If you have a soft spot for rich, fudgy desserts that bring together bold chocolate and luscious coconut, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mounds Cake Recipe. This cake beautifully marries the deep, velvety flavors of chocolate with sweet, chewy coconut and a delightful marshmallow twist, making every bite a nostalgic yet fresh experience. It’s one of those show-stopping desserts that’s surprisingly simple to pull together, delivering layers of texture and taste that feel both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this magical Mounds Cake. Each component plays an essential role: from the moist chocolate cake base to the coconut-and-marshmallow filling, and the rich fudge topping, every element adds depth and charm to the final dessert.
- Chocolate cake mix: The dependable foundation providing moistness and rich chocolate flavor with ease.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Sugar (1 cup + 2 cups): Sweetens both the coconut layer and the fudge sauce perfectly.
- Flaked coconut (12 oz): Brings that signature chewy, tropical texture and flavor reminiscent of Mounds candy bars.
- Mini marshmallows (120): Adds gooey pockets of sweetness in the coconut mixture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall aroma and lifts the sweetness subtly.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft layers.
- Margarine (1/2 cup): The base for the luscious chocolate fudge sauce.
- Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Intensifies the chocolate depth in the sauce.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz): Gives the fudge sauce a creamy, smooth consistency without being too heavy.
How to Make Mounds Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Chocolate Cake
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, creating a moist and chocolatey base that will hold up beautifully under all the wonderful toppings to come. Once baked, let it cool completely so that your layers and sauce don’t melt or slide off.
Step 2: Mix the Coconut Filling
While the cake cools, whisk together the flaked coconut, sugar, marshmallows, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans in a bowl. This combination forms a deliciously chewy and sweet layer packed with tropical flavor and just the right crunch. Setting this mixture aside will allow the flavors to meld perfectly by the time you assemble your cake.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Fudge Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the margarine with the sugar over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and evaporated milk, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about five minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth, rich, and glossy. This homemade fudge sauce is what takes your Mounds Cake Recipe to the next level, adding a silky, decadent finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, spread the coconut mixture evenly over the top. Gently pour the warm fudge sauce over the coconut layer, ensuring it seeps through and covers every nook with chocolate goodness. This assembly creates a divine interplay of textures and flavors you won’t be able to resist.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling allows the fudge sauce to set firmly and the flavors to meld together, ensuring every slice holds its shape beautifully and delivers a perfect bite every time you serve.
How to Serve Mounds Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle extra toasted coconut flakes on top just before serving for a delicate crunch and slightly nutty flavor. For a festive touch, you could also add a few whole pecans or a dusting of cocoa powder to highlight the chocolatey allure.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy sides balance the rich chocolate and coconut layers beautifully, creating a luxuriously smooth contrast in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties and special occasions, try turning your Mounds Cake Recipe into mini parfaits by layering chunks of the cake with coconut cream and fudge sauce in clear glasses. Alternatively, serve the cake alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add a fruity or buttery nuance to the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mounds Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the fudge sauce firm and the coconut layer moist and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 4-5 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several days without losing its charm.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if you want to save some for later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly wrapped, the Mounds Cake Recipe pieces can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your Mounds Cake after freezing, thaw the slices overnight in the fridge. You can serve them chilled or warm them gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the fudge sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat once again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cake, feel free to bake your favorite chocolate cake recipe. The Mounds Cake Recipe is flexible and will still shine with a scratch-made base.
What can I substitute for margarine in the fudge sauce?
You can use unsalted butter as a direct substitute for margarine. Butter will add a slightly richer flavor and a naturally creamy texture to the fudge sauce.
How important are the mini marshmallows in the coconut layer?
The mini marshmallows add a lovely chewy texture and help bind the coconut mixture together, but if you have allergies or preferences, you can reduce them or omit and the cake will still be delightful.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, use vegan margarine or coconut oil in place of margarine, and ensure your chocolate cake mix and cocoa powder are dairy-free.
Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors marry beautifully. Just assemble it the day before your event and keep it chilled until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Mounds Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of chocolate and coconut done right. Its inviting layers and luscious fudge sauce make it a dessert that you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special occasion, this cake never fails to impress and delight. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites for any time you crave something sweet, rich, and irresistibly satisfying.
Print
Mounds Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Mounds Cake is a decadent chocolate dessert inspired by the classic candy bar, featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a sweet coconut and marshmallow layer, finished with a rich homemade chocolate fudge sauce. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a delightful treat.
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 and 1 cup of milk as directed, then bake in a suitable pan until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings.
- Prepare Coconut Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 12 oz flaked coconut, 120 mini marshmallows, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Chocolate Fudge Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup margarine and stir in 2 cups sugar until dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 12 oz evaporated milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the prepared coconut mixture evenly over the cooled chocolate cake layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Top with Fudge Sauce: Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce evenly over the coconut-topped cake, allowing it to seep slightly into the layers.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the fudge sauce to set.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Mini marshmallows add a gooey texture, but you can reduce the quantity if preferred.
- For an extra rich cake, use butter instead of margarine in the fudge sauce.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the coconut topping to prevent melting the marshmallows.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
