Mounds Cake

The sweet aroma of chocolate cake wafts through the house, wrapping me in warmth and nostalgia. Growing up, my mom had a few signature desserts that made every family gathering feel special, and her Mounds Cake topped the list. A delightful twist on the classic chocolate and coconut combination, it was my favorite. Each layer carried not only towering flavors but also stories of laughter, love, and sweet celebrations.

With each slice, we reminisced about holidays, birthdays, and spontaneous backyard barbecues. My heart would race as I watched that glossy, rich chocolate ganache melt seductively over the fluffy layers, sprinkled with coconut like confetti. It’s more than just cake—it’s a cherished family tradition that I love sharing with friends and fellow home bakers. If you’re looking to ignite some magic in your kitchen and create lasting memories, let’s dive into making this incredible Mounds Cake!

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 25 minutes
• Active Cooking: 35 minutes
• Total Duration: 1 hour
• Portion Size: 12 servings
• Complexity: Moderate

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 430
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 47g
• Fats: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 40g
• Sodium: 210mg

Why You’ll Love This Mounds Cake

This Mounds Cake encapsulates everything we love about classic desserts with its rich chocolate flavor and tropical coconut filling. The combination of velvety cake, creamy whipped cream, and decadent ganache is not just visually stunning but also a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Each bite is a harmonious fusion of sweet nostalgia and indulgence, making it the ideal centerpiece for any occasion.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Creating a Mounds Cake is an adventure in the kitchen. From measuring ingredients with care to the aroma of baking chocolate filling the air, each stage is about building flavors and textures. You’ll feel the excitement as you whip the cream and layer the cakes, and watch with anticipation as the ganache is poured over your creation.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure they release easily once baked.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture; mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin but that’s okay; it’ll create a moist cake!).

Step 5: Pour Batter into Pans

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then carefully remove them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

For the filling, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Step 9: Cut the Cakes

With a serrated knife, cut each cake in half horizontally to create layers.

Step 10: Spread the Filling

Spread a layer of coconut filling generously between the layers.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Top with the remaining layers and frost the top and sides with chocolate ganache made from heated cream mixed with chopped chocolate.

Step 12: Garnish the Cake

Garnish with additional shredded coconut if desired for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair your Mounds Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance its richness or a cup of fresh coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It’s perfect for celebrating life’s little victories—be it a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a Tuesday!

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap before refrigerating. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients for accuracy, especially for baking.
• Make sure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature—this helps in creating a smooth batter.
• Don’t skip the step of greasing and flouring the pans. This guarantees a perfectly baked cake that releases easily!

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to switch things up! Try adding crushed nuts to the coconut filling for added crunch or experiment with different chocolate types (dark chocolate or white chocolate) for ganache. You could also create a peppermint variation around the holidays with mint extract!

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Absolutely! Cake flour will give you a lighter texture, but you may need to slightly adjust the liquid ingredients.

2. What can I substitute for coconut if I don’t like it?
   Try using chopped nuts or a different layer of whipped cream for extra richness.

3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking, ensuring it has binders like xanthan gum.

4. Why is my cake dry?
   Overbaking is usually the culprit, so keep an eye on those last few minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness!

5. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
   A simple garnish with chocolate shavings or extra coconut on top elevates the presentation; serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a special touch.

Wrapping Up

Baking a Mounds Cake is a sweet adventure that beckons creativity in the kitchen. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, to share flavors, and to celebrate life’s cherished moments. So roll up those sleeves and immerse yourself in the joy of baking! Whether it’s for a gathering or a treat for yourself, this cake will surely impress and bring smiles to all. Happy baking!

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