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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a tropical escape with every luscious bite, the Mounds Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This cake is a heavenly combination of rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, all layered with texture and flavor that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this dessert, you’ll want to make it again and again for family gatherings or whenever you need a little indulgence with a wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this cake is delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating its characteristic flavor and texture. From the fudgy chocolate base to the silky coconut cream soak, these essentials come together to make magic happen.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of the cake, providing a moist and tender crumb that balances the creamy layers beautifully.
- Water, oil, and eggs: These standard cake mix companions ensure a perfect batter consistency and contribute to the cake’s overall moisture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds irresistible sweetness and a creamy texture that soaks into the cake’s holes for extra lusciousness.
- Coconut cream: Brings in rich, tropical flavor and a smooth, thick consistency that melds perfectly with the condensed milk.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Adds delightful chewiness and a burst of coconut flavor both inside and on top of the cake.
- Chocolate frosting: A glossy, rich finish that ties together the chocolate and coconut flavors in one decadent layer.
- Optional garnishes: Extra shredded coconut or almond slivers offer a pretty and flavorful finishing touch.
How to Make Mounds Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter and Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) or follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix package. Mixing the batter as directed ensures a smooth, fluffy base crucial for the perfect poke cake texture. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which usually takes about 25-35 minutes.
Step 2: Poke Holes to Create the Ultimate Soaking Surface
While the cake is still warm from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon to gently poke holes evenly all over the surface. These holes allow the luscious coconut and condensed milk mixture to seep deep into the cake, giving it its signature moist and flavorful quality.
Step 3: Pour the Coconut Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream until smooth. Slowly pour this creamy mixture over the warm cake, making sure it covers every hole. It will soak in beautifully, saturating the cake and bringing all those tropical flavors to life.
Step 4: Cool and Top with Coconut
Once the cake has absorbed the coconut milk mixture, let it cool completely. This cooling time is essential for the flavors to meld and for the cake to gain that perfect, firm yet tender texture. Then, sprinkle an even layer of shredded sweetened coconut over the top to prepare for the final step.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate Frosting and Optional Garnishes
Microwave your chocolate frosting for about 20-30 seconds until it becomes pourable but not too hot. Drizzle and spread it evenly over the coconut layer, creating a rich, glossy topping. If you want a bit more texture and flair, sprinkle additional shredded coconut or almond slivers on top before chilling.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the poke cake for at least one hour to let it set and deepen in flavor. This final chill transforms it into a perfectly cool, luscious dessert that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Mounds Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Mounds Poke Cake Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Toasted shredded coconut brings a lovely crunch and golden hue, while almond slivers add a subtle nutty note and a bit of crunch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also make wonderful options if you want to get creative with presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with lightly brewed coffee or a vanilla bean latte to balance its sweetness. If you’re serving at a party, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of coconut ice cream makes an excellent side, keeping the tropical theme going and offering a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the poke cake in individual glass jars or dessert cups layered with whipped cream for a sophisticated touch. You can also cut it into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids’ parties or arrange slices in a decorative pattern on a platter garnished with extra shredded coconut and toasted nuts for a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Mounds Poke Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This cake can be frozen, although the texture is best when fresh. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a tropical treat anytime you want.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake slightly warm, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as the delicate poke cake texture can become soggy and lose its wonderful flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake can add a personal touch and richer flavor, but make sure it’s moist and not too dense to allow the coconut milk mixture to soak in properly.
Is coconut cream the same as coconut milk?
Not quite. Coconut cream is thicker and creamier than coconut milk, which helps create the luscious soak that defines the cake’s texture and taste.
Can I substitute the shredded sweetened coconut with unsweetened?
Yes, but the cake will be less sweet and the coconut flavor slightly different. You might want to add a bit more condensed milk if you prefer a sweeter result.
What if I don’t have a microwave for the frosting?
You can gently warm the frosting on the stove using a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over a pot of hot water, stirring frequently to reach a pourable consistency.
How long can I let the cake soak before frosting?
It’s best to pour the coconut mixture while the cake is still warm and then let it cool completely before frosting. This helps the cake absorb the moisture perfectly without becoming too soggy.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make the Mounds Poke Cake Recipe, it feels like sharing a little slice of paradise with those I care about most. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to show off at any gathering. If you love the rich combo of chocolate and coconut with a creamy, dreamy texture, you absolutely must try this recipe – it’s seriously unforgettable.
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Mounds Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mounds Poke Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake infused with a luscious coconut and sweetened condensed milk mixture. Topped with shredded coconut and a smooth chocolate frosting, this cake delivers the beloved flavors of the classic Mounds candy bar in an easy-to-make poke cake format. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it combines rich chocolate and creamy coconut for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box: typically water, oil, and eggs)
Coconut Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (15 oz) can coconut cream
- 1 (7 oz) package shredded sweetened coconut
Topping
- 1 (12 oz) container chocolate frosting
- Optional: additional shredded coconut or almond slivers for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) or follow the temperature instructions on your cake mix package to ensure proper baking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the directions on the chocolate cake mix box, combining all necessary ingredients such as water, oil, and eggs to make the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire surface to allow the filling to soak in.
- Prepare and Pour Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely to let the coconut mixture absorb fully into the cake layers.
- Add Coconut Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded sweetened coconut over the cooled cake for added flavor and texture.
- Prepare Frosting: Microwave the chocolate frosting for 20-30 seconds until it becomes pourable, then spread it evenly over the coconut layer.
- Garnish: Optionally, decorate the top of the cake with extra shredded coconut or almond slivers to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes gently without breaking the cake apart.
- Using coconut cream (not coconut milk) is key for the richest, creamiest texture in the filling.
- Microwaving the frosting makes it easier to pour and spread evenly over the coconut topping.
- You can substitute almond slivers with other nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts for a different crunch.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
