Mounds Poke Cake & Mac & Cheese Heaven

Introduction

Transform humble pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert and a comforting side dish with this surprisingly easy recipe! This Mounds Poke Cake with Creamy Oven Baked Mac & Cheese Delights combines the irresistible coconut-chocolate flavor of Mounds bars with a luxuriously smooth mac & cheese, all in one delightful meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Why This Works

This recipe is a winner because it cleverly blends textures and flavors. The moist, chocolatey poke cake provides a decadent sweetness, perfectly balanced by the savory, creamy richness of the oven-baked mac & cheese. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, while the impressive presentation elevates it to a special occasion treat. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to execute.

Key Ingredients

🍫 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
🥛 1 cup milk
🥚 2 large eggs
🧈 1/2 cup vegetable oil
🥥 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
🍫 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
🧀 1 pound elbow macaroni
🧈 1/2 cup butter
🥛 1 cup milk
🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
🧀 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
🥚 2 large eggs
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions, using milk, eggs, and oil. Stir in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

2️⃣ Poke the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, use a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake.

3️⃣ Make the Mounds Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the poked cake.

4️⃣ Prepare the Mac & Cheese: While the cake is cooling, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

5️⃣ Combine Mac & Cheese Ingredients: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk, cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6️⃣ Bake Mac & Cheese: Stir in the cooked macaroni. Pour the mac & cheese mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

7️⃣ Serve: Let the mac & cheese cool slightly before serving. Serve alongside the Mounds poke cake.

Handy Tips

• For a richer chocolate flavor, use a dark chocolate cake mix.
• If you don’t have Gruyere cheese, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or Fontina.
• Feel free to add different mix-ins to the cake batter, such as nuts or caramel chips.
• To prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry, don’t overbake it.

Heat Control

The cake requires a consistent 350°F (175°C) oven to bake evenly. Overbaking will result in a dry cake. The mac & cheese needs 375°F (190°C) for a bubbly, golden-brown top. Monitor closely to avoid burning. Use a toothpick test for the cake and visual cues (color and bubbling) for the mac & cheese.

Crunch Factor

This recipe offers a delightful contrast in textures. The cake is moist and tender, while the mac & cheese has a creamy interior with a slightly crispy top after baking. The coconut in the cake adds a pleasant textural element as well.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To save time, prepare the mac & cheese while the cake is baking.
• For easier poking, use a chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon.
• To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the mac & cheese gently in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dessert and side dish combination makes a wonderful gift! Package the mac & cheese in a small, attractive dish or container, and slice the cake into individual portions. Tie them together with a ribbon and a charming card.

Flavor Variations

🌟 German Chocolate Variation: Add chopped pecans and a butterscotch topping to the cake.
🌟 Mint Chocolate Variation: Add Andes mints to the cake batter and use a mint chocolate chip ice cream as a topping.
🌟 Peanut Butter Cup Variation: Add peanut butter chips to the cake batter and drizzle with melted peanut butter.
🌟 Salted Caramel Variation: Add salted caramel sauce to the poke holes and top with sea salt.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Cake: If the cake is dry, you may have overbaked it. Reduce baking time in the future.
• Lumpy Mac & Cheese: Make sure the cheese is completely melted before adding the macaroni. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
• Overcooked Mac & Cheese: If the mac & cheese is too brown, reduce oven temperature or baking time.

FAQ

• Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes, the cake and mac & cheese can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze this?: The cake and mac & cheese freeze well. Freeze separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• How can I scale this recipe?: Double or triple the ingredients to make more. Adjust baking time accordingly.
• Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Options: Use gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

This Mounds Poke Cake with Creamy Oven Baked Mac & Cheese Delights is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and savory, textures and flavors, and ease and elegance. We encourage you to try it, share it with your loved ones, and experiment with your own creative variations! Enjoy!