Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating a decadent Mounds Poke Cake! If you’re a fan of chocolate and coconut, get ready to indulge in a treat that combines rich chocolate cake with the tropical flavors of coconut. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or simply craving a delightful dessert, this Mounds Poke Cake will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (eggs, oil, water)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 15 oz can coconut cream
- 7 oz package sweetened shredded coconut
- 12 oz container chocolate frosting
- Toasted coconut or almond slivers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the chocolate cake batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly.
- Poke Holes in the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to poke holes all over the cake. Make the holes about 1 inch apart to allow the filling to seep in evenly.
- Add the Fillings:
- In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream until smooth and well mixed.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and covers the entire surface.
- Cool and Chill:
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to absorb the creamy coconut filling.
- Frost and Garnish:
- Once chilled, remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or almond slivers on top of the frosting for added texture and decoration.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Mounds Poke Cake into squares or rectangles and serve chilled. This cake is best enjoyed cold, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the texture to be creamy and moist.
Cook’s Notes
- To toast coconut flakes, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
- For a richer coconut flavor, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes between the layers of cake and filling before frosting.
Variations
Explore different ways to customize your Mounds Poke Cake:
- Almond Joy Delight: Enhance the coconut flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter. Garnish with sliced almonds on top for a nutty twist.
- Dark Chocolate Decadence: For dark chocolate lovers, use a dark chocolate cake mix and top with dark chocolate frosting for an intense cocoa experience.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Keto Version
For those following a keto diet, here’s how to adapt the Mounds Poke Cake:
- Use a keto-friendly chocolate cake mix or make your own using almond flour, cocoa powder, and keto-approved sweeteners.
- Replace sweetened condensed milk with a keto-friendly alternative such as coconut cream sweetened with erythritol or stevia.
- Opt for sugar-free chocolate frosting and use unsweetened shredded coconut or skip it altogether for a lower carb count.
Low Carb Version
If you prefer a low-carb option, consider these adjustments:
- Choose a low-carb chocolate cake mix or bake a homemade version using almond flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol.
- Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a low-carb alternative such as heavy cream sweetened lightly with a sugar substitute.
- Use unsweetened shredded coconut or reduce the amount used in the recipe to lower the overall carb content.
Delight your taste buds with the irresistible combination of chocolate and coconut in this Mounds Poke Cake. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with keto or low-carb variations, this dessert promises to be a hit at any gathering. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this cake offers a creamy, coconut-filled center encased in moist chocolate cake and topped with rich chocolate frosting. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of heaven with this decadent dessert!
