Introduction
If you’re a fan of Mounds candy bars, get ready to fall in love with this decadent Mounds Cake! It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet coconut, just like the classic candy bar—but in cake form.
This cake has three irresistible layers:
- A moist devil’s food cake base that’s deeply chocolatey.
- A luscious coconut filling made with marshmallows and shredded coconut.
- A silky chocolate frosting that ties it all together with pure indulgence.
The best part? It’s easy to make, requiring simple pantry ingredients and no complicated techniques. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, this cake will wow anyone who tries it.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
✔️ The history of Mounds candy bars
✔️ Step-by-step instructions with photos
✔️ Pro tips for success
✔️ Fun variations to customize your cake
✔️ How to store leftovers (if you have any!)
So grab your apron, and let’s get started!
A Brief History of Mounds Candy Bars
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the inspiration behind this cake—the beloved Mounds candy bar.
Mounds bars were first created in 1920 by the Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company. These bars featured a rich coconut filling covered in dark chocolate, offering a simple yet indulgent treat. The company later introduced Almond Joy, which has the same coconut filling but includes almonds and is coated in milk chocolate.
Over the years, Mounds bars have remained a classic candy choice for coconut lovers. Their rich, chewy texture and deep chocolate flavor make them an irresistible treat—one that translates beautifully into a cake!
The Best Mounds Cake Recipe
Ingredients
To make this incredible Mounds Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
📌 For the Cake:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
📌 For the Coconut Filling:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 24 large marshmallows
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
📌 For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the devil’s food cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake according to the recommended time.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut.
- Immediately pour the mixture over the warm cake, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
- In another saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup milk, and 1 stick of butter over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Mix until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the warm frosting over the coconut layer, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Let it Set & Serve
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature so the layers can set.
- Once firm, slice into squares and enjoy your Mounds Cake!
Tips for the Perfect Mounds Cake
✔️ Use a high-quality cake mix – A good devil’s food cake mix will give you a rich and moist base. If you prefer, you can make a homemade chocolate cake.
✔️ Don’t overbake the cake – Check with a toothpick, and remove it as soon as it comes out clean. Overbaking can make the cake dry.
✔️ Let the coconut layer set – Giving the coconut filling a few minutes to cool before adding the frosting ensures distinct layers.
✔️ Use good chocolate chips – High-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips make the frosting extra luscious.
✔️ Chill for extra firmness – If you want a firmer texture, refrigerate the cake for an hour before serving.
Fun Variations
🔹 Mounds Cake with Almonds – Add chopped toasted almonds on top of the coconut layer before adding the chocolate frosting for an Almond Joy-inspired version.
🔹 Dark Chocolate Lovers’ Mounds Cake – Use a dark chocolate cake mix instead of devil’s food and add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to enhance the flavor.
🔹 Coconut Cream Mounds Cake – Add ½ teaspoon coconut extract to the cake batter for an even more tropical taste.
🔹 Mini Mounds Cupcakes – Instead of a full cake, make cupcakes and layer them with coconut filling and chocolate frosting.
How to Store Mounds Cake
🍰 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
❄️ Refrigerator: Keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days for extra freshness.
🧊 Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✅ Easy to Make – Using a cake mix simplifies the process while keeping it delicious.
✅ Incredibly Moist – The coconut filling adds moisture, preventing a dry cake.
✅ Perfect for Coconut Lovers – If you adore Mounds candy bars, this cake is a dream come true.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Whether for birthdays, potlucks, or holidays, everyone will rave about it.
Final Thoughts
If you love the classic Mounds candy bar, this cake is a must-try! With its rich chocolate base, gooey coconut filling, and silky frosting, it’s a dessert that brings pure indulgence in every bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and bake this heavenly Mounds Cake today! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below!
🍫🥥 Happy Baking! 🥥🍫