I’ll never forget the first time I tasted the Old Mounds Cake recipe at a church potluck. One bite of that dense chocolate cake layered with a gooey coconut filling and topped with rich chocolate ganache instantly transported me to a simpler time, back to family gatherings, laughter echoing in the kitchen, and the joy of licking frosting from the spoon.
The Old Mounds Cake recipe isn’t just a dessert, it’s a nostalgic celebration of flavor. Inspired by the iconic Mounds candy bar, this cake is a triple-layer wonder: moist chocolate cake, sweet coconut filling, and a silky chocolate frosting that ties everything together. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent.
So if you’re looking for a dessert that combines familiar comfort with a rich, chocolatey twist, this is it. The Old Mounds Cake recipe is the kind of dessert that gets passed down through generations, scribbled on notecards, and baked with love year after year.
Table of contents
Why This Old Mounds Cake Recipe Works Like Magic
A Dreamy Trio of Texture and Flavor
What makes this Old Mounds Cake recipe truly irresistible is the way each layer balances and enhances the next. You start with a moist, deeply chocolatey cake as your base, no dry crumb here. It’s the perfect foundation for the star of the show: a coconut filling made with sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut. This layer mimics the center of a Mounds bar, only creamier and more luscious. Then there’s the crowning glory: a smooth, homemade chocolate frosting that ties the whole dessert together with velvety richness.
A Showstopper That’s Surprisingly Simple
Despite its layered look and indulgent feel, this cake is quite straightforward to make. You don’t need fancy baking skills or equipment, just a mixing bowl, a saucepan, and a little patience as the layers come together. You can even make it ahead of time, which makes it ideal for entertaining or busy days when you want dessert ready to go.
Easy to Customize
Another thing I love about the Old Mounds Cake recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Gluten-free? Swap the flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Lower sugar? Use unsweetened coconut and a sugar substitute in the filling.
- Love Almond Joy? Add toasted almonds between the layers or on top of the frosting.
Whether you’re a coconut enthusiast or a chocolate lover, this recipe allows you to tweak ingredients to make it your own. But honestly, the original is a masterpiece all on its own.
Recipe Card
Mounds Cake Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium12
servings30
minutes40
minutes450
kcalThis rich Mounds cake recipe is inspired by the beloved Mounds candy bar, combining moist chocolate cake layers with a sweet coconut filling and a silky chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cake
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
- For the Coconut Filling
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Ganache
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra shine)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Slowly stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling
- In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine if desired.
- Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the coconut filling evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Allow the ganache to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure your cakes are fully cooled before adding the coconut filling to prevent it from melting.
- For a more intense coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before using it.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Insider Secrets: Pro Tips for the Perfect Old Mounds Cake Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Hot Water: Adding hot water to the cake batter helps intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Don’t Overbake the Cake Layers: Chocolate cakes can dry out quickly if left in the oven just a minute too long. Keep a close eye during the final minutes, insert a toothpick into the center and check for moist crumbs (not a clean toothpick). That’s your cue to pull them out.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the cake too sweet, use unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Freezer Friendly: The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frozen for up to a month. Assemble with fresh coconut filling and ganache when ready.
- Decorate for Extra Flair: Garnish the top with extra shredded coconut or chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
Recipe Variants
1. Mini Mounds Cupcakes
Transform the traditional cake into portable, party-ready cupcakes! Use the same batter and divide it into a lined muffin tin. Bake for 15–18 minutes. Once cooled, scoop a dollop of the coconut filling into the center (use a cupcake corer or a small spoon to hollow a bit out), then top with the chocolate glaze. These are always a hit at potlucks and bake sales.
2. Mounds Cake with Almonds (Inspired by Almond Joy)
Craving a little crunch? Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds between the coconut and chocolate layers for a nod to the beloved Almond Joy bar. You can also add a touch of almond extract to the cake batter or coconut filling for added depth.
3. Gluten-Free Old Mounds Cake
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs. Make sure to check that all other ingredients (like baking powder and chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free. The rich filling and frosting keep this version every bit as indulgent.
4. Vegan Mounds Cake
Yes, you can absolutely make a plant-based version! Swap the eggs for flax eggs, use coconut milk condensed sweetened (available in health food stores or online), and go with vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free butter for the frosting. The cake stays super moist thanks to the coconut layer.
FAQs
Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Store them wrapped in plastic wrap to keep them moist.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Use unsweetened coconut and dark chocolate for a less sweet but still indulgent treat.
While the Old Mounds Cake recipe is designed to be indulgent, you can trim the sweetness. Use unsweetened coconut, reduce the sugar in the cake base slightly (by ¼ cup), and opt for bittersweet or 70% dark chocolate in the glaze. This keeps the cake rich without overwhelming your taste buds.
Sweet Ending: Give This Old-Fashioned Favorite a Try!
There’s something so comforting about the Old Mounds Cake recipe, a dessert that bridges generations and brings smiles with every bite. Whether you grew up with this cake at family gatherings or are discovering it for the first time, I guarantee it will become a favorite in your kitchen.
The luscious coconut filling, decadent chocolate glaze, and moist chocolate cake base create a combination that’s impossible to resist. Plus, with all the customization ideas and make-ahead tips, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Leave a Reply