Easy Snowball Cake Recipe: A Decadent Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Delight
Imagine a dessert that combines all your favorite elements into one irresistible treat: rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, luscious pudding frosting, and a sprinkle of delicate coconut. That’s precisely what you get with this spectacular Snowball Cake recipe. It’s a classic, surprisingly easy-to-make confection that starts with a doctored cake mix, ensuring a tender crumb every time, and is generously loaded with a dreamy, light pudding frosting and a snowy exterior of shredded coconut.
*This post is sponsored by Lunchbox, allowing me to share this incredible snowball cake recipe with you. As always, all photography and opinions expressed are my own.*
My first encounter with a Snowball Cake was an unforgettable one, about three years ago, at an incredibly fancy restaurant. The name itself, “Snowball Cake,” sparked my curiosity immediately. I ordered it without a second thought, eager to discover what culinary magic lay beneath its intriguing title. What arrived at the table was a dessert that has since remained one of the absolute best I have ever tasted. It was a revelation – a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that left a lasting impression.
This particular Snowball Cake truly encompasses everything I adore in a dessert, cleverly packed into a charming, dome-shaped masterpiece. It’s a symphony of sweet indulgence, featuring:
- **Creamy Cheesecake:** A rich, tangy core that provides a delightful contrast to the surrounding chocolate.
- **Moist Devil’s Food Cake:** A deep, dark chocolate cake base that’s incredibly tender and flavorful.
- **Velvety Pudding:** Infused directly into the frosting, it creates an unparalleled light and fluffy texture.
- **Sweet Frosting:** A generous coating that ties all the layers together with its smooth, sweet embrace.
- **Flaky Coconut:** The signature “snowball” topping, adding a delicate chewiness and tropical hint.
Every single bite of this dessert is pure bliss, a moment of joy that is undeniably worth every single calorie. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience.
Bringing the Restaurant Experience Home: My Journey to the Perfect Snowball Cake
After that memorable dessert experience, I was determined to recreate the magic of the Snowball Cake in my own kitchen. The idea of mastering such an intricate-tasting dessert at home was both exciting and a little daunting. Fortunately, my search for a homemade version led me to a fantastic recipe that was incredibly easy to follow, and best of all, it cleverly started with a simple cake mix. This “doctored cake mix” approach is a game-changer for home bakers, offering a shortcut without compromising on flavor or texture, making what seems like a complex cake entirely achievable for anyone.
To my absolute delight, the homemade version tasted exactly like the luxurious Snowball Cake I had savored at that fancy restaurant. The rich chocolate, the creamy cheesecake, and the light, airy frosting were all perfectly replicated, much to my joyous surprise! The ease of this recipe meant I could bring a gourmet dessert experience to my family and friends, all from the comfort of my home.
The Clever Secret: Baking Cheesecake and Cake Together
When I first envisioned how this cake was constructed, I had assumed a more laborious process: baking the chocolate cake first, carefully hollowing out the center, and then filling it with a separate cheesecake mixture. This method, while effective, can often be messy and time-consuming.
However, I was happily mistaken! The ingenious part of this recipe is that the chocolate cake batter and the cheesecake filling are actually baked together. This simultaneous baking process is nothing short of revolutionary for home bakers. It streamlines the entire operation, eliminating the need for intricate hollowing or separate baking steps. As the chocolate cake bakes, the cheesecake filling sets perfectly within its core, creating a seamless, moist, and utterly delicious combination. This method not only simplifies the process but also ensures that every slice offers a harmonious blend of both components, making it incredibly cool and efficient!
Tips for Perfecting Your Snowball Cake
Achieving a bakery-quality Snowball Cake at home is easier than you might think with a few key tips:
- **Doctored Cake Mix:** Starting with a Devil’s Food cake mix saves time, but don’t just follow the box instructions blindly. Often, adding an extra egg, using milk instead of water, and swapping oil for melted butter can significantly enhance the flavor and moisture content, making it taste truly homemade.
- **Cream Cheese Softening:** For the cheesecake filling, ensure your Philadelphia cream cheese is at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly with the egg and sugar.
- **Baking Vessel:** A 2 ½ quart oven-safe bowl is ideal for achieving that classic dome shape. Make sure it’s thoroughly greased and floured to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When preparing both the cake batter and the cheesecake filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake or a dense cheesecake.
- **Cooling is Key:** Allow the cake to cool completely in the bowl before attempting to remove it. This prevents it from breaking and ensures it retains its shape. Once out of the bowl, let it cool further on a wire rack before frosting.
- **Frosting Consistency:** The pudding frosting relies on instant vanilla pudding and cold milk for its structure. Be sure to beat it for the recommended two minutes to achieve a thick, stable base before gently folding in the Cool Whip for that signature airy texture.
- **Coconut Application:** For the perfect “snowball” effect, gently press the shredded coconut onto the frosting. You can use your hands or a spatula to ensure even coverage.
Variations to Customize Your Snowball Cake
While the classic Snowball Cake is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative with these variations:
- **Cake Flavor:** Instead of Devil’s Food, try a classic vanilla cake mix for a lighter flavor, or a red velvet cake mix for a vibrant, festive touch.
- **Cheesecake Swirls:** Before adding the cheesecake mixture to the center, you can swirl in a tablespoon of raspberry jam, caramel sauce, or even mini chocolate chips for an added surprise.
- **Frosting Flavors:** Experiment with different instant pudding flavors! Butterscotch, chocolate, or even pistachio pudding could add an interesting twist to the frosting.
- **Toppings:** Beyond shredded coconut, consider finely chopped white chocolate, toasted coconut flakes, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra “snowy” effect. A drizzle of chocolate ganache would also be a luxurious addition.
Serving and Storing Your Masterpiece
This Snowball Cake is best served chilled. The cold enhances the texture of both the cheesecake and the frosting, making each bite even more refreshing and delightful. It makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or just a weekend treat.
To store your Snowball Cake, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This cake also freezes well! To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake (unfrosted is best, but frosted can work) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Other Chocolate Cake Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of chocolate and cakes, here are a few other delightful recipes you might enjoy:
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- Fat Free Chocolate Cake
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- Chocolate Popcorn Cake
- Crazy Wacky Depression Cake
Recipe
Snowball Cake Recipe
Abeer Rizvi
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Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box Devil’s food cake mix + Ingredients listed on the box
Cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese (1 package, softened)
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
Pudding Frosting:
- 3.4 oz Package JELL-O vanilla flavor instant pudding powder (1 package)
- 1 cup Cold milk
- ¼ cup Powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip topping (1 tub, thawed)
Topping:
- 1 cup Shredded coconut
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the Devil’s food cake batter according to the instructions on the box, ensuring it’s well-mixed but not overbeaten.
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In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the cheesecake filling. Combine the softened Philadelphia cream cheese, large egg, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, with no lumps.
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Generously grease and flour a 2 ½ quart oven-safe bowl. Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter into the bowl, spreading it evenly.
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Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into the center of the cake batter. Do not stir or swirl it in; let it rest on top, creating a distinct layer.
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Bake the cake for 1 hour and 5 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the chocolate cake portion comes out clean (avoid testing the cheesecake center).
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While the cake is baking and cooling, prepare the light and fluffy pudding frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding powder, cold milk, and powdered sugar.
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Beat everything for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and is properly combined. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until no streaks remain, creating a smooth, airy frosting. Refrigerate the frosting until the cake is completely cooled and ready for decorating.
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Once the cake has cooled completely in the bowl, carefully invert it onto a serving plate or cake stand.
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Using a spatula, generously cover the entire cake with the prepared pudding frosting. Then, sprinkle and gently press the shredded coconut all over the frosted cake, ensuring it’s fully coated to resemble a beautiful snowball. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving for best results.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Until next time, tata my lovelies!