Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake: The Showstopper That’ll Make You the MVP of Every Party

Okay, so imagine if a tropical vacation and a winter wonderland had the most gorgeous baby ever – that’s exactly what this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is all about! I’m talking about layers of incredibly moist coconut cake filled with raspberry preserves and covered in fluffy coconut cream cheese frosting, then rolled in shredded coconut until it looks like the most delicious snowball you’ve ever seen. This isn’t just cake; it’s basically edible art that’ll have people taking photos before they even think about eating it!

Why This Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is Pure Magic

Here’s what makes this incredible Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake so ridiculously amazing – it’s got coconut in literally every possible form (coconut milk, coconut extract, coconut oil, shredded coconut), so you get this incredible depth of tropical flavor, while those raspberry swirls add these gorgeous pops of bright, fruity contrast that keep every bite interesting.

The genius of this amazing Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake? It looks like something you’d pay serious money for at a fancy bakery, but you can totally make it at home with some patience and the right technique. Plus, the “snowball” effect from all that shredded coconut coating creates this stunning visual that screams “special occasion.”

The breakdown: About 2 hours total (including cooling time), 30 minutes active work. Serves 12-16 people generously. Advanced level – there’s definitely some technique involved, but I promise it’s worth the effort!

What makes this fantastic Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake so much better than regular coconut cake? Multiple layers of coconut flavor, gorgeous raspberry swirls, and that show-stopping snowball presentation that makes it absolutely unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Everything You Need for This Spectacular Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

The Tender Coconut Cake Foundation:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour – Creates that perfect tender structure
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – For proper lift and airy texture
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with acidic ingredients for optimal rise
• ¾ teaspoon salt – Enhances all those coconut flavors
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temp is crucial here
• 1½ cups granulated sugar – For sweetness and moisture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances without competing
• 1½ teaspoons coconut extract – The coconut flavor hero
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract – Adds subtle complexity
• 6 large egg whites, lightly beaten – Creates light, tender texture
• 1 cup canned coconut milk – Rich coconut flavor and moisture
• ½ cup sour cream, room temperature – For incredible tenderness
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, liquified – Even more coconut goodness
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut – Texture and flavor

The Luxurious Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – For smooth, creamy base
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature – Adds tang and richness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements coconut beautifully
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances all the sweetness
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract – Reinforces that coconut theme
• 3 tablespoons canned coconut milk – More coconut flavor
• 4½ cups confectioners’ sugar – For perfect consistency

The Gorgeous Finishing Touches:

• ½ cup raspberry preserves – For those beautiful fruity swirls
• 2 cups shredded coconut for decorating – Creates that signature snowball look

Want to switch things up? Heavy cream works instead of coconut milk (less coconut flavor though), whole eggs can replace egg whites (denser texture), and strawberry or blackberry preserves create different color combinations!

Let’s Make This Show-Stopping Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake!

Step 1: Get Your Setup Ready

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease three 9-inch round pans, lining them with parchment paper rounds. Use coconut oil for greasing if you’ve got it – more coconut flavor!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Squad

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything’s evenly distributed. Double-sift if you want ultra-smooth texture that screams professional quality!

Step 3: Create That Rich Butter Base

In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute), then gradually add sugar and beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Room temperature butter is key – test by pressing gently with your finger!

Step 4: Build the Flavor Foundation

Beat in vanilla, coconut extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. These extracts create that complex coconut flavor profile that makes this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake so special. Add them slowly to prevent curdling!

Step 5: Add Those Egg Whites

Reduce speed to low and add beaten egg whites in three additions, beating well after each. Scrape the bowl frequently for even incorporation. Foamy egg whites work better than fully beaten ones here!

Step 6: Prep Your Coconut Liquid Mix

In a measuring cup, combine coconut milk and room temperature sour cream until evenly mixed. This provides both coconut flavor and the acidity needed for tender cake.

Step 7: Master the Alternating Technique

On low speed, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the coconut milk mixture. Begin and end with flour, mixing just until combined. Stop as soon as ingredients come together to avoid tough cake!

Step 8: Complete the Coconut Integration

Add that liquified coconut oil and beat until just combined, then use a rubber spatula to fold in shredded coconut until evenly distributed. Fold gently to maintain all that beautiful air incorporation!

Step 9: Divide and Bake Like a Pro

Divide batter evenly among your prepared pans (about 510 grams per pan if you want to be precise), smooth the tops, and bake for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Weigh for perfectly even layers!

Step 10: Cool Completely

Cool in pans for 20 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Complete cooling is crucial – warm cake will make your frosting slide right off!

Step 11: Make That Amazing Frosting

Beat room temperature butter and cream cheese until completely smooth (about 2 minutes), then beat in vanilla, salt, coconut extract, and coconut milk. Both ingredients need to be truly room temperature for the smoothest results!

Step 12: Add the Sugar Magic

Reduce speed to low and gradually add confectioners’ sugar ¼ cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift that sugar to prevent lumps! Once it’s all incorporated, beat on high for 2 minutes until super fluffy.

Step 13: Level and Layer

Using a long serrated knife, trim any domed tops to create flat, even surfaces. Save those scraps for snacking! Place the first layer on your serving plate and spread 1 cup frosting evenly to the edges.

Step 14: Add the Raspberry Magic

Spread ¼ cup raspberry preserves over the frosting layer – warm it slightly for easier spreading. This creates that gorgeous color contrast that makes this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake so stunning!

Step 15: Continue the Layering

Add the second layer, repeat the frosting and preserve process, then top with the final layer. Spread remaining frosting over the top and sides. Apply a thin crumb coat first, chill, then add the final layer for the cleanest finish!

Step 16: Create That Signature Snowball Effect

Using clean hands, gently press shredded coconut around the cake sides, covering completely, then generously sprinkle over the top. Press gently but firmly for good adhesion without disturbing the frosting!

Step 17: Let It Set

Allow your masterpiece to set for 30 minutes before slicing – this lets the frosting firm up and layers settle. Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in warm water for the cleanest slices!

Making Your Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake Look Professional

The beauty of this gorgeous Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is that stunning white “snowball” appearance contrasted with those gorgeous raspberry swirls when you cut into it. It’s like a delicious surprise waiting inside!

The key to that perfect snowball look is patience with the coconut coating and making sure your frosting is the right consistency to hold all that shredded coconut.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

Component prep: You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and wrap them tightly at room temperature. The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Assembly timing: Put this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake together the day you’re serving for optimal appearance, though it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator, but bring to room temperature 1 hour before serving for the best flavor development.

Freezer-friendly: Those unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped properly!

Want to Get Creative With Your Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake?

Lemon Twist: Replace raspberry preserves with lemon curd for bright citrus contrast that’s absolutely divine with coconut.

Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to one layer and use chocolate ganache swirls for decadent variation.

Tropical Paradise: Use passion fruit preserves for an even more tropical vibe.

Pretty in Pink: Add pink food coloring to the frosting and use pink-tinted coconut for special occasions!

More Spectacular Swirl Cakes That’ll Keep Your Showstopper Game Strong!

If this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake has got you totally obsessed with creating stunning layer cakes that make people’s jaws drop (and honestly, who doesn’t love that kind of reaction?), you’re going to absolutely fall in love with these other incredible swirl and elegant cake creations that bring the same wow factor with different amazing flavor combinations.

First up, this vanilla bean pistachio cake is a sophisticated treat with nutty elegance that’s got that same impressive visual appeal as our snowball beauty. It’s the kind of cake that makes people think you went to pastry school!

Then there’s this amazing almond raspberry swirl cake that’s pure nutty-fruity heaven and brings that same gorgeous swirl concept with a totally different flavor profile. It’s like the perfect cousin to our coconut raspberry masterpiece!

And if you’re loving the whole raspberry swirl thing but want to try a different base, this white chocolate raspberry dream cake is heavenly bliss with creamy and fruity perfection that’ll make you feel like you’re eating pure luxury.

Want tons more spectacular cake inspiration and showstopper dessert ideas? I’ve got my Pinterest packed with amazing recipes that’ll keep your cake-making adventures exciting and your friends constantly amazed!

Why This Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is Life-Changing

Look, I’ve made a lot of impressive cakes, but this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is in a category all by itself. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop talking when you bring it out because it’s just that stunning to look at.

The magic of this wonderful Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake lies in how it delivers multiple layers of coconut flavor without ever feeling overwhelming, thanks to those bright raspberry swirls that add the perfect fruity contrast. It’s tropical and elegant at the same time, which is honestly a pretty amazing combination.

Whether you’re making this incredible Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or just because you want to absolutely blow people’s minds, it delivers that kind of spectacular, photo-worthy result that creates lasting memories.

The best part about this spectacular Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake? It proves that sometimes the most impressive desserts come from combining simple flavors in creative ways and paying attention to presentation. It’s not just about taste (though it tastes incredible) – it’s about creating an experience.

So go ahead, make this fantastic Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake and prepare to become the person everyone begs to make “that amazing snowball cake” for every special occasion. Trust me, once people see this beauty and taste how incredible it is, you’ll be getting cake requests for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions