Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled out the last few ingredients for my afternoon baking session, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement—today, I’m making a stunning Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake! The soft, fluffy layers paired with tart raspberry preserves, all covered in sweet shredded coconut, create a light dessert that’s simply irresistible. This unfrosted cake not only looks like a showstopper for spring celebrations, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for brunch or casual weekend get-togethers. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make, allowing you to impress your loved ones without sacrificing your precious time. Are you ready to dive into this delightful treat and brighten up your dessert table? Why is This Snowball Cake Special? Light and Fluffy: This Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake features a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth, perfect for a light dessert option that won’t weigh you down. Visually Stunning: With its beautiful marbled interior and coconut coating, this cake dazzles as a centerpiece for any gathering. Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up this delightful treat—it’s straightforward and requires minimal ingredients! Versatile Twist: You can easily swap raspberry preserves for pineapple or lime for a unique twist; why not try Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake for a different flavor essence? Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for spring festivities or brunch, this cake adds an elegant touch that will impress your friends and family without being overly complicated. Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the tropical flavors without the heaviness of a traditional frosted cake—allowing you to savor every bite with a smile! Snowball Cake Ingredients Discover the delightful components that come together in this snowball cake, perfect for any occasion! For the Cake All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability to the cake; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a fluffy rise. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; remember to bring it to room temperature for easier mixing. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter and contributes to its airy texture. Large Eggs – Offer moisture and help form the cake’s structure; always use at room temperature for best results. Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cake with a deeper flavor. Whole Milk – Ensures the cake stays moist; feel free to swap for almond milk for a dairy-free option. Raspberry Preserves – Adds a beautiful fruity swirl and enhances flavor, or use fresh raspberries, mashed with a little sugar. Sweetened Shredded Coconut – Provides that signature snowball texture and appearance. Powdered Sugar (optional) – For a light dusting, adding sweetness and visual appeal. Optional Enhancements Simple Syrup – Brush on the cake before adding coconut to help it stick better and keep it moist. Fresh Berries – Serve alongside the cake for an extra burst of flavor and garnish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan Begin by greasing a dome-shaped cake pan generously with butter. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this process, ensuring it’s ready and hot when you pour in the batter. This preparation helps achieve the perfect, fluffy rise for your beautiful snowball cake. Step 2: Make the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes. Add the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix with the wet mixture, alternately adding whole milk until just blended for a soft batter. Step 3: Add the Raspberry Swirl Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Dollop raspberry preserves in spoonfuls over the batter, then gently pour in the remaining batter. With a knife, create a light swirl through the preserves, taking care not to over-mix this step. This will result in a beautifully marbled effect in your raspberry coconut snowball cake. Step 4: Bake the Cake Place the cake pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it maintains its airy structure. Step 5: Coat with Shredded Coconut Once your snowball cake is completely cool, prepare to give it that signature look. Brush the surface lightly with water or simple syrup to help the coconut adhere. Carefully press sweetened shredded coconut all over the cake, ensuring it’s nicely coated. If desired, finish by dusting a touch of powdered sugar on top for an extra sweet touch and beautiful presentation. Snowball Cake Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake; tasty twists await! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a completely gluten-free delight. Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk, and swap unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Tropical Twist: Replace raspberry preserves with lime or pineapple preserves for a refreshing tropical flavor. Nutty Aroma: Add a splash of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut. Extra Texture: Stir in some chopped nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch. Berry Medley: Combine fresh raspberries with blueberries or strawberries for a mixed berry swirl that adds more color and flavor. Mini Snowballs: Pour batter into cupcake molds for individual portions; bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re perfect for gatherings or snacks! Sweet Sprinkles: Top with toasted coconut or even decorative sprinkles for a fun touch that will excite kids and adults alike. Looking for more berry treats? Don’t forget to try Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake or a fruity twist with a Strawberry Cheesecake Protein option! Make Ahead Options These Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it in the refrigerator. For even more convenience, bake the cake and let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the chilled cake with water or simple syrup and press on the shredded coconut. This method not only saves you time but ensures the cake stays just as delicious and fluffy, waiting for you to add that final touch before impressing your guests! What to Serve with Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake? Looking to create a memorable meal around your delightful snowball cake? Let’s pair it with complementary flavors and textures to elevate your dining experience! Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of vibrant seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the cake’s sweetness with natural tartness. Lemonade Spritzers: Brighten up the occasion with these fizzy drinks; the citrus notes play beautifully with the raspberry and coconut flavors. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this creamy topping enhances the tropical vibes of the cake, making every bite feel indulgent. Herbal Iced Tea: The subtle flavors of mint or chamomile provide a calming backdrop, enhancing the refreshing qualities of your dessert. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the cake’s sweetness, creating an elegant touch for any gathering. Pistachio Crumble: A sprinkle of crunchy, roasted pistachios gives a delightful texture contrast while adding a savory hint that complements the sweet cake. Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing offers a creamy richness that harmonizes beautifully with the lightness of the raspberry coconut snowball cake. Chilled Prosecco: A bubbly toast with sparkling wine elevates your dessert experience, bringing a celebratory feel that pairs well with festive gatherings. Coconut Macaroons: Echo the coconut flavor of the snowball cake for an enticing dessert table arrangement that guests will love. Expert Tips for Snowball Cake Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs that are at room temperature to ensure a better emulsification in your batter, resulting in a fluffier snowball cake. Chill the Preserves: If the raspberry preserves are too runny, chill them slightly before adding to the batter; this helps maintain distinct swirls instead of blending too much. Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just blended to prevent a dense texture in your snowball cake. Sifting Matters: Sift your flour and baking powder together for a lighter batter; this helps incorporate air, making your cake more airy and fluffy. Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment by substituting raspberry preserves with your favorite fruit preserves for a unique twist on the classic snowball cake. Cooling Time: Let the cake cool completely before coating; this prevents the coconut from sliding off and keeps your beautiful presentation intact. How to Store and Freeze Snowball Cake Room Temperature: Keep your snowball cake at room temperature in a cake dome for up to 3 days to maintain its light and fluffy texture. Fridge: To extend freshness, store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out. Freezer: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month; this method preserves the cake’s taste and texture. Reheating: Thaw slices in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Enjoy your delightful snowball cake with a touch of freshness! Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe raspberries for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting raspberries, look for plump, firm berries with rich color—preferring those that don’t have dark spots or mushy areas. They should smell sweet and fragrant! If you can find fresh ones in season, go for it, but frozen raspberries also work if that’s what you have. How should I store the Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake? For optimal freshness, keep your snowball cake at room temperature in a cake dome for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Can I freeze the Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake? Yes, you can! For the best results, wrap each slice in parchment paper, then store them in a freezer bag. This will protect the cake’s delicate texture. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. To serve, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly? Oh no! If your snowball cake doesn’t rise as expected, check your baking powder’s freshness—it should be no more than 6 months old. Also, ensure the butter was creamed well with sugar until fluffy, as the air bubbles created help the cake rise. Always preheat your oven to the right temperature before baking and avoid opening the door too soon! Are there any dietary considerations I should note? Yes! This cake contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the butter and milk. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for dairy alternatives, almond milk can replace whole milk, and you can use coconut oil instead of butter. Always check your preservatives for any allergens, especially if serving to guests. Delightful Snowball Cake with Raspberry Coconut Twist This Snowball Cake combines light, fluffy layers with raspberry preserves and a coconut coating for a delightful dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.1 tbsp Baking Powder Acts as a leavening agent.1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavor.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Bring to room temperature.1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the batter.2 large Large Eggs Use at room temperature.1 tsp Vanilla Extract1 cup Whole Milk Can substitute almond milk.1/2 cup Raspberry Preserves Can use fresh raspberries, mashed with sugar.1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut For coating.Powdered Sugar Optional, for dusting.Optional Enhancements1/4 cup Simple Syrup To help coconut adhere.Fresh Berries Serve alongside for garnish. Equipment Dome-shaped cake panMixing Bowlspatulawire rackknife Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Raspberry Coconut Snowball CakePrepare the baking pan by greasing it with butter and dusting with flour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix with the wet ingredients, alternating with milk until blended.Pour half the batter into the pan, dollop raspberry preserves, then add the remaining batter and swirl gently.Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Once cool, brush with water or simple syrup and coat with shredded coconut. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results and consider customizing the flavor by using different fruit preserves. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
