This Snowball Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring in each slice. With its moist layers of vanilla batter and sweet raspberry preserves, all enveloped in a fluffy coconut coating, this cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. Its unique presentation and light texture make it an eye-catching centerpiece that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of vanilla and raspberry offers a delicious contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet snack; it’s perfect for any occasion or time of day.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The coconut coating gives this cake a stunning look that elevates any dessert table.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite fruits or toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth experience while you whip up this wonderful Snowball Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 10-cup oven-safe dome pan or bowl
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools help achieve a fluffy batter by thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; these tools ensure you get them right every time.
- Wire rack: Cooling the cake on a wire rack prevents sogginess, allowing air to circulate around the entire cake.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Snowball Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake Batter
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Filling and Topping
- ½ cup raspberry preserves (slightly warmed)
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How to Make Snowball Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-cup oven-safe dome pan or bowl and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. 2½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1½ teaspoons baking powder
3. ½ teaspoon salt
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together:
1. ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2. 1½ cups granulated sugar
Beat until fluffy. Add in:
1. Three large eggs one at a time,
2. One tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and:
1. One cup of whole milk to the butter mixture,
2. Mix just until combined.
Step 5: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Then:
1. Dollop half a cup of warmed raspberry preserves on top,
2. Cover with the remaining batter,
3. Swirl gently using a knife or skewer.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake in preheated oven for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally:
1. Brush with water or syrup if needed,
2. Press coconut onto the sides and top,
3. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Enjoy your beautifully crafted Snowball Cake!
How to Serve Snowball Cake Recipe
Serving your Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake can elevate any gathering. This delightful dessert is versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a small dessert plate, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a side of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to complement the raspberry flavor and enhance presentation.
Whipped Coconut Cream
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added richness and a tropical flair.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream to create a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange slices on a large platter with other small desserts, such as cookies or tartlets, for a beautiful dessert table.
Coffee or Tea Service
- Pair the cake with freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and make for an inviting afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Snowball Cake Recipe
To ensure your Snowball Cake comes out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light one.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An inaccurate oven can result in undercooked or overbaked cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Coconut Coating: For an even coconut coating, brush the surface of the cake lightly with warm water or syrup before pressing on the shredded coconut.
Best Side Dishes for Snowball Cake Recipe
Enhance your dining experience by serving side dishes that pair beautifully with your Snowball Cake. Here are some delicious options:
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the cake’s flavors perfectly.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the coconut theme and provide a delightful texture contrast.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet balances the sweetness of the cake while offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Berry Compote: A warm berry compote drizzled over slices can intensify the raspberry notes in your cake.
- Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate ganache on the side creates a decadent pairing that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Grilled Peaches: Serve caramelized grilled peaches for a warm, sweet addition that pairs wonderfully with coconut flavors.
- Vanilla Pudding: A creamy vanilla pudding serves as an excellent dip for cake slices, adding moisture and flavor.
- Nutty Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a crunchy side that provides additional texture to your dessert spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect snowball cake can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are key. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for best results.
- Ignoring pan preparation: Not greasing and flouring your pan can lead to sticking. Always prepare your baking pan properly before pouring in the batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Not testing for doneness: Skipping the toothpick test can lead to undercooked cake. Check around 45 minutes and adjust baking time if needed.
- Forgetting about cooling: Cooling the cake too quickly can affect its texture. Allow it to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container.
- The cake will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Snowball Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Snowball Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15–20 seconds or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: For best results, cover slices with a lid and heat gently on low until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the snowball cake recipe.
What is a Snowball Cake Recipe?
A snowball cake is a moist, fluffy dessert featuring layers of vanilla batter and raspberry preserves, coated with sweet shredded coconut.
Can I use other fruits in this Snowball Cake Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute raspberry preserves with strawberry, blueberry, or even peach preserves for different flavors.
How do I make this Snowball Cake Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour.
Is there an alternative to shredded coconut in this Snowball Cake Recipe?
You can use crushed nuts or leave it plain if you prefer not having coconut on your cake.
Can I decorate my Snowball Cake Recipe differently?
Absolutely! You can add fresh fruit on top or drizzle with chocolate for added flair and taste.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. With its light texture and delightful combination of flavors, it’s perfect for any spring gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings, making it truly your own!
Snowball Cake
Indulge in the delightful layers of our Snowball Cake, a perfect springtime dessert that combines moist vanilla batter with sweet raspberry preserves, all enveloped in a fluffy coconut coating. This cake not only offers a burst of flavor with its contrasting layers but also presents as an elegant centerpiece for any gathering. Its light texture makes it ideal for celebrations or casual afternoons, and it can be easily customized with your favorite fruits or toppings to make it uniquely yours.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup raspberry preserves (slightly warmed)
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup oven-safe dome pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread warmed raspberry preserves over it, then cover with remaining batter. Swirl gently.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Coat with coconut and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Room temperature ingredients yield better results; let your butter, eggs, and milk sit out prior to use. You can substitute raspberry preserves with other fruit preserves like strawberry or blueberry for different flavors. For added richness, top each slice with whipped coconut cream.
