What Is a Chocolate Macaroon Cake?
A Chocolate Macaroon Cake is a fudgy chocolate cake layered or filled with a sweet coconut macaroon-style mixture. It’s like a hidden treat inside your cake — think Mounds bar meets Bundt cake.
Popular in retro Southern kitchens, this cake gives you a surprise coconut layer inside every rich chocolate slice.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Hidden creamy coconut center
✅ Classic chocolate flavor
✅ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
✅ Great for holidays and birthdays
✅ Crowd-pleasing and unique
Ingredients You’ll Need
🍫 For the Cake Batter:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
🥥 For the Coconut Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour
🍰 Serves: 10–12 slices
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt or tube pan.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Filling
In another bowl, combine condensed milk, shredded coconut, vanilla, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour half of the cake batter into the pan. Spoon the coconut mixture over it, avoiding the edges. Top with the remaining batter.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack.
Icing & Topping Ideas
| Topping | Result |
|---|---|
| Chocolate ganache | Rich and glossy |
| Dusting of powdered sugar | Simple and elegant |
| Coconut flakes | Enhances flavor & texture |
| Chocolate glaze with almond extract | Mounds/Almond Joy flavor |
Storage Tips
- 🧊 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days
- ❄️ Freezer: Wrap slices and freeze for up to 2 months
- 🔥 Reheat: Microwave 10–15 seconds for gooey center
FAQs
❓ Can I use homemade cake batter?
Absolutely! A scratch-made chocolate cake works just as well.
❓ Can I toast the coconut first?
Yes — toasted coconut adds even more flavor and texture.
❓ Is this the same as a German chocolate cake?
Not exactly. German chocolate cake has frosting and layers; this one has a hidden coconut filling baked inside.
👉 If you love coconut and chocolate, check out our Chocolate Covered Pecans — a no-bake snack with rich flavor and satisfying crunch!
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Macaroon Cake is that hidden treasure of the dessert table — simple on the outside, but a creamy coconut surprise on the inside. It’s nostalgic, rich, and ridiculously satisfying.
Perfect for coconut lovers, holiday dinners, and anyone who loves a twist in their cake.
