Name: Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 tablespoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract; 0.5 teaspoon Almond Extract; 4 large Egg Whites (beaten until foamy); 1 cup Canned Coconut Milk; 0.5 cups Sour Cream; 0.5 cups Coconut Oil (melted); 1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut; 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened); 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (softened); 2 cups Confectioners’ Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract; 1 cup Raspberry Preserves; 1 cup Shredded Coconut (for decorating)

Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake topped with shredded coconut and raspberries

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Indulging in dessert often means finding joy in sweet surprises, and there’s no better example than the Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake. Imagine a slice of fluffy, moist cake, bursting with a sweet raspberry filling that perfectly complements the rich coconut flavors. The contrasting textures create a delightful experience as you take your first bite, with a crunchy outer layer of toasted coconut and a creaminess that makes every mouthful melt away in bliss. The aroma of coconut wafts through your kitchen as the cake bakes, inviting everyone to gather and share in the anticipation of a delightful treat.

This cake is more than just a dessert; it beckons memories of warm summer days and family gatherings. The vibrant raspberries offer a touch of tartness that dances playfully against the sweetness of the cake, while the layers of coconut create a tropical escape for your taste buds. Perfectly suited for special occasions or a simple afternoon treat, each slice promises an explosion of flavors that brings joy to anyone lucky enough to savor it. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake transforms ordinary moments into memories worth cherishing.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake

This cake offers an enchanting blend of flavors and textures that sets it apart from your usual desserts. The rich, buttery cake cradling sweet raspberry preserves introduces a delightful surprise with every slice, making each bite an adventure. The soft and moist cake pairs beautifully with the shredded coconut, creating a crunchy exterior that adds visual appeal and texture, ensuring that your taste buds experience a symphony of contrasts.

You’ll find this cake is an absolute showstopper for special occasions. Its stunning appearance, with fluffy white frosting adorned in snowy coconut flakes, alongside the vibrant pops of red from the raspberries, makes it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. Beyond its beauty, the combination of coconut and raspberry offers an explosion of flavors that caters to both coconut lovers and berry enthusiasts alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To whip up this stunning dessert, certain kitchen tools become essential allies in your baking adventure:

Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. The size allows for easy mixing and prevents any overflow.
Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will save time and effort while beating the egg whites and paddling the butter and sugar together to creamy perfection. This tool helps achieve that light airy texture that’s vital for your cake.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements of your ingredients lead to consistent results, so quality measuring tools are a must.
Baking Pans: You’ll need two round cake pans (8-inch). Ensure they are well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
Cooling Rack: Once baked, the cakes need to cool evenly, and a cooling rack helps maintain the cakes’ shape without getting soggy.

Preparation Tips:

Gather all your ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Preheat your oven so it reaches the desired temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients for Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture): Cake flour yields a more tender and fluffy cake.
1 tablespoon Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Acts as an additional leavening agent for a light texture.
0.5 teaspoon Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness.
0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and flavor.
1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or almond extract): Infuses an aromatic quality.
1 teaspoon Coconut Extract: Vital for that signature coconut flavor.
0.5 teaspoon Almond Extract: A lovely accent flavor.
4 large Egg Whites (beaten until foamy): Provides lightness to the cake.
1 cup Canned Coconut Milk: Moistens the cake and adds a creamy coconut bite.
0.5 cups Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt): Ensures a moist crumb and adds a slight tang.
0.5 cups Coconut Oil (melted): Contributes to richness and helps keep the cake tender.
1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a tropical touch.
8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened): Forms a luscious frosting base.
0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds creaminess and helps achieve a smooth frosting.
2 cups Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the frosting, providing the perfect balance to the tangy cream cheese.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavors.
1 teaspoon Coconut Extract: Elevates the coconut aroma in the frosting.
1 cup Raspberry Preserves (or any fruit preserve): The star filling that adds layers of sweetness and surprise.
1 cup Shredded Coconut (for decorating): Coats the cake for a festive finish.

Explore possible substitutions to customize your cake. For instance, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist. For a different flavor, consider using strawberry preserves instead of raspberry.

How to Make Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake

Baking Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This fluffy blend forms the base for your cake. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, around 3–5 minutes. Enjoy the aroma of sweetness wafting through your kitchen.
Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract, coconut extract, and almond extract, ensuring all elements intricately blend into a harmonious batter.
Incorporate Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites until foamy. Gently fold the egg whites into the butter mixture, preserving the airiness that will ensure a light cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the coconut milk and sour cream to the mixture, mixing until everything comes together smoothly.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix to maintain that fluffy texture.
Add Coconut: Fold in the unsweetened shredded coconut, enhancing the tropical theme and adding texture to your cake.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Cool the Cakes: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, invert them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Mix until creamy and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a layer of raspberry preserves on the top of one cake, followed by a portion of the frosting. Place the second cake layer on top, spreading the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: Generously sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting, ensuring even coverage. The snowball-like effect will not only please the eye but thick coupling of textures with the cake’s layers makes for an enticing treat.

Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Tips: Bake the cake up to two days ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Frost it on the day you plan to serve, ensuring maximum freshness.
Cooking Alternatives: If you prefer using an air fryer, halve the recipe and bake the cakes at 320°F (160°C) for about 20 minutes.
Customization Ideas: Try swapping out the raspberry preserves for lemon curd or blueberry preserves for a twist on flavors, keeping the cake vibrant and exciting. Consider adding a layer of whipped cream for added decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: Keep your mixing gentle after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired airy texture.
Not Cooling Completely: Ensure your cakes are completely cooled before frosting. A warm cake can cause the frosting to melt, creating a messy finish.
Skipping the Parchment Paper: Adding parchment to the bottom of your pans can significantly help with the removal of the cake without crumbling.

What to Serve With Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake

Pair this delightful cake with a variety of accompaniments:

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess complements the fluffy cake while contrasting the tart raspberry filling.
Fresh Berries: A bowl of mixed fresh berries offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances every bite with an airy lift.
Coconut Milk Latte: The warm notes of coconut in a latte provide a cozy beverage to enjoy alongside a slice of cake.
Herbal Tea: A soothing chamomile or mint tea balances the cake’s sweetness and offers a calming touch.
Sparkling Lemonade: The citrusy fizz refreshes the palate between bites, providing a lively element to your dessert experience.
Sliced Citrus Fruits: The tangy brightness of oranges or lemons cuts through the richness, creating a refreshing contrast.
Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, drizzling a chocolate sauce over the cake lends a decadent touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep this delicious cake at its best, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so. A quick 10-second pop in the microwave can warm a slice beautifully, restoring its fluffy charm.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Approximate values per slice (1/12 of cake):

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 4g

*These values are approximations and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities used.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
Using fresh raspberries will change the texture and sweetness of the filling. Consider mashing them with a bit of sugar to create a spreadable compote that replicates the preserves.

2. Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Opt for a blend that you’ve successfully used in other cakes.

3. Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Absolutely! Adding food coloring can enhance the cake’s appearance and make it festive for celebrations. Just ensure it’s gel or paste for vibrant, even color without adding too much liquid.

4. What if I can’t find coconut milk?
If coconut milk isn’t available, you can substitute with cow’s milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that the cake may lose a bit of its signature coconut flavor in this case.

5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Properly greasing and flouring your cake pans is essential. Alternatively, line with parchment paper for added security and easy removal.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to create a Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary event. Each slice invites smiles, evokes nostalgia, and inspires laughter among friends and family. This cake doesn’t just satisfy cravings; it creates connections. So gather your ingredients, summon your loved ones, and cherish the time spent baking together. There’s nothing quite like the joy this cake brings, embodying celebration in every mouthwatering bite. Try your hand at this delicious recipe today—you won’t be disappointed!

Hi, I’m Clara!

I'm a food lover and a firm believer that anyone can learn to cook with a little curiosity and courage. My story with food didn’t begin in a tiny apartment with a two-burner stove and a stack of cookbooks from the local library. I was broke and desperate to make something anything that felt like home.

About Me