There are cakes you love, and then there are cakes that live in your memory—ones that get passed down, shared at every family gathering, and are always the first to disappear at dessert tables. For my granny, this decadent poke cake was affectionately called “Chocolate Heaven Cake,” and now I know why. Moist chocolate cake infused with coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk, topped with shredded coconut and poured-over chocolate frosting… It’s heaven in every bite.

This dessert may also go by names like Mounds Cake or Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake, but for those who’ve tasted it, “Chocolate Heaven” is exactly what it feels like.

🍫 What Makes Chocolate Heaven Cake So Irresistible?

Rich and moist chocolate cake: Starts with a simple box mix—easy, reliable, and always a hit.
Creamy coconut soak: Sweetened condensed milk + coconut cream = luscious flavor and texture.
Shredded coconut topping: Adds texture, flavor, and that tropical twist.
Glossy chocolate frosting layer: Poured warm over the cake for a ganache-like finish.
Make-ahead friendly: Gets better as it chills, making it perfect for parties and potlucks.

🧾 Chocolate Heaven Cake (Original Recipe)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour minimum
Total Time: 55 minutes + chilling
Servings: 12
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box—usually water, oil, and eggs)
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 (15 oz) can of coconut cream
1 (7 oz) package of shredded sweetened coconut
1 (12 oz) container of chocolate frosting
Optional: additional shredded coconut or almond slivers for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to the temperature specified on your cake mix box (typically 350°F or 175°C).
Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Bake for the time specified (usually 30–35 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes throughout the cake.
In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, filling the holes and letting it soak into the cake base.
Allow the cake to cool completely, letting the milk mixture absorb into every bite.
Once cooled, spread shredded sweetened coconut over the top of the cake.
Gently warm the chocolate frosting in the microwave in 10-second intervals until pourable. Spread or pour it evenly over the coconut layer.
Garnish with extra shredded coconut or almond slivers, if desired.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Slice, serve cold, and enjoy the chocolate-coconut bliss!

👩‍🍳 Baking & Serving Tips

Use high-quality coconut cream

Coconut cream (not to be confused with coconut milk) is thick and rich, giving the cake its signature moist texture.

Don’t skip the poking

Those holes are the gateway for all the creamy goodness to soak into the cake. Make them evenly spaced across the entire surface.

Warm the frosting just right

You want it pourable but not too hot—it should spread like a glaze without melting into the coconut layer.

Best served chilled

Like many poke cakes, this one shines after a rest in the fridge. It’s moist, flavorful, and holds its shape better when cold.

🥄 Optional Add-Ons & Variations

Chocolate chips: Sprinkle mini chips on top of the frosting for texture.
Toasted coconut: Toast half of the coconut for the topping to add a golden crunch.
Almond Joy version: Add chopped almonds between the coconut and frosting layers.
Layer it up: Use two round cake pans and stack with coconut frosting between for a tiered effect.

🎉 When to Serve Chocolate Heaven Cake

This dreamy dessert is perfect for:

Family dinners
Church potlucks
Holiday gatherings (especially Easter or Christmas)
Birthdays and anniversaries
BBQs and cookouts

Pro Tip: Make it the night before! The cake tastes even better the next day after chilling.

❄️ Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze slices individually, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Travel tip: Transport the cake in a lidded casserole dish. Garnish right before serving for best appearance.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Whether you call it Chocolate Heaven Cake, Mounds Cake, or simply “that coconut poke cake Granny always made,” there’s no denying the sweet, nostalgic charm of this dessert. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking and decadent enough for special occasions.

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and crowd-pleasing treats, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again—and probably pass down, just like Granny did.