MOUNDS CAKE

Mounds Cake, a decadent and irresistible dessert, is a true celebration of chocolate and coconut flavors. This recipe offers a twist on the classic cake, infusing the rich taste of cocoa and the exotic sweetness of coconut into every bite. It starts with a simple base of either white or yellow cake mix, to which cocoa and sugar are added, enhancing its depth and sweetness. The cake, once prepared, forms a moist and tender canvas for the layers of flavors that follow.

As the cake bakes, a generous sprinkling of chocolate chips is scattered across the top, melting into a gooey layer that adds a luxurious texture and a double dose of chocolatey goodness. This step not only enriches the cake’s flavor but also creates an appealing contrast in textures, with the soft cake base and the melted chocolate chips on top. After baking, the cake is treated to a warm bath of chocolate syrup, which is poured over its surface. This step ensures that every forkful is infused with a velvety chocolate flavor, making the cake irresistibly moist and rich.

The final touch, which sets this Mounds Cake apart, is the coconut-infused frosting. A blend of whipped cream and shredded coconut creates a light and creamy topping that perfectly complements the dense chocolate cake. This frosting not only adds a refreshing lightness to the dessert but also brings in a tropical twist with its sweet, nutty flavor of coconut. The cake, once frosted, is chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. The result is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, making the Mounds Cake a perfect treat for any chocolate and coconut lover.

Ingredients

• 1 box of white or yellow cake mix
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chocolate syrup (like Hershey’s)
• 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip (or any whipped topping)
• 2 cups shredded coconut

Instructions

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even a light coating of oil to prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix as per the package instructions. This usually involves adding water, eggs, and oil. To this mixture, add ½ cup of cocoa powder and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients until they are well blended and smooth.

Baking the Cake

4. Add Chocolate Chips: Pour the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the cake mixture. These will melt during baking and add a rich chocolatey layer.
5. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
6. Add Syrup: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven. While it’s still hot, poke holes throughout the cake using a meat fork or a similar utensil. This allows the chocolate syrup to seep into the cake. Warm up 1 cup of chocolate syrup, then pour it evenly over the hot cake. The syrup will fill the holes and add moisture and flavor.

Cooling and Frosting

7. Cool the Cake: Cover the cake and let it cool overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the cake to fully absorb the chocolate syrup, enhancing its moistness and flavor.
8. Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, mix together the Cool Whip and shredded coconut until well combined. This will create a fluffy, creamy, and slightly tropical frosting that complements the chocolate flavor.
9. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the coconut and whipped cream frosting over the top. Make sure to cover the cake evenly.
10. Chill and Serve: After frosting, place the cake in the refrigerator to chill. This helps set the frosting and makes the cake easier to slice. Once chilled, your Mounds Cake is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips and Variations

• For a richer chocolate flavor, you can use a chocolate cake mix instead of white or yellow.
• Toasting the coconut before adding it to the frosting can add a nice crunch and enhanced flavor.
• For a nuttier twist, consider sprinkling some chopped almonds on top of the frosting, turning it into an Almond Joy cake.
• If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form and use that instead of Cool Whip.

Enjoy your delicious Mounds Cake, perfect for chocolate and coconut lovers!