Peter Paul Mounds Cake Recipe

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Discover the blissful delight of a homemade Peter Paul Mounds Cake that encapsulates the rich flavors of coconut and chocolate in every decadent bite. This cake recipe encapsulates the essence of these beloved treats, offering layers of moist chocolate cake enrobed in a luxurious coconut filling and a glossy chocolate ganache.

The harmonious blend of rich cocoa, sweet coconut, and velvety ganache creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s a true delight for the senses.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic candy bar or simply seeking a decadent dessert adventure, Peter Paul Mounds Cake promises a nostalgic yet innovative experience that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. Savor each bite of this homemade masterpiece, perfect for celebrations or whenever your sweet tooth beckons.

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
9-inch round cake pans (2)
Wire rack
Offset spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut Filling

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

For the Chocolate Ganache

1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

For the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Coconut Filling

In a bowl, combine shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well.

Chocolate Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Allow it to rest for a minute, then stir until it achieves a smooth consistency.

Assembling the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the coconut filling evenly over it.
Top with the second cake layer.
Gently pour the chocolate ganache over the cake’s top, letting it cascade down the sides gracefully.
Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache and create a glossy finish.

Recipe Tips

Toasted Coconut: For an enhanced coconut flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before mixing it with the sweetened condensed milk. Toasting adds a delightful nutty aroma and depth to the filling.
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt) before mixing. This helps to ensure they are well combined, and lump-free, and results in a smoother batter.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter to come to room temperature before using. This aids in better incorporation and a smoother batter.
Leveling Cakes: After baking, level the cake layers using a serrated knife or a cake leveler. This ensures even layers for a neater and more balanced final cake.

Recipe Variations

Almond Joy Inspired: Channel the flavors of the popular Almond Joy candy bar by adding chopped almonds to the coconut filling and garnishing the cake with sliced toasted almonds. You can also incorporate a layer of almond praline between the cake layers for an added crunch.
Dark Chocolate Infusion: For dark chocolate enthusiasts, replace the semisweet chocolate in the ganache with high-quality dark chocolate. The intensified cocoa flavors will provide a deeper, more robust chocolate experience.
Tropical Paradise: Elevate the coconut element by mixing diced pineapple or passion fruit into the coconut filling. The tangy and sweet tropical fruits will add a refreshing twist to the cake.
Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling caramel sauce over each cake layer before adding the coconut filling. The combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate will create a symphony of flavors.

What To Serve With Mounds Cake

Coconut Ice Cream: Enhance the coconut flavor by serving slices of the cake with a scoop of velvety coconut ice cream. The combination of cake and ice cream is pure dessert heaven.
Fresh Berries: Create a refreshing contrast by pairing the rich Peter Paul Mounds Cake with a medley of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. The natural sweetness and tartness of the berries balance the richness of the cake.
Espresso or Coffee: A cup of rich espresso or a freshly brewed coffee makes a perfect accompaniment to the cake. The slight bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious pairing.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the decadence by drizzling a luscious salted caramel sauce over the cake slices. The sweet-salty combination adds an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Harmony: The coconut-chocolate combination is a match made in dessert heaven.
Decadent Delight: Each bite is an indulgent experience of textures and flavors.
Impressive Presentation: A stunning cake that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Easy Execution: Simple instructions for a sophisticated result.
Nostalgic Twist: Reminiscent of beloved Mounds bars, this cake offers a trip down memory lane.

FAQs

Can I freeze this cake?

While freezing the cake is possible, the texture of the coconut filling and ganache might be affected upon thawing. It’s recommended to assemble the cake after thawing individual components separately.

Is it okay to use desiccated coconut instead of shredded coconut?

Desiccated coconut can be used as a substitute, but it might have a slightly different texture. You can rehydrate it by soaking it in warm water for a few minutes before mixing with sweetened condensed milk.

How can I prevent the ganache from becoming too thick or too thin?

Achieving the perfect ganache consistency might require a bit of practice. For a thicker ganache, use more chocolate; for a thinner one, use more cream. Adjust the ratio based on your preference.

Is it possible to utilize a different variety of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. Each will lend a distinct flavor profile to the cake.

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