If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that brings vintage charm and irresistible flavor to your table, look no further than the Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake. This nostalgic treat is the stuff of childhood memories—moist chocolate cake domed with fluffy marshmallow-pudding frosting and coated in a billowy layer of sweet coconut. It’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, and every slice delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you love a classic, the Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake is bound to become your new favorite centerpiece dessert.

Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Frosting
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow crème (fluff)
Topping
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

How to Make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Dome

Start by preparing the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box. To get that signature snowball look, bake your batter in a 9-inch oven-safe mixing bowl or a deep cake pan; this helps create the iconic dome shape. Once it’s baked through (a toothpick in the center should come out clean), let the cake cool completely. Carefully remove it from the bowl or pan and, if needed, slice a thin layer off the bottom so it sits flat and steady on your serving plate.

Step 2: Whip Up the Marshmallow-Pudding Frosting

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until the mixture thickens—it should only take a couple of minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form (be patient; this is where the magic happens!). Gently fold the whipped cream and marshmallow crème into the pudding mixture, combining everything until it’s airy, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. This frosting is what takes the Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake to the next level!

Step 3: Frost and Coat the Cake

Set your cooled cake dome on a serving platter. Using a spatula, generously frost the entire surface with the marshmallow-pudding mixture, smoothing it out to fully cover every nook and cranny. Now comes the fun part: Press sweetened shredded coconut all over the frosted cake. Don’t be shy! Make sure every inch is coated so your cake really looks like a snowball straight out of a winter wonderland.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Transfer your finished cake to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step helps the frosting set and melds all the flavors together. When you’re ready to serve, top your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake with a few maraschino cherries for that classic, playful touch. Slice, serve, and get ready for smiles all around!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake

Garnishes

A true Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake looks even more festive with a pop of color on top. Try dotting the dome with maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of extra coconut, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry finish. If you want to kick it up a notch, add curls of dark chocolate for an elegant twist.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a bit of tart contrast, serve it with fresh raspberries or a fruity compote. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk makes it all the more comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider making mini snowball cakes using smaller oven-safe bowls or ramekins—everyone loves their own personal cake! You can also slice the cake horizontally and add a layer of raspberry jam or whipped chocolate ganache in the center for a surprise burst of flavor when you cut inside. Place the finished cake on a vintage cake stand for a true retro dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s a big “if” with this cake!), simply cover your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The coconut helps keep the frosting from drying out, so every slice stays moist.

Freezing

Want to stash some cake for a future treat? You can freeze slices of Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Store them in a zip-top freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled straight from the fridge, so no reheating is needed! If you’ve frozen slices, just let them thaw gently in the refrigerator. The frosting and coconut will return to their soft, fluffy texture as the cake comes back to temperature.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure to bake it in a bowl or deep pan to achieve that classic dome shape for your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out the milk for a non-dairy alternative (like almond or coconut milk), use a dairy-free whipped topping instead of heavy cream, and check that your cake mix and pudding are also dairy-free. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get a tasty snowball effect.

Can I make the Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the cake improves as it chills. You can fully assemble it a day in advance—just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it an ideal make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

What’s the best way to get the coconut to stick?

After frosting the cake, gently press handfuls of coconut onto the surface, rotating the cake as you go. If your kitchen is warm and the frosting gets too soft, pop the cake in the fridge for a few minutes, then finish applying the coconut once it firms up a bit.

Can I add a filling to the center of the cake?

Absolutely! For an extra layer of flavor, slice the cake horizontally and add raspberry jam, whipped ganache, or even a layer of extra marshmallow crème before frosting and coating with coconut. It’s a fun way to personalize your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake.

Final Thoughts

Every slice of Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake is like a sweet trip down memory lane, and it never fails to impress at gatherings big or small. I hope you’ll give this charming cake a try—there’s just something magical about that fluffy marshmallow coating and snowy coconut topping. Trust me, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again!

Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake is a nostalgic dessert featuring a rich chocolate dome cake covered in a fluffy vanilla pudding and marshmallow frosting, then coated with shredded coconut to resemble a snowball. Perfectly chilled and garnished with maraschino cherries, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that bring vintage charm to your dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

Frosting

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup whole milk
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow crème (fluff)

Topping

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a 9-inch round oven-safe bowl or a deep cake pan to create the dome shape. Bake as directed, then let the cake cool completely before carefully removing it from the bowl. Level the bottom if necessary so the cake sits flat.
Make the frosting: In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until it thickens. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream and marshmallow crème into the pudding mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Frost the cake: Spread the marshmallow-pudding frosting evenly over the cooled chocolate dome cake using a spatula, smoothing it out carefully to cover all surfaces.
Apply the coconut coating: Press the shredded coconut all over the frosted cake until it is fully covered on all sides, giving it the appearance of a snowball.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the frosting can set properly. Before serving, garnish the top with maraschino cherries if desired, then slice and enjoy chilled.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding raspberry jam or whipped ganache in the center of the cake before frosting.
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American