocolate cake from scratch. The key is having a moist, sturdy cake base to support the coconut and fudge layers.
Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?
While you can enjoy the cake as soon as it’s assembled, chilling it for at least an hour allows the fudge to set and flavors to meld, giving you that perfect luscious texture and cleaner slices.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts would be great alternatives. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor before adding to the coconut mixture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mounds Cake Recipe is like gifting yourself a little slice of chocolate and coconut heaven. It’s simple to put together, yet the flavors and textures come together in a way that feels truly special every single time. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a craving for a decadent treat, this cake will quickly become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation. So grab your ingredients, start baking, and enjoy every gooey, fudgy bite!
Print
Mounds Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This delightful Mounds Cake combines a rich chocolate base with a sweet coconut and marshmallow layer, topped with a luscious homemade chocolate fudge sauce. Perfect for chocolate and coconut lovers, this dessert is easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup milk
Coconut Topping
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 oz flaked coconut
- 120 mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Chocolate Fudge Sauce
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 12 oz evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Cake. Preheat your oven according to the chocolate cake mix package instructions. Prepare the cake batter by combining the cake mix with 1 cup milk as directed, then bake it in a suitable pan until done. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare Coconut Topping. In a large bowl, mix together the flaked coconut, 1 cup sugar, 120 mini marshmallows, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Set this mixture aside for layering on the cake.
- Make Chocolate Fudge Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup margarine and stir in 2 cups sugar until combined. Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 12 oz evaporated milk, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook while stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Cake. Spread the prepared coconut and marshmallow topping evenly over the cooled chocolate cake layer.
- Add Chocolate Fudge Sauce. Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce evenly over the coconut layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Chill and Serve. Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to set the topping and flavors before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing when preparing the cake batter.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the topping to prevent melting the marshmallows.
- The chocolate fudge sauce can be reheated gently if it thickens too much before pouring.
- For added texture, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping.
- This cake is best served chilled, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 31 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
