Mounds Bar Cake

## Directions: How to Make Mounds Bar Cake

### Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1. **Preheat the oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

2. **Make the cake batter**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and well-combined.

3. **Bake the cake**: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake according to the package instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

4. **Cool the cake**: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling
5. **Prepare the coconut filling**: While the cake is cooling, make the coconut filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.

6. **Spread the filling**: Once the cake has completely cooled, use a spoon or offset spatula to gently spread the coconut mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Be sure to cover the entire surface, as this will be the filling that complements the chocolate glaze.

### Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze
7. **Prepare the chocolate glaze**: In a small saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. This should only take a few minutes—be careful not to let it burn.

8. **Pour the glaze**: Once the chocolate mixture is smooth and glossy, pour it over the top of the cake, making sure to cover the coconut filling evenly. You can use a spatula to spread it out if necessary.

### Step 4: Let It Set
9. **Chill and set**: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, so the chocolate glaze has time to set. If you prefer a firmer glaze, you can refrigerate the cake for an additional 30 minutes.

10. **Serve**: Once the glaze has set, slice the cake into squares and serve. The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

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## Tips for the Perfect Mounds Bar Cake

– **Cake mix vs. homemade cake**: While using a chocolate cake mix makes this dessert quick and easy, you can certainly use a homemade chocolate cake recipe if you prefer. A rich, moist chocolate cake made from scratch will elevate the flavor of this already decadent dessert.

– **Shredded coconut**: You can use sweetened shredded coconut for a more traditional Mounds candy flavor. If you want a less sweet version, unsweetened shredded coconut works well too. If you love coconut, feel free to increase the amount in the filling for an extra coconutty bite!

– **Make-ahead option**: Mounds Bar Cake can easily be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare the cake and filling, and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

– **Nuts for crunch**: If you want to add a little texture, you can mix some chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the coconut filling for a bit of crunch, reminiscent of the Mounds bar’s cousin, Almond Joy.

– **Chill for firmer glaze**: If you prefer a firmer chocolate layer, refrigerate the cake after glazing it. The chocolate will set more firmly, and the cake will be easier to cut into neat squares.

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## Why This Cake Works

What makes **Mounds Bar Cake** so irresistible is the perfect balance between the moist chocolate cake, the creamy coconut filling, and the luscious, glossy chocolate glaze. The cake itself is soft and fluffy, providing a perfect base for the coconut layer, which is both sweet and chewy. The chocolate glaze on top adds a rich and velvety finish that ties all the flavors together, creating a dessert that is just as indulgent as a Mounds candy bar—but even better, because it’s a whole cake!

The layers in this cake mimic the structure of a Mounds bar, but in a more substantial and satisfying way. It’s the type of dessert that makes you close your eyes after each bite, savoring the combination of chocolate and coconut in all its glory.

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## What to Serve With Mounds Bar Cake

This decadent cake can be served on its own, but if you’re looking to create a more complete dessert experience, here are a few great pairings:

– **Vanilla Ice Cream**: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to this rich cake. The cold, creamy ice cream balances the sweetness of the chocolate and coconut.
– **Coffee or Espresso**: The deep, robust flavor of coffee or espresso makes a great pairing with the richness of the cake. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers of chocolate and coconut.
– **Fresh Berries**: If you’re serving this cake for a celebration, a few fresh berries—like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries—on the side will add a pop of color and a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness.

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## Conclusion

**Mounds Bar Cake** is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and coconut. It takes the classic Mounds candy bar and turns it into a decadent, indulgent cake that’s sure to wow your guests. With its moist chocolate base, creamy coconut filling, and rich chocolate glaze, this cake is a showstopper in every sense.

Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a potluck, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate-coconut cravings. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed at how easy and delicious this cake is.