What makes a decadent chocolate cake truly unforgettable? This mounds cake is a game changer with its rich, homemade chocolate flavor and toasted coconut topping, perfect for a quick and easy family favorite dessert. Save this idea for a special occasion or weeknight treat.

Mounds Cake

Introduction

The Mounds Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of coconut, creating a treat that is both decadent and refreshing. This cake is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a moist and flavorful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With its ease of preparation and impressive results, the Mounds Cake is sure to become a favorite among both beginner and experienced bakers. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients that are easily accessible, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen without breaking the bank.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of dark chocolate and sweet coconut creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the use of common ingredients makes it easy to whip up a cake at any time.
• Ease of preparation: The Mounds Cake requires minimal effort and time, making it a great option for those with busy schedules or who are new to baking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the Mounds Cake is sure to impress with its rich, velvety texture and stunning presentation.

Key Ingredients

The Mounds Cake relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its signature flavor and texture. These include dark chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and heavy cream. For those looking for substitutions, unsweetened coconut milk can be used in place of heavy cream, and semisweet chocolate chips can be used in place of dark chocolate. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the overall flavor and texture of the cake.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan by greasing it with butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (190g) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter, softened, and 2 large eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl, alternating with 1 cup (235ml) of whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
3. Step 3: Melt 1 cup (250g) of dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then fold it into the cake batter until well combined. Stir in 1 cup (120g) of shredded coconut.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the cake releases easily from the pan, make sure to grease it thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• If using unsweetened coconut milk, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons to avoid an overly sweet cake.
• To toast the coconut, spread it on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.

Heat Control

When baking the Mounds Cake, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing to ensure the cake is cooked through and moist. The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C), and the cake should be baked for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking in 5-minute increments until the toothpick comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The Mounds Cake should have a tender crumb and a crunchy coconut topping. To achieve this, make sure to not overmix the batter, and don’t overbake the cake. The coconut topping should be toasted until lightly browned to add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the cake.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the cake is evenly baked, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

Storage Tips

• The Mounds Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• When reheating, use short intervals (10-15 seconds) and check the cake frequently to avoid overheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Mounds Cake is a great gift idea for friends and family, especially during the holidays. To package the cake, place it in a decorative tin or cake box and wrap with ribbon or twine. You can also add a personalized note or card to make it extra special. For a more rustic look, wrap the cake in parchment paper or a paper bag and tie with twine.

Flavor Variations

• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha-flavored cake.
• Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the cake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try reducing the mixing time or using a lighter touch when combining the ingredients.
• If the cake is too dry, it may be due to overbaking. Try reducing the baking time or using a higher ratio of liquid ingredients to dry ingredients.
• If the coconut topping is too brown, it may be due to overtoasting. Try reducing the toasting time or using a lower oven temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the Mounds Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the Mounds Cake contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or coconut flour.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the Mounds Cake recipe can be doubled. Simply multiply the ingredients and use a larger cake pan. Keep in mind that the baking time may be longer, so check the cake frequently to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

The Mounds Cake is a delicious and impressive dessert that is sure to become a favorite among friends and family. With its rich, velvety texture and stunning presentation, this cake is perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own. Happy baking!