If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels as dreamy as fresh-fallen snow, this Snowball Cake Recipe is your ticket to sweet bliss. Imagine tender vanilla cake with a hidden swirl of raspberry, wrapped up in a snowy, coconut coating that’s as fun to eat as it is beautiful to serve. This cake is perfect for any celebration—or just when you need a cozy treat that makes everyone at the table smile. With its irresistible flavors and nostalgic charm, the Snowball Cake Recipe is soon to be your next favorite bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about the Snowball Cake Recipe is how it transforms simple, familiar ingredients into something absolutely magical. Each component brings flavor, structure, or a pop of color—there are no fillers here, only elements that make the cake unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect crumb and sturdiness for the dome shape.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a lovely lift and lightness.
Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Unsalted butter, room temperature: Creams beautifully with sugar, forming the rich base of your cake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, fluffy texture.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
Whole milk: Ensures a moist, tender crumb throughout the cake.
Raspberry preserves (slightly warmed): Adds a sweet-tart surprise in every slice—don’t skip this!
Sweetened shredded coconut: For that essential “snowy” look and an irresistible chewy finish.
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Gives a frosted, magical touch right before serving.

How to Make Snowball Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 10-cup oven-safe dome pan or a deep bowl and grease it thoroughly with butter, then dust with flour to prevent any sticking. This ensures your cake will keep its beautiful shape and release easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, so every bite of your Snowball Cake Recipe is perfectly fluffy and seasoned.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, light base for your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the whole milk to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Gently mix just until combined—over-mixing at this stage can lead to a tougher cake, so stop as soon as you can’t see any dry streaks.

Step 5: Layer Batter and Raspberry Preserves

Pour half the batter into your prepared dome pan. Dollop the slightly warmed raspberry preserves on top and use a spoon or butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Cover with the remaining batter and smooth the top—it doesn’t need to be perfect, just even.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for ten minutes, then turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The raspberry filling becomes beautifully set during this time.

Step 7: Coat with Coconut

If the cake’s surface seems dry, brush it lightly with water or a simple syrup. Using your hands, press the sweetened shredded coconut all over the outside of the cake, making sure it sticks—they don’t call this the Snowball Cake Recipe for nothing! For extra snowy appeal, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Snowball Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The crown jewel finish for this snowy masterpiece is a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar right before serving. If you’d like, add a handful of fresh raspberries or mint leaves for a little pop of color—simple, elegant, and always impressive.

Side Dishes

This light, coconut-kissed cake pairs perfectly with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Serve with hot coffee or a fruity herbal tea to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, tuck little paper snowflakes or a cake topper on top. Miniature snowball cakes baked in smaller bowls make charming individual servings. You could even serve atop a platter strewn with coconut “snow” and edible flowers for extra magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Snowball Cake Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If your kitchen is especially warm, pop it in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and freshness.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the whole cake (without coconut coating) for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight, coat with coconut, and it’s ready to shine.

Reheating

This cake is delightful at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, a short zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds per slice) will refresh its softness. Don’t heat too long, or the coconut might lose its signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit preserve in the center?

Absolutely! Strawberry, blackberry, or apricot preserves all work beautifully in the Snowball Cake Recipe. Choose your favorite or mix things up based on the season.

What if I don’t have a dome-shaped pan?

No worries—a round mixing bowl that’s oven-safe or even a standard bundt pan can be used. The shape will vary, but the flavor and concept stay true to the classic Snowball Cake Recipe.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious and fitting for any table.

Is the coconut sweetened or unsweetened?

Sweetened shredded coconut works best for this Snowball Cake Recipe, giving it a lovely chewy sweetness and that playful snow-like appearance. If you only have unsweetened, you can sweeten it yourself by tossing with a little powdered sugar.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake with coconut?

It’s best to apply the coconut the same day you plan to serve, but you can coat the cake up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered. The coconut stays snowy and fresh this way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that strikes just the right balance between nostalgia, fun, and pure deliciousness, the Snowball Cake Recipe is your must-try. Invite your favorite people, dust off your mixing bowl, and give this magical bake a go—it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and a little bit of edible wonder to any day!

Snowball Cake Recipe