Mounds Bar Cake Recipe: A Chocolate and Coconut Delight
Craving something rich, chocolatey, and packed with coconut goodness? Look no further than the Mounds Bar Cake recipe! Inspired by the classic Mounds candy bar, this cake brings together moist chocolate layers, creamy coconut filling, and a luscious frosting.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to bake the perfect Mounds Bar Cake from scratch. We’ll cover everything from ingredients and baking steps to expert tips and flavor twists. Plus, I’ll answer the most common questions to help you make this cake with confidence.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mounds Bar Cake
What is Mounds Bar Cake?
Mounds Bar Cake is a dreamy dessert inspired by the famous Mounds candy bar. If you love the combination of rich chocolate and sweet coconut, this cake is your new favorite treat. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and creamy coconut filling, just like the original candy bar—but in cake form!
This cake isn’t just about flavor. Its texture is unbeatable:
- The cake layers are soft and moist.
- The coconut center adds chewiness.
- The frosting ties everything together with a silky finish.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or weekend cravings, this homemade cake is way better than store-bought versions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not convinced yet? Here’s why this Mounds Bar Cake recipe should be your next bake:
✔ Simple ingredients – You probably have most of them in your pantry.
✔ No fancy skills needed – Even beginners can make this with ease.
✔ Ultimate chocolate and coconut combo – The flavors are bold yet perfectly balanced.
✔ Great for any occasion – Serve it at parties, family dinners, or just as a personal treat!
Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to match your taste. Want a little crunch? Add almonds for an Almond Joy Cake twist!
The History Behind Mounds Candy Bar
Before we get baking, let’s take a quick look at the history of Mounds bars.
Mounds first appeared in 1920, created by the Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company. Unlike its sibling, the Almond Joy (which has almonds and milk chocolate), Mounds sticks to a simpler formula: sweet coconut wrapped in smooth dark chocolate.
People love its deep cocoa taste and coconut-packed center. It’s no surprise that bakers found ways to turn this candy into an irresistible cake!
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we start baking, let’s go over the ingredients and tools you’ll need. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Ingredients for the Cake
A great Mounds Bar Cake recipe starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the chocolate cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Baking soda | 1 ½ tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Boiling water | 1 cup |
This combination creates a moist, rich chocolate cake that pairs perfectly with the coconut filling.
Ingredients for the Coconut Filling
The coconut center is what makes this cake special. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 2 cups |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Butter, melted | 4 tbsp |
This filling is creamy, slightly chewy, and packed with coconut flavor.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Frosting
No cake is complete without a rich frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
This frosting is smooth, chocolatey, and spreads easily over the cake.
Tools You’ll Need
To make this Mounds Bar Cake recipe, you don’t need fancy equipment—just basic baking tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes mixing easier, but a whisk works too.
- Cake pans (2x 9-inch round pans) – Ensures even baking.
- Cooling rack – Helps cakes cool faster.
- Offset spatula – Makes frosting smooth and easy to spread.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Now, let’s bake this delicious Mounds Bar Cake recipe! Follow these simple steps for the best results.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
- Pour in boiling water and stir until smooth. The batter will be thin—that’s normal!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Baking and Cooling the Cake
- Place pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Allow them to cool completely before adding the filling and frosting.
Making the Coconut Filling
- In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, condensed milk, and melted butter.
- Stir until well blended and thick but spreadable.
- Set aside until the cake is ready to be assembled.
Preparing the Chocolate Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and mix well.
- Slowly beat in powdered sugar, alternating with milk.
- Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a plate.
- Spread a thick layer of coconut filling over the cake.
- Add the second cake layer on top.
- Cover the entire cake with chocolate frosting.
- For extra decoration, sprinkle shredded coconut on top or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Let the cake sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together.
Now, your homemade Mounds Bar Cake is ready to enjoy!
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Once you’ve baked your Mounds Bar Cake recipe, it’s time to make it even better! Here are some expert tips, fun variations, and proper storage methods to keep your cake fresh and delicious.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Mounds Bar Cake
Even the best recipes can improve with a few tricks. Here’s how to get the best texture and flavor:
✔ Use high-quality cocoa powder – This makes the chocolate flavor rich and deep.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Stir until just combined to keep the cake soft.
✔ Line the cake pans with parchment paper – This helps prevent sticking.
✔ Chill the coconut filling before layering – This makes spreading easier.
✔ Let the cake cool completely before frosting – Warm cake will make the frosting melt.
With these simple tricks, your cake will taste just like a bakery-style dessert!
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these creative twists on the classic Mounds Bar Cake recipe:
- Almond Joy Version – Add chopped almonds to the coconut filling for extra crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Mounds Cake – Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer taste.
- White Chocolate Coconut Cake – Swap the chocolate frosting for white chocolate ganache.
- Gluten-Free Mounds Cake – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Each variation adds a fun, new twist while keeping that chocolate and coconut magic.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To keep your Mounds Bar Cake fresh, follow these storage tips:
At Room Temperature:
- Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the frosting from melting.
In the Refrigerator:
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Freezing Instructions:
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Now that your cake is perfectly stored, let’s move on to serving ideas!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Your Mounds Bar Cake recipe is ready, but how you serve it makes all the difference. The right slices, toppings, and drink pairings will take this dessert to the next level!
Best Ways to Serve Mounds Bar Cake
✔ Warm it up – Heat a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave for an extra gooey bite.
✔ Top with extra coconut – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting for added texture.
✔ Add chocolate shavings – A few curls of dark chocolate make it extra indulgent.
✔ Drizzle with caramel – A light caramel drizzle brings out the chocolate’s richness.
✔ Serve with fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries balance the sweetness.
For a beautiful presentation, slice the cake with a warm knife to get clean, even layers!
Perfect Drink Pairings
Pair your cake with the perfect beverage for an even better experience:
☕ Coffee: The bitterness of black coffee balances the cake’s sweetness.
🥛 Milk: A cold glass of milk makes each bite even more satisfying.
🍷 Red Wine: A deep red like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the chocolate flavors.
🍶 Coconut Latte: A coconut-infused coffee pairs beautifully with the cake.
No matter how you serve it, this Mounds Bar Cake recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does adding sour cream to a box cake mix do?
Adding sour cream to a cake mix makes the cake moister and richer. Sour cream adds fat, which enhances the cake’s texture, making it softer and more tender. It also brings a slight tang that balances sweetness, giving the cake a more complex flavor.
How do you make a cake mix taste like a cake from the bakery?
To make a box cake mix taste homemade, try these tricks:
✔ Replace water with milk – This makes the cake richer.
✔ Use melted butter instead of oil – It adds a buttery, bakery-like flavor.
✔ Add an extra egg – This improves structure and creates a fluffier texture.
✔ Mix in a bit of sour cream or yogurt – This enhances moisture.
✔ Use real vanilla extract – It deepens the cake’s flavor.
These simple changes make a huge difference!
What is a secret ingredient for cake?
A great secret ingredient for cakes is mayonnaise! While it may sound strange, mayo is just eggs and oil, which add moisture and richness to the cake. Other secret ingredients include:
Espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Buttermilk – Creates a tender crumb.
Cornstarch – Makes cake flour softer.
What is in the middle of Black Forest cake?
A classic Black Forest cake has a sweet cherry filling between its chocolate cake layers. The filling is usually made from:
Cherries (fresh or canned)
Sugar
Kirsch (cherry brandy, optional)
This filling is often topped with whipped cream before adding the next cake layer.
How much sour cream to add to cake mix instead of oil?
If you want to replace oil with sour cream in a cake mix, use the same amount. For example:
If the box mix calls for ½ cup of oil, use ½ cup of sour cream instead.
This swap creates a denser, richer cake with a homemade texture.
What does adding an extra egg to a box cake mix do?
An extra egg improves the structure, texture, and richness of a cake. More eggs add moisture and stability, making the cake fluffier and more like a bakery-style dessert.
For a denser cake (like pound cake), add an extra yolk instead of a whole egg. For a lighter cake, separate the egg whites, beat them until fluffy, and fold them into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts: Indulge in the Best Mounds Bar Cake
Baking at home is always rewarding, especially when the result is as rich and flavorful as this Mounds Bar Cake recipe. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this cake delivers a perfect blend of moist chocolate layers and sweet coconut filling.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can follow the classic method or try different twists to match your taste. From adding almonds for a crunch to experimenting with white chocolate frosting, there are endless ways to make this cake unique. If you’re a fan of coconut desserts, this one will surely become a favorite.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
✔ Perfect Balance of Flavors – The deep chocolate taste pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut filling.
✔ Easy to Make – Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe is simple to follow.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake impresses every time.
✔ Customizable – You can adjust sweetness, add toppings, or even make it gluten-free.
Other Recipes to Try
If you love this cake, you might also enjoy trying new recipes in the kitchen. If you’re in the mood for a savory dish, check out pasta roni recipes for quick and flavorful meal ideas. They’re simple to make and perfect for busy days when you want something comforting without too much effort.
Share and Enjoy!
Now that you have the ultimate Mounds Bar Cake recipe, it’s time to bake and share it with friends and family! Take a picture, enjoy a slice, and maybe even experiment with new flavors. And if you’re looking for more dessert or meal inspirations, keep exploring fun and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.