What makes a Mounds cake truly irresistible? Rich chocolate and sweet coconut come together in this easy homemade dessert, perfect for a weeknight treat or family favorite. Save this idea for a decadent chocolate experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, try it soon and indulge in the moistness of every bite.

Mounds Cake

Introduction

The Mounds Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of coconut, all wrapped up in a moist and fluffy cake. What makes this cake truly special is its accessibility – using everyday ingredients, you can create a masterpiece that’s sure to impress both in terms of flavor and presentation. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the Mounds Cake is a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite, offering a perfect blend of creativity and simplicity.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of dark chocolate and sweet coconut creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both rich and refreshing. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, making it easy to whip up this cake at a moment’s notice.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, the Mounds Cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. The cake itself requires just a few ingredients, and the coconut and chocolate toppings can be prepared in no time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The real magic of the Mounds Cake lies in its ability to deliver impressive results with minimal effort. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to leave your guests in awe, and the best part is that it requires hardly any fuss at all.

Key Ingredients

To make the Mounds Cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the cake itself, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, whole milk, large eggs, and vegetable oil. For the coconut topping, you’ll need sweetened shredded coconut and unsalted butter, softened. Finally, for the chocolate ganache, you’ll need dark chocolate chips and heavy cream. If you don’t have any of these ingredients on hand, there are plenty of substitutions you can make – for example, you can use almond milk instead of whole milk, or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and oil. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: To make the coconut topping, combine the sweetened shredded coconut and softened butter in a small bowl. Mix until the coconut is evenly moistened. To make the chocolate ganache, melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream until combined.
4. Step 4: To assemble the cake, place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate. Spread a layer of coconut topping over the top of the cake, followed by a layer of chocolate ganache. Top with the second cake and repeat the layers. Finish the cake with a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• To ensure that the cakes are evenly baked, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time.
• If you find that your chocolate ganache is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, you can refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm it up.

Heat Control

The Mounds Cake requires a moderate oven temperature of 350°F (180°C). To ensure that the cakes are baked to perfection, keep an eye on them after 20 minutes of baking and check for doneness every 5 minutes thereafter. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The Mounds Cake has a lovely texture contrast thanks to the crunchy coconut topping and the smooth chocolate ganache. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overmix the coconut topping, as this can cause it to become dense and soggy. Also, be sure to toast the coconut in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure that the cakes are perfectly level, bake them for an additional 5 minutes and then check to see if they’re done. If not, continue to bake in 5-minute increments until they’re cooked through.
• To get a smooth and even layer of chocolate ganache, refrigerate the cake for about 10 minutes after assembling to allow the ganache to set. Then, use a turntable or a cake stand to spin the cake and create a smooth, even layer.

Storage Tips

• The Mounds Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply place it in an airtight container and keep it away from direct sunlight.
• If you want to freeze the cake, you can do so for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• To refrigerate the cake, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Mounds Cake is a beautiful and delicious gift for any occasion. To package it, simply place the cake in a sturdy cake box or a decorative tin. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie it with a ribbon. Consider adding a few decorative touches, such as a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of chocolate ganache, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the cake batter for added depth of flavor.
• Use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Add some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the coconut topping for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the cake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try to mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, and then stop mixing.
• If the chocolate ganache is too thick, it may be due to using too much chocolate or not enough heavy cream. Try thinning it out with a little more heavy cream.
• If the coconut topping is too soggy, it may be due to overmixing or using too much butter. Try toasting the coconut in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to dry it out.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the Mounds Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the Mounds Cake contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

The Mounds Cake is a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. With its rich chocolate and sweet coconut flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum impact. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your friends and family. Happy baking!