Decadent chocolate and coconut lovers unite over this mouthwatering mounds poke cake recipe that promises pure dessert bliss.
Rich, dark chocolate intertwines with sweet coconut in every delectable bite.
Layers of moist cake become a canvas for indulgent flavors waiting to be savored.
The classic candy bar inspiration shines through each creamy, dreamy spoonful.
Holes punched strategically throughout the cake allow luscious filling to seep into every crevice.
Dense, luxurious chocolate drizzles create a mesmerizing pattern that begs to be devoured.
This dessert delivers a knockout combination that will make you the star of any gathering.
Get ready to experience a sweet sensation that turns an ordinary cake into an extraordinary treat.
Tools to Bake and Fill Poke Cakes
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for poking precise holes in the warm cake.
9×13 Baking Pan: Essential for baking the chocolate cake base.
Medium Bowl: Used for whisking sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream.
Whisk: Great for blending the coconut milk mixture smoothly.
Spatula: Helps spread chocolate frosting evenly across the cake.
Microwave: Quickly melts chocolate frosting for easy pouring.
Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
Instructions for Mounds Poke Cake Recipe
Coconut Chocolate Dream
Cake Foundation Warm chocolate cake fresh from the oven, perfectly baked and filling the kitchen with rich aroma.
Secret Holes Gentle pokes across the cake surface creating pathways for delicious coconut magic to flow through.
Coconut Liquid Silky smooth mixture of sweet condensed milk and creamy coconut essence ready to transform the cake.
Moisture Infusion Pouring liquid generously, watching it sink into every tiny hole and creating a luscious landscape of flavor.
Cooling Moment Cake resting peacefully, absorbing all the tropical goodness while gradually returning to room temperature.
Coconut Blanket Delicate white shreds sprinkled across the surface like fresh fallen snow.
Chocolate Cascade Warm chocolate drizzled elegantly, covering the coconut layer in smooth, glossy perfection.
Chill Time Cake relaxing in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become wonderfully decadent.
Serving Delight Slice of pure indulgence ready to transport taste buds to a tropical paradise, optionally accompanied by cool cream.
Ideas to Customize Your Poke Cake
Select a wooden spoon handle with a smooth, rounded end to create clean, uniform holes without tearing the cake's delicate surface. Consistent hole spacing ensures even coconut milk distribution and maximum flavor absorption.
Experiment with flavored coconut creams like tropical or vanilla-infused varieties to add extra depth and personalized taste. Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a lighter, more subtle coconut profile that still delivers rich moisture.
Warm chocolate frosting gradually in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent scorching. For a gourmet touch, use high-quality dark chocolate ganache instead of store-bought frosting for a more sophisticated flavor complexity.
Prepare the entire cake up to 2 days in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator to develop deeper flavors. Keep garnishes like toasted coconut or almond slivers separate and sprinkle just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and visual appeal.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Tips for Mounds Poke Cake
Tropical Island Dessert Companion: Pair this luscious cake with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a double-dose of tropical bliss.
Elegant Dinner Party Finale: Slice into elegant portions and serve on decorative dessert plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sophisticated presentation.
Cool Summer Treat Upgrade: Top each slice with fresh pineapple chunks or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the coconut and chocolate flavor profile for a refreshing summer dessert experience.
Decadent Chocolate Lover's Dream: Accompany the cake with a small shot of chocolate liqueur or espresso to complement the rich chocolate and coconut flavors, creating a luxurious dessert moment.
Planning and Storage for Mounds Cake
Coconut Cream Cake Care
Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the delicate coconut and chocolate layers remain fresh and moist.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this decadent dessert one day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Temperature Tip: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the cake's creamy texture and flavor intensity.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including Cooling Time)
Calories: 284 kcal
Servings: 13
What’s in a Mounds Poke Cake
For Cake Base:
Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the foundational rich, moist chocolate layer that serves as the canvas for this decadent dessert. Choose a high-quality mix for deeper chocolate flavor.
Wooden Spoon: Essential tool for creating strategic holes that allow delicious coconut mixture to penetrate the cake.
For Moisture and Flavor Infusion:
Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy liquid that transforms the cake's texture and adds tropical sweetness. Select full-fat coconut cream for maximum richness.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Delivers authentic tropical texture and adds delightful visual and flavor dimension. Look for fresh, finely shredded varieties.
For Topping and Finishing:
Chocolate Frosting: Provides a glossy, decadent chocolate layer that completes the cake's luxurious profile. Opt for a smooth, easily pourable frosting.
Toasted Coconut, Almond Slivers: Optional garnishes that add crunch, depth, and gourmet presentation. Toast coconut quickly in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor.
Creamy Mounds poke cake blends rich chocolate and coconut in a delightful dessert. Chocolate ganache and sweet coconut cream create an irresistible layer of indulgence you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk
15 oz (425 g) coconut cream
7 oz (198 g) sweetened shredded coconut
12 oz (340 g) chocolate frosting
Toasted coconut or almond slivers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cake Preparation: Preheat oven and construct chocolate cake in a 9×13 inch pan according to package instructions, baking until a toothpick emerges cleanly.
Perforation Process: Immediately after removing from oven, create systematic holes across the entire cake surface using a wooden spoon handle, maintaining consistent spacing.
Coconut Infusion: Whisk sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream into a silky, integrated mixture, then meticulously pour over the warm cake, ensuring complete penetration into each perforation.
Resting Phase: Allow cake to absorb coconut essence at room temperature for 1-2 hours, enabling full flavor integration and moisture absorption.
Coconut Layering: Generously sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut across the entire cake surface, achieving uniform coverage.
Chocolate Glaze: Gently warm chocolate frosting in the microwave until pourable, then cascade smoothly over the coconut layer, using a spatula to create an even, glossy finish.
Final Touches: Optional garnishing with toasted coconut fragments or almond slivers can enhance texture and visual appeal.
Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to stabilize, then serve chilled with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
Prepare with Precision: Grease the pan thoroughly to prevent cake sticking and ensure easy removal.
Hole-Punching Technique: Create consistent holes for even coconut liquid distribution, maximizing flavor absorption.
Temperature Matters: Use warm cake for optimal coconut mixture penetration, allowing maximum flavor infusion.
Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate at least one hour to set the layers and enhance the cake’s overall taste and consistency.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.