Mounds Poke Cake is a dessert that will make any chocolate and coconut lover’s heart sing. Inspired by the popular Mounds candy bar, this poke cake combines rich flavors, gooey textures, and a moist cake base that absorbs sweetened condensed milk to create an indulgent treat. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to celebrations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the full details of making a Mounds Poke Cake, discuss its history, offer tips and variations, and even provide answers to frequently asked questions. Throughout the article, we’ll also include some internal links to other delightful recipes and desserts to enhance your baking repertoire.
The Origin of Poke Cakes
Poke cakes have been a beloved dessert in the United States since the 1970s, when Jell-O first introduced the concept. The idea behind the poke cake is simple: you bake a cake, poke holes into it, and pour a liquid filling—such as gelatin, pudding, or sweetened condensed milk—over the top. The liquid seeps into the holes, creating a moist, flavorful, and often colorful dessert.
Since their introduction, poke cakes have evolved into a wide variety of flavors and styles. The most popular fillings include gelatin, pudding, caramel, and, in the case of our Mounds Poke Cake, sweetened condensed milk. The result is a cake that’s more moist than a traditional cake, with pockets of filling in every bite.
Poke cakes are a favorite at parties and gatherings because they are:
- Easy to make: They require minimal preparation and basic ingredients.
- Moist and flavorful: The liquid filling seeps into the cake, keeping it moist for days.
- Versatile: You can experiment with various flavors, fillings, and toppings.
If you’re interested in trying other poke cakes, check out The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Chocolate Poke Cake, another rich and indulgent option that’s a chocolate lover’s dream.
What Is Mounds Poke Cake?
The Mounds Poke Cake is a chocolate and coconut lover’s delight. It combines the flavors of the Mounds candy bar—dark chocolate and sweetened coconut—with the moist texture of a classic poke cake. The cake is typically made using a simple yellow or white cake mix, which is baked and then poked with holes. Sweetened condensed milk is poured over the cake, soaking into the holes to create a gooey, sweet layer throughout.
The cake is then topped with shredded coconut, melted chocolate, and chocolate chips, creating a rich, indulgent dessert that mimics the flavors of the Mounds candy bar. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a decadent dessert.
Key Ingredients for Mounds Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Mounds Poke Cake:
- Cake mix: You can use a yellow or white cake mix as the base. Both options provide a neutral backdrop for the coconut and chocolate flavors.
- Pudding mix: A box of Mounds or Almond Joy pudding mix adds an extra layer of richness and coconut flavor to the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the key to keeping the cake moist and adding sweetness. The milk seeps into the holes in the cake, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Shredded coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is used both in the cake batter and as a topping to give the cake its signature coconut flavor.
- Chocolate chips: A combination of white chocolate and milk chocolate chips adds sweetness and a creamy texture to the cake.
- Melted chocolate: Melted chocolate is drizzled over the top of the cake for added richness.
For other ideas using coconut, you might enjoy Coconut Milk Chia Pudding: The Ultimate Nutrient-Rich Superfood, a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional desserts.
How to Make Mounds Poke Cake
Now that we’ve covered what makes Mounds Poke Cake so delicious, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of yellow or white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil (preferably canola oil)
- 1 box of Mounds or Almond Joy pudding mix (4 oz)
- ¼ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
Topping:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼-½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, sour cream, oil, and pudding mix. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the coconut and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, and milk chocolate chips to add texture and flavor to the cake.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and poke holes: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
- Pour the condensed milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. This will make the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Melt the chocolate chips: In two microwave-safe bowls, melt the white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Top the cake: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake, then sprinkle it with more shredded coconut.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, slice and serve!
For a similar baking project, try The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Mini Apple Pie Recipe, which offers a fun and delicious take on the classic apple pie, but in mini form!
Variations on the Mounds Poke Cake
One of the great things about poke cakes is how versatile they are. The basic recipe for Mounds Poke Cake is fantastic on its own, but there are many ways you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Almond Joy Poke Cake
If you love Almond Joy as much as you love Mounds, this variation is for you. Simply add chopped, toasted almonds to the cake batter and on top of the cake for that classic Almond Joy taste.
2. Dark Chocolate Mounds Poke Cake
For those who prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can substitute the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. This will give the cake a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the coconut.
3. Coconut Cream Poke Cake
To enhance the coconut flavor even further, you can swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream. This will make the cake extra creamy and give it an even stronger coconut flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Mounds Poke Cake
If you’re baking for someone with gluten sensitivity, you can easily make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so no other substitutions are needed.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, why not try The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Pig Pickin’ Cake? It’s a fruit-filled, light, and moist cake that is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions for Mounds Poke Cake
Mounds Poke Cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your presentation or complement the flavors, consider these serving suggestions:
- Serve chilled: Chilling the cake in the fridge for a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture.
- Add whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice adds lightness to the rich flavors of the cake.
- Pair with coffee: The deep chocolate and coconut flavors of the cake pair wonderfully with a strong cup of black coffee or espresso.
- Serve with ice cream: For an even more indulgent dessert, serve a slice of Mounds Poke Cake with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side.
For another treat that pairs well with coffee, check out The Ultimate Guide to Making Red Velvet Cake Oreo Cookies, a delightful combination of classic flavors.
Nutritional Information
Mounds Poke Cake is undeniably indulgent, so it’s important to know its nutritional content, especially if you’re trying to watch your sugar or calorie intake. Here’s a general breakdown for a single serving of this dessert:
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per slice (depending on the size of the portion).
- Sugar: This cake is relatively high in sugar, primarily due to the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
- Fat: A combination of saturated and unsaturated fats from the coconut, chocolate, and oils.
- Protein: Each serving contains some protein from the eggs and milk.
Healthier Modifications
If you’re looking to enjoy this cake while cutting down on some of the calories or sugar, here are a few healthier modifications:
- Use sugar-free pudding mix: This can help reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor.
- Opt for low-fat sour cream: Using low-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream will help reduce the fat content.
- Reduce the amount of chocolate chips: You can use half the amount of chocolate chips to lower both the sugar and fat content while still maintaining the rich flavor of the cake.
FAQs About Mounds Poke Cake
What is a poke cake and how is it different from a regular cake?
A poke cake is a type of cake where holes are poked into the surface after it bakes, and a liquid (such as sweetened condensed milk, gelatin, or pudding) is poured over the cake. The liquid seeps into the holes, creating a moist, flavorful texture that’s different from a regular cake, which typically only has frosting or filling on the top or between layers.
Can I make Mounds Poke Cake without a bundt pan?
Yes! While a bundt pan gives the cake a visually appealing shape, you can also bake it in a standard 9×13-inch dish. The process remains the same—just make sure to poke deep holes and pour the filling evenly over the cake.
How do you prevent poke cakes from becoming too soggy?
To prevent your cake from becoming soggy, allow it to cool slightly before adding the filling. You should also be careful not to overfill the holes with liquid, and ensure the cake is stored in the fridge to set properly.
Conclusion
Mounds Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and coconut. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly moist, thanks to the poke cake method. Whether you’re serving it at a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to be a hit.
The step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving suggestions provided in this guide give you everything you need to create the perfect Mounds Poke Cake. And if you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, be sure to explore the other recipes mentioned throughout this article, like The Ultimate Guide to Making a Strawberry Funfetti Jello Poke Cake, a colorful and fun variation on the classic poke cake!
Happy baking!