Get ready to take a delicious trip down memory lane with this Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake! A no-bake dessert that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat, this charming cake brims with nostalgic flavors and playful textures. A glorious medley of sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, and petite marshmallows all come together inside a shell of vanilla wafer crumbs, then get showered with a snowy coat of coconut. If you’re searching for a treat that’s whimsical yet wonderfully simple, this recipe will bring back childhood memories and spark plenty of new ones.

Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake is both straightforward and delightful. Each component plays a role, from the creamy sweetness of condensed milk to the tropical tang of pineapple, and every one helps create that dreamy snowball effect we all love. Gather these essentials for a cake that’s full of color, flavor, and pillowy goodness.

Strawberry or cherry gelatin (1 package, 3 ounces): Adds a gorgeous hue and a fresh burst of fruity flavor. Choose cherry for a vibrant look or swap in lemon for a refreshing citrus kick!
Boiling water (1 cup): Completely dissolves the gelatin, ensuring a smooth base for your cake.
Crushed pineapple in juice (1 can, 20 ounces, undrained): Brings natural juiciness and a hint of tart pineapple bite.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Delivers creamy richness and that classic old-fashioned sweetness.
Frozen whipped topping, thawed (1 container, 8 ounces): Makes your filling ultra-light and gives the cake its dreamy, cloudlike texture.
Mini marshmallows (1 package, 10 ounces): Tiny pillows that melt slightly for the perfect chewy, bouncy bite.
Vanilla wafers, crushed (1 package, 11 ounces): Create a buttery-cookie crust that contrasts perfectly with the fluffy filling.
Sweetened shredded coconut (2 cups): The crowning touch, this snowy coating gives the cake its whimsical, wintry look.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake

Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin

Start this Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake adventure by dissolving the gelatin in boiling water. Make sure you whisk until the gelatin crystals have completely vanished—no lumps! This bright, fruity base is what gives your cake its gentle color and sweet flavor throughout.

Step 2: Stir in the Pineapple and Condensed Milk

Next, stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all) along with sweetened condensed milk. Don’t drain the pineapple—the extra liquid is important for moisture and flavor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with little flecks of pineapple all throughout.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping and Marshmallows

Now, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and mini marshmallows. Fold, don’t stir vigorously! You want to keep that lovely airy texture, and the marshmallows should stay mostly intact for those irresistible chewy bits in every bite.

Step 4: Prep Your Bowl with Vanilla Wafer Crumbs

Line a large mixing bowl with plastic wrap, allowing enough overhang to easily lift the cake later. Sprinkle about 1 cup of the crushed vanilla wafers across the bottom and up the sides of the bowl, pressing lightly. This sets the stage for a subtly sweet, cookie-like surprise around the cake when you slice it.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Spoon the fluffy gelatin mixture into the prepared bowl, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight—the wait is all worth it! The chilling time helps the cake firm up and makes unmolding a total breeze.

Step 6: Unmold and Coat with Coconut

Once fully set, place your serving platter over the bowl, invert it, and lift away both bowl and plastic gently. Now for the fun part: Press sweetened shredded coconut all over the surface of your snowball cake until it’s beautifully blanketed and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake

Garnishes

To truly make your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake pop, sprinkle extra coconut across the serving plate or top each slice with a bright maraschino cherry. For a little hint of nostalgia, try adding a few extra mini marshmallows, a sprig of mint, or a quick dusting of colored sugar for sparkle.

Side Dishes

This cake is the superstar of the dessert table, but it’s even better alongside a scoop of fruity sorbet or fresh fruit salad. If you’re serving after a hearty meal, a cup of strong coffee or a glass of chilled milk pairs nicely with each sweet, cloud-like bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Whether you’re serving on a special platter or placing cupcake liners for individual portions, Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake is endlessly adaptable. Try forming the mixture into mini snowballs for parties, or use themed sprinkles to match holidays and birthdays. You could even serve slices in sundae glasses with a drizzle of chocolate or berry sauce for an extra wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake will keep beautifully in the fridge. Cover the cake (or any extra slices) tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The coconut helps lock in moisture and keeps the cake tasting fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake, although the texture may soften slightly when thawed. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating

No need to reheat Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake, since it’s designed to be served chilled! If it’s been frozen, simply let it thaw gently in the fridge until it’s cool and sliceable. Serve straight from the refrigerator for the ultimate refreshing treat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

Absolutely! Fresh whipped cream (sweetened and whipped to stiff peaks) works well for this cake, though it may soften the texture a bit more than store-bought topping. Either way, you’ll get a creamy, dreamy filling.

What flavor gelatin works best in Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake?

Strawberry and cherry gelatins are the traditional favorites, giving your cake a distinct pink hue and bright flavor. Lemon is a fun option too, adding a citrusy note. Feel free to experiment with other flavors that complement the pineapple.

Can I prepare Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake in advance?

Yes, and it actually tastes even better after chilling overnight! The flavors mingle and the texture sets just right, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or parties.

Are there nut-free options for this recipe?

Definitely. The base recipe is already nut-free, but you can add or leave out nuts according to your preference. To maintain nut-free status, simply skip the optional pecans or walnuts and check your ingredient labels for cross-contamination warnings.

How do I keep the coconut from falling off the cake?

Press the coconut gently but firmly onto all sides of the unmolded cake while it’s still a bit chilled. If needed, lightly mist the surface with water or a touch of simple syrup first—it helps the coconut stick and look extra snowy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about slicing into an Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake and seeing that pretty pop of pink, all snuggled beneath a blanket of coconut snow. It’s quick, playful, and totally crowd-pleasing—just the thing to brighten up any get-together. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and enjoy every sweet, nostalgic bite!

Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Old-Fashioned Snowball Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines fruity flavors with creamy textures, marshmallows, and a crunchy coconut topping. This vintage-inspired coconut cake is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Gelatin Mixture:

1 package (3 ounces) strawberry or cherry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Additional Ingredients:

1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 package (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
1 package (11 ounces) vanilla wafers, crushed
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

Dissolve Gelatin: In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in crushed pineapple with juice and sweetened condensed milk until combined.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in thawed whipped topping and mini marshmallows.
Layer and Chill: Line a large mixing bowl with plastic wrap and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers. Pour the gelatin mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Unmold and Coat: To unmold, invert carefully onto a plate. Press shredded coconut over the surface.
Serve: Slice and enjoy chilled.