A poke cake is a beloved American dessert where you bake a regular cake, then poke holes all over the top while it’s still warm. Those holes get filled with a sweet liquid like pudding, condensed milk, or flavored gelatin to infuse the cake with extra moisture and flavor as it cools and absorbs the filling.
For this Mounds-inspired version, we’re using a combination of sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream for the most luscious coconut soak. It soaks right into the chocolate cake, creating bursts of rich coconut flavor in every bite.
Why This Mounds Poke Cake is a Coconut Lover’s Dream
Starts with a moist, fudgy chocolate cake base (from a mix or scratch!)
Gets infused with a creamy coconut milk soak for incredible moisture
Topped with sweetened shredded coconut and chocolate frosting
Double the coconut flavor from coconut cream and shredded coconut
Reminiscent of the beloved Mounds candy bar in cake form
Feeds a crowd for potlucks, parties and holiday gatherings
Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining
This poke cake is a coconut lover’s tropical dream! Between the fudgy chocolate cake, creamy coconut soak, shredded coconut topping and chocolate frosting, it delivers layers of coconut-chocolate bliss in each and every bite.
How to Make the Best Mounds Poke Cake
This decadent dessert starts with a boxed chocolate cake mix or your favorite from-scratch recipe. Once baked, you’ll poke holes all over the top of the warm cake using the end of a wooden spoon or skewer.
Then the magic happens – you’ll pour a luscious mixture of sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream right over the top, filling those holes with coconutty goodness. As the cake cools, it will absorb all that creamy coconut soak.
Once cooled and soaked, you’ll top the cake with a layer of sweetened shredded coconut and a poured chocolate frosting layer. A garnish of extra toasted coconut or almonds adds the perfect finishing crunch.
Let the whole thing chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the coconut cream to set up. Then you’re ready to slice into pure Mounds bar-inspired bliss!
Make-Ahead Mounds Poke Cake for Easy Entertaining
This make-ahead friendly cake is a dream for easy entertaining. You can fully prepare it 1-2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
The coconut cream soak actually allows the cake to stay incredibly moist over time. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, potlucks or anytime you need to feed a crowd with minimal day-of prep.
For an extra-special presentation, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could even garnish with a Mounds candy bar slice for good measure!
No matter how you serve it, this Mounds Poke Cake is guaranteed to satisfy any coconut lover’s cravings. With its fudgy chocolate base, luscious coconut cream filling and crunchy coconut-chocolate topping, it’s tropical dessert paradise!
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients called for on box
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
Continue Reading in next page
