Irresistible Hostess Snowball Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious!
There’s something utterly magical about a cake that transports you straight back to your childhood. For me, that cake is a Hostess Snowball Cake. I can still remember sinking my teeth into that soft chocolate cake, coated in a fluffy marshmallow frosting, and kissed with a sprinkling of coconut. It was a sweet treat that felt like a tiny party on my plate, and I want to recreate that joyous vibe for you with this recipe. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s whip up something that will surely bring back those nostalgic memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
- Kids and adults alike will adore its whimsical charm!
- Versatile; you can customize it with your favorite flavors.
- It brings a nostalgic touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature for best results)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup marshmallow cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Tip: Make sure to set your eggs and buttermilk out a little before baking. Ingredients at room temperature tend to mix better and create a fluffier cake!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into making your very own Hostess Snowball Cake!
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix or the cake will be dense.
- Incorporate boiling water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until evenly mixed. The batter will be quite thin, and that’s okay—it makes for a moist cake!
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the marshmallow cream and vanilla extract, then add milk a tablespoon at a time until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Coat with coconut: Gently press the shredded coconut onto the frosting until the cake is completely covered. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—it adds to the whimsical charm!
Pro tip: If you want to amp up the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or making a ganache for drizzling on top!

Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Hostess Snowball Cake, think cozy and inviting! A slice pairs beautifully with:
- A cup of rich, hot cocoa or a steaming coffee to cut through the sweetness.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Serve it on a lovely platter with decorative touches like fresh mint or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Imagine sharing this cake at a family gathering, and everyone gathered around, eagerly awaiting their slice. The ooohs and ahhhs will make all the hard work worth it!
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store your cake with a few simple steps:
- Refrigerator: Place any uneaten cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge for a day before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds! This makes the frosting all gooey and delicious again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! If marshmallow isn’t your thing, cream cheese frosting or a simple chocolate ganache would work beautifully. The world is your oyster!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that works well for baking, and you should be set!
What if I want to make mini snowball cakes?
You can definitely do that! Use a muffin tin to make mini cakes. Just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes and follow the same assembly instructions. Adorable and perfect for parties!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve. This makes the flavors even better as they have time to meld together!
Is it necessary to use coconut?
Nope! If coconut isn’t your thing, you can leave it off or swap it with chopped nuts or even sprinkles for a fun twist.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this delightful baking adventure, I hope you’ll bring a bit of nostalgia into your kitchen with this Hostess Snowball Cake recipe. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to share with loved ones, I can’t wait for you to take your first bite and feel those warm, fuzzy memories come rushing back. If you try the recipe, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out or any fun twists you made! Happy baking!
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Irresistible Hostess Snowball Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Create an easy Hostess Snowball Cake with this delicious recipe. Indulge in the fluffy textures and sweet flavors for an unforgettable treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This Hostess Snowball Cake recipe brings back childhood memories with its soft chocolate cake, fluffy marshmallow frosting, and coconut topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Hostess Snowball Cake, chocolate cake, dessert recipe, nostalgic dessert, cake recipe
