C is for Cake: Mounds Cake Recipe

I love to bake, but not adorable, insta worthy cupcakes with gorgeous Disney themed designs that parents and kids alike will coo over at the next birthday party. My baked goods are edible, not photographable. Sorry. This cake isn't the easiest to slice cleanly because of the layers, but you won't need to worry about that because after your first slice you will likely keep a fork next to the cake and grab a few bites here and there until the cake is gone and you blame your husband for eating your whole birthday cake, only to find that he was been out of town all week. (This has happened on more than one occasion.)

This Chocolate Mounds Cake has layers of coconut and cream between the chocolate cake. Don't say eww. I do not eat cakes with filling either, filling of any kind, but these layers are so perfectly balanced with cocoa and coconut creme, you cannot say no. The frosting is the kicker. Do not mess with the recipe of the frosting because it is perfect. Flavorful but not too sweet, it is a perfect balance for this dessert.

Chocolate Mounds Cake Recipe

Cake: Prepare a “store bought” German Chocolate or Devils Food cake mix per box directions substituting milk for water. If you've got your own killer homemade cake recipe from your vegan great aunt, then by all means, bake away.

After cooling, slice each layer horizontally in half, creating four layers.

Filling: Heat 1 C sugar, ¾ C evaporated milk and one stick (1/2 C) butter in saucepan over medium heat. Pour hot mixture into a large bowl containing 6 oz (about 36) “campfire” marshmallows. After the marshmallows melt, add a 14 oz package of shredded coconut and cool mixture.

Build cake by spreading one third of filling on the first three cake layers and adding the top layer (no filling on top).

Icing: Melt one stick (1/2 C) butter in saucepan over low heat. Add 4 Tbs cocoa powder, 5 Tbs milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, stirring constantly. (mixture may not be smooth, don’t panic). Pour heated mixture into a bowl containing a one lb box of confectioner’s sugar and mix. If mixture appears too stiff, add a SMALL amount of milk (one tsp at a time) to achieve proper consistence.

Ice top and sides of cake IMMEDIATELY as icing stiffens VERY QUICKLY.

Allow to cool and slice with sharp serrated knife and sawing action as coconut is difficult to cut without tearing cake slices apart. (Or do like me, and don't share. Just eat with a fork.)

#recipe #cake #yum #chocolate