Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake 5 Star Festive Treat

Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is the dreamy dessert you didn’t know your celebrations were missing.

Tired of dry, flavorless cakes that never live up to their Pinterest potential? I get it. That’s exactly why this Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake has become a Cooks Foody favorite. It’s ultra-moist, layered with bright raspberry swirls, coated in fluffy coconut frosting, and finished with a gentle dusting of coconut flakes that look just like fresh snow. A showstopper that’s deceptively simple.

Hi, I’m Jack recipe developer, food enthusiast, and the heart behind Cooks Foody. This blog began as my creative outlet and has grown into a space where I help home cooks like you make everyday meals (and sweets!) unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just because, I’ll guide you through every delicious step.

In this post, you’ll find:

  • Why this cake recipe works every time
  • How to choose the right ingredients
  • Smart prep tips and baking steps
  • Flavor twists, storing advice, serving ideas, and more

Why This Dessert Recipe Works Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  • ✅ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have
  • ✅ Raspberry swirl adds bright, natural flavor without overpowering sweetness
  • ✅ Coconut flakes create a beautiful, snow-like texture
  • ✅ Great for holidays, parties, or cozy weekends
  • ✅ Moist crumb and cloud-like frosting that stays soft for days

Choosing the Right Ingredients Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Best Components for This Recipe

  • Cake Base: A white or yellow cake provides a soft, neutral backdrop
  • Raspberry Swirl: Made from real raspberries and a touch of lemon juice
  • Coconut Frosting: Light, whipped, and not overly sweet
  • Flake Topping: Unsweetened shredded coconut mimics snow and adds texture

Shopping Tips

  • Look for frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t in season
  • Use full-fat canned coconut milk for a creamy, rich frosting
  • Choose unsweetened coconut flakes to balance the sweetness

Substitutions

  • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
  • Swap raspberries for strawberries if preferred
  • Use vegan butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free option

Ingredients & Pre Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake
Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Cake Prep Essentials

  • Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature
  • Grease and line cake pans with parchment for easy release
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps

Raspberry Swirl

Swirl Filling:

  • 1 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Simmer until slightly thickened, cool completely before swirling

Pantry Staples

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Coconut milk
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Butter or dairy-free spread

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! 

I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to share your photos on Pinterest

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake
Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Pre-Baking Prep Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans
  3. Prepare raspberry swirl and set aside

Baking Method Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
  2. Add eggs, then dry ingredients alternating with coconut milk
  3. Pour into pans, swirl in raspberry mixture using a knife
  4. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

Doneness Check Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  1. Center should spring back lightly
  2. Edges pull away from the pan
  3. Use toothpick to check for moist crumbs

Cooling – Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  • Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire rack
  • Frost only when cakes are fully cooled to avoid melting

Pro Tips for Perfect Dessert Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Avoiding Dry Cake Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  • Don’t overmix batter stop once dry ingredients are just incorporated
  • Keep an eye on bake time overbaking = dry cake
  • Swirl gently so batter stays airy

Tool Recommendations Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  • Offset spatula for smooth frosting
  • Cake turntable for easy decorating
  • Microplane to zest fresh lemon into raspberry swirl

Storage & Freezing Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  • Store covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5
  • Freeze unfrosted cake layers up to 2 months

Flavor Variations Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

VariationIngredients UsedNotes
Lemon BurstAdd lemon zest to batterEnhances brightness of raspberry swirl
Chocolate MarbleAdd melted white chocolate to swirlSweet and decadent
Tropical VibesAdd crushed pineapple to the fillingCoconut + pineapple = island-style treat
Vegan VersionUse dairy-free milk and flax eggsJust as moist and fluffy
Nutty TextureFold in slivered almonds into batterAdds crunch and warmth

Serving Suggestions Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

  • Pair with a cup of hot chamomile tea or vanilla almond milk
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers
  • Serve chilled for a cool, creamy texture

FAQs Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Can I use raspberry jam instead of fresh swirl?
Yes, just thin it slightly with lemon juice or water for swirling.

How do I fix a cake that sunk in the middle?
Cover it with frosting and coconut no one will know! Also, check oven temp and avoid opening the door too early next time.

Is this cake safe for kids and those avoiding artificial dyes?
Absolutely no dyes or alcohol here, just natural fruit color!

Conclusion

Don’t wait for a special occasion Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is perfect any time you want to wow your family or guests with a soft, fruity, tropical treat.

Print
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Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake 5 Star Festive Treat


  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake is fruity, fluffy, and coated in coconut flakes. A beautiful showstopper for holidays and birthdays.


Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup butter (room temp)

1 3/4 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 cup coconut milk

1 cup raspberries

2 tbsp sugar (for swirl)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.

2. Simmer raspberries, 2 tbsp sugar, and lemon juice to make the swirl. Cool.

3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time.

4. Alternate adding flour mix and coconut milk. Don’t overmix.

5. Divide batter between pans. Swirl in raspberry mixture.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool completely before frosting. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

8. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use strawberry instead of raspberry for a new twist.

Refrigerate leftovers for a cool, refreshing slice.

Double the recipe for a 3-layer celebration cake.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: raspberry cake, coconut cake, snowball cake

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