mounds poke cake

If you love the irresistible combination of chocolate and coconut, then this Easy Mounds Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for you! Inspired by the classic Mounds candy bar, this cake delivers a rich, moist texture with layers of decadent chocolate, creamy coconut, and a luscious chocolate drizzle. Each bite is packed with the flavors of a homemade Mounds cake, making it a dream dessert for coconut lovers.

The best part? This Mounds poke cake recipe is incredibly simple to prepare! Using a moist chocolate cake as the base, it’s soaked in sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream to enhance its richness. Topped with a light and fluffy whipped topping, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of chocolate ganache, this coconut chocolate poke cake is an effortless showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday dessert table, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake is guaranteed to impress!

What is a Mounds Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a classic dessert known for its incredibly moist and flavorful texture, created by poking holes into a freshly baked cake and filling them with a deliciously rich liquid. Whether it’s sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, or chocolate syrup, this technique allows the cake to soak up extra moisture, enhancing its softness and indulgent taste.

A Mounds poke cake takes inspiration from the beloved Mounds candy bar, which features a sweet coconut filling coated in a layer of dark chocolate. By combining a moist chocolate cake base with creamy coconut flavors, this coconut chocolate poke cake captures the essence of the classic treat. The addition of whipped topping, toasted coconut flakes, and chocolate ganache makes every bite taste like a decadent homemade Mounds cake, offering the perfect balance of rich chocolate and tropical coconut flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Decadent

One of the best things about this Mounds poke cake recipe is its ultra-soft texture. The combination of a moist chocolate cake with sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream ensures every bite is rich, flavorful, and perfectly tender.

Easy to Make

This simple poke cake with chocolate and coconut is beginner-friendly and requires minimal effort. By using a cake mix, you can cut down on prep time while still achieving a homemade taste that feels like you spent hours baking.

Perfect for Coconut Lovers

If you love coconut cream desserts, this cake is a dream come true! The creamy coconut filling, toasted coconut flakes, and chocolate drizzle make it an irresistible treat for anyone who enjoys the chocolate-coconut combination.

Essential Ingredients

To create the best Mounds cake recipe, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

• Chocolate cake mix – The base for this easy dessert with coconut and chocolate (you can also use a homemade chocolate coconut cake recipe).
• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds a rich, caramel-like texture that keeps the cake moist.
• Coconut cream – Enhances the coconut flavor and mimics the filling of a Mounds candy bar.
• Whipped topping – Provides a light and creamy finish.
• Shredded coconut flakes – Adds texture and extra coconut flavor.
• Chocolate ganache – A smooth, decadent drizzle that ties together the Mounds-inspired flavors.

How to Make an Easy Mounds Poke Cake

Making this Easy Mounds Poke Cake is as simple as it is delicious. Whether you’re using a chocolate cake mix or preparing a homemade chocolate coconut cake recipe, this moist chocolate cake will serve as the perfect base for a rich and decadent treat. The layers of sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, whipped topping, and chocolate ganache combine to capture the irresistible Mounds candy bar experience in every bite. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to create this amazing coconut chocolate poke cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preparing your chocolate cake. You can use a moist chocolate cake mix for convenience or go the extra mile and bake a homemade chocolate coconut cake. Either way, make sure the cake is baked according to the instructions and is completely cooled before proceeding. The key here is a moist cake that will absorb the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream to enhance its texture and flavor.

Poke and Soak

Once your cake has cooled, it’s time for the fun part: poking! Using a fork or skewer, carefully poke holes into the surface of the cake. The holes should be spaced evenly, allowing the cake to absorb all the delicious fillings. Next, combine the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream together and pour the mixture evenly over the cake. This step ensures that every bite will have that rich coconut-chocolate flavor. Allow the liquid to soak into the cake for at least 30 minutes, letting it create a moist and decadent base for the next layers.

Layer the Flavors

After the cake has absorbed the soaking liquid, it’s time to build the flavors! Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cake to give it a smooth, creamy texture that complements the richness of the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream. For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped topping, giving the cake a crunchy contrast that elevates the coconut cream dessert experience.

Drizzle with Chocolate Ganache

To bring this cake closer to a Mounds candy bar taste, melt some dark chocolate to create a rich, glossy ganache. Drizzle the chocolate evenly over the cake, allowing it to melt into the whipped topping and coconut flakes. This layer adds a decadent touch, making every slice feel indulgent and complete.

Chill and Serve

For the best layered poke cake experience, let your cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or even overnight). This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the moist chocolate cake to set, making the cake more enjoyable and easier to cut. When ready to serve, you’ll have a chilled, deliciously layered treat perfect for any occasion!

Tips for the Best Mounds Cake

• Use full-fat coconut cream: For an authentic Mounds-inspired flavor, be sure to use full-fat coconut cream instead of coconut milk. This gives the cake the perfect richness and smooth texture that mimics the classic candy bar.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the cake to chill before serving is crucial. Not only does it help the flavors soak into the cake, but it also ensures the cake is perfectly set and easy to slice.
• Toast the coconut flakes: Toasting the shredded coconut flakes adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the cake a wonderful aroma and crunch that enhances the overall texture and taste.

Variations and Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this Easy Mounds Poke Cake is how versatile it is! While the classic Mounds poke cake recipe is already a chocolate and coconut lover’s dream, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun ways to put a creative spin on this coconut chocolate poke cake and make it even more indulgent.

Fun Twists on the Classic Mounds Poke Cake

• Almond Joy Version – If you love Almond Joy candy bars, simply add chopped almonds on top of the whipped topping for a nutty crunch. The combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds creates the ultimate homemade Mounds cake with a twist!
• Triple Chocolate Mounds Cake – Swap out the coconut cream for chocolate pudding to create an extra chocolatey version. This variation takes the moist chocolate cake to the next level, making it a layered poke cake idea for serious chocolate lovers.
• Caramel Coconut Poke Cake – Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cake before adding the whipped topping to introduce a sweet-salty balance that enhances the richness of the chocolate coconut cake recipe.
• No-Bake Mounds Poke Cake Cups – Instead of making a full cake, layer chocolate cake crumbs, coconut cream, and whipped topping in individual cups for a mini, no-bake version that’s perfect for serving at parties.

Best Ways to Serve This Cake

This simple poke cake with chocolate and coconut is already decadent on its own, but pairing it with the right toppings and sides can make it even more delicious. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy vanilla flavor complements the richness of the moist chocolate cake, making each bite extra indulgent.
• Drizzled with Extra Chocolate Sauce – Enhance the chocolate coconut cake recipe by adding a generous drizzle of melted chocolate or hot fudge before serving.
• Topped with Fresh Berries – If you want a slight tart contrast to the sweetened condensed milk cake, top it with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing twist.
• Garnished with Toasted Coconut – For added texture and a deep coconut aroma, lightly toast the shredded coconut flakes before sprinkling them over the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, this Mounds poke cake recipe tastes even better when made a day ahead. Letting it sit in the fridge allows the coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk to fully soak into the moist chocolate cake, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Can I use a homemade cake instead of a mix?

Yes! While using a cake mix makes this simple poke cake with chocolate and coconut incredibly convenient, a homemade chocolate coconut cake recipe will add even more depth of flavor. Just ensure the cake stays moist to absorb the delicious fillings.

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your coconut chocolate poke cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Easy Mounds Poke Cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and irresistible sweetness, all inspired by the Mounds candy bar. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet craving, this best Mounds cake recipe is sure to impress.

Give this simple poke cake with chocolate and coconut a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments! What variation did you make? Did you add an extra drizzle of chocolate ganache or sprinkle in some toasted coconut flakes? We’d love to hear how you made it your own!