Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *mounds poke cake*! It’s like a little slice of paradise with that heavenly blend of rich chocolate and sweet coconut. Seriously, every time I make it, my family goes wild! I remember the first time I baked this beauty for my mom’s birthday. The looks on everyone’s faces when they took that first bite—priceless! It’s so easy to whip up, yet it feels so special. Trust me, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, this is it! The best part? It’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive get-togethers. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciousness! I promise you’ll love every bite!
Ingredients for Mounds Poke Cake
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create this chocolatey, coconutty masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 1 cup whipped topping
Make sure you’ve got everything on hand before we start baking—that way, you can just focus on the fun part: mixing and creating! I promise you won’t regret it!
How to Prepare Mounds Poke Cake
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making this delightful mounds poke cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert in no time!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy. While that’s heating up, grab your mixing bowl and prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Just follow those easy directions, and you’ll have a luscious batter in no time!
Baking the Cake
Next, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to make sure it’s nice and even, so give the dish a gentle shake to settle the batter. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. That’s the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Creating Poke Holes
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This part is so important! After it’s cooled slightly, grab a fork and poke holes all over the cake. Seriously, don’t be shy with those holes! This step allows the sweetened condensed milk to seep into the cake, infusing it with all that delicious flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Adding the Toppings
Now, onto the fun toppings! Pour that sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure to fill all those lovely holes you created. Then, sprinkle the shredded coconut generously on top—you want every bite to have a hint of that tropical goodness. After that, spread the chocolate frosting over the cake, letting it melt slightly into the crevices. Finally, top it all off with a fluffy layer of whipped topping. Oh my goodness, it’s looking incredible already! Now, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will let all those flavors meld together beautifully. You won’t want to rush this part!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves a slice of this cake!
- The combination of chocolate and coconut is absolutely irresistible.
- It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds.
- It’s a fun, hands-on dessert that you can customize with your favorite toppings!
- You’ll love how the sweetened condensed milk makes each bite extra moist and flavorful.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your mounds poke cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to elevate this dessert and make it even more delightful:
- Go for unsweetened coconut: If you prefer a less sweet taste, swap out the sweetened coconut for unsweetened. It balances out the flavors beautifully and lets that rich chocolate shine!
- Mix in chocolate chips: Want an extra layer of indulgence? Toss in some chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top before the frosting layer. It adds a lovely texture and an extra chocolatey punch!
- Don’t skip the chilling: Trust me, letting the cake chill in the refrigerator is crucial! It allows all those flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious end result. Plus, it’s so refreshing to serve a chilled dessert!
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Try adding crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-savory contrast. Your imagination is your only limit!
- Use a toothpick for testing: When you check for doneness, remember to test the cake in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! If there’s still batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a show-stopping mounds poke cake that’ll have everyone raving! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious mounds poke cake, let’s talk about how to keep those leftovers fresh and tasty! First off, it’s best to store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. This will help maintain that moist texture and rich flavor.
I recommend enjoying your cake within 3-4 days for the best taste. After that, the coconut might start to lose its lovely texture, and we definitely want to keep it as delicious as possible. When you’re ready to serve it again, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge—it’s like a cool treat on a warm day!
And if you ever find yourself with a slice or two left after a few days, you can always reassemble your toppings for a fresh look! Just spread a little more whipped topping on top and maybe add a sprinkle of coconut for flair. Trust me, it’ll feel like you just made it all over again! Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful mounds poke cake! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on specific brands and variations you might use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Just remember, this is just an estimate and can change depending on how you make it. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients if you’re keeping an eye on specific dietary needs. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is what makes life sweet, right? Enjoy every delicious bite of your mounds poke cake!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the mounds poke cake? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear. Let’s dive in!
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While the chocolate cake mix is a classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even a chocolate fudge mix for an extra chocolatey kick. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the flavor profile a bit!
How long does the cake last in the fridge?
Your mounds poke cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the coconut might start to lose its texture, but it’ll still taste delicious!
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can try using a homemade version by mixing evaporated milk with sugar. Alternatively, you could use a non-dairy milk mixed with a sweetener, but keep in mind that the flavor will shift a bit.
Can I freeze the mounds poke cake?
Yes, you can! If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so without the whipped topping. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge and then add your toppings before serving!
How do I serve it best?
This cake is wonderful served cold, straight from the fridge! You can also drizzle a little chocolate sauce on top or sprinkle some extra shredded coconut for a beautiful presentation. Trust me, it looks just as good as it tastes!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes even better when made a day in advance. Just make sure to give it enough time to chill in the refrigerator so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
Hopefully, these answers clear up any doubts you might have! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out—I’m always here to help you whip up the best mounds poke cake ever!
Print
Mounds Poke Cake: 7 Irresistible Layers of Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious mounds poke cake with chocolate and coconut flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake.
- Spread chocolate frosting over the cake.
- Top with whipped topping.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet taste.
- Add chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mounds poke cake, chocolate cake, coconut cake, dessert recipe
