The Most Heavenly Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars to Melt Your Very Soul

Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars - A close-up view of a Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bar showing the chocolate base and pink coconut topping.

Introduction

Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert fusion, combining the deep, earthy richness of a moist chocolate cake with the whimsical, light-as-air texture of a classic coconut snowball. If you grew up loving those iconic pink snack cakes found in every convenience store, this homemade version will transport you back to childhood while elevating the experience with high-quality ingredients and a fresh, made-from-scratch taste. There is something deeply satisfying about the contrast between the dark cocoa base and the vibrant, fluffy pink topping that makes Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars a showstopper at baby showers, birthday parties, or Valentine's Day celebrations.

Creating the perfect dessert bar requires a balance of flavors and textures, and these bars deliver exactly that. The chocolate foundation is dense enough to hold up as a bar but light enough to melt in your mouth, thanks to the addition of buttermilk and hot water. Meanwhile, the coconut topping isn't just a frosting; it is a marshmallowy cloud of whipped cream and shredded coconut that provides a refreshing tropical finish. When you bite into one of these Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars, you are greeted first by the sweetness of the coconut and then by the intense cocoa aftertaste. It is a journey of flavor that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to consume. If you enjoy layered treats, you might also want to try The Most Heavenly Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars That Will Melt Your Heart for another coconut-inspired delight.

Why You’ll Love It

You will absolutely adore these Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars because they offer a sophisticated twist on a nostalgic favorite. Unlike the store-bought versions that can sometimes taste artificial, these bars are made with real heavy cream, high-quality cocoa powder, and fresh shredded coconut. The visual appeal is undeniable; the bright pink hue against the chocolate brown is striking and makes them an instant favorite for social media-worthy dessert spreads. Furthermore, the versatility of Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars is unmatched. You can cut them into large squares for a decadent treat or tiny bite-sized morsels for a party platter. They are surprisingly easy to assemble, making them a great project for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress their guests without spending hours on intricate piping or decorating.

Ingredients

To make the most delicious Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars, you will need to gather two sets of ingredients: one for the rich chocolate base and one for the iconic pink coconut topping. High-quality cocoa and fresh dairy are the secrets here.

The Chocolate Base

  • 1 cup All-purpose flour (sifted for the best texture)
  • 1/2 cup Cocoa powder (unsweetened, preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk (adds moisture and tang)
  • 1 cup Hot water (blooms the cocoa powder for deeper flavor)

The Coconut Topping

  • 1 cup Heavy whipping cream (must be very cold)
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 cups Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
  • A few drops of Pink food coloring

Notes and Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter base, you can explore the techniques used in The Most Heavenly & Moist Easy 3-Ingredient Sponge Cake Recipe That Will Melt Your Soul, though for these specific bars, the chocolate weight is traditional. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk in place of buttermilk and a stable coconut whipped cream for the topping. If you are a fan of different textures, The Spruce Eats guide to coconut products can help you decide between desiccated, shredded, or flaked coconut for your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars.

Equipment

To prepare your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars, you will need a 9x13 inch baking pan, a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, mixing bowls, a sifter, and a silicone spatula. A cooling rack is also essential to ensure the base is completely cold before adding the whipped topping.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars come out perfectly every time. The key is to manage the temperature of the chocolate base before adding the delicate topping.

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air.
  4. Step 4: Sift together the flour and cocoa powder, then gradually add them to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the hot water slowly. The batter will be thin, but this is normal for a moist chocolate cake base.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Allow the chocolate base to cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost.
  8. Step 8: For the topping, beat the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  9. Step 9: In a separate small bowl, toss the shredded coconut with a few drops of pink food coloring until the desired shade of pink is achieved.
  10. Step 10: Fold half of the pink coconut into the whipped cream.
  11. Step 11: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the cooled chocolate base.
  12. Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining pink coconut over the top of the Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars and chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Pro Tips

To achieve the best results with your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars, always ensure your heavy cream is ice cold before whipping; this ensures the topping stays stable and fluffy. When adding the hot water to the chocolate batter, do it slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut. If you want the pink color to be more vibrant, use a gel-based food coloring rather than liquid, as it provides a more intense hue without thinning out the whipped cream. Finally, do not rush the cooling process; if the cake is even slightly warm, the whipped coconut topping will melt, ruining the iconic look of your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. For a fancy presentation, garnish each bar with a fresh raspberry or a small chocolate curl. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. We do not recommend freezing these bars once the whipped cream is applied, as the texture of the cream can change upon thawing. For variations, try using different food colors for various holidays—green for St. Patrick's Day or orange for Halloween. You could also swap the vanilla extract in the topping for coconut extract to double down on that tropical flavor profile in your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars.

Nutrition Information

Knowing the nutritional breakdown of your Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars helps you enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Below is an estimate of the key nutrients per serving.

NutrientAmount
Calories310 kcal
Protein4g
Carbohydrates38g
Fat16g
Saturated Fat10g
Sodium145mg
Sugar28g

Note: The nutritional information provided above is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands used.

Conclusion

In summary, these Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars are a delightful marriage of nostalgia and culinary excellence. With their deep chocolate foundation and their whimsical pink coconut crown, they offer a multisensory experience that is sure to please any crowd. Whether you are reliving your favorite childhood memories or creating new ones with your family, these Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars are the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Give them a try this weekend and see why the combination of chocolate and coconut remains an all-time classic!

FAQs

Can I make Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars actually benefit from a few hours in the refrigerator to help the coconut topping set properly. You can make them 24 hours in advance for the best texture.

Can I use natural food coloring for the pink coconut?

Absolutely. You can use a small amount of beet juice or natural pomegranate juice to achieve a beautiful pink hue without using synthetic dyes.

Do I have to use buttermilk in the base?

Buttermilk provides acidity that reacts with leavening agents to create a tender crumb. If you don't have it, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk.

How should I store leftover Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars?

Because of the fresh whipped cream topping, these bars must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Print
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Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars - A close-up view of a Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bar showing the chocolate base and pink coconut topping.

Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars


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  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A nostalgic and indulgent dessert bar featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a fluffy pink coconut whipped cream layer.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup All-purpose flour
1/2 cup Cocoa powder
1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
1 cup Granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup Buttermilk
1 cup Hot water
1 cup Heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Powdered sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
2 cups Shredded coconut
few drops Pink food coloring


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Step 4: Alternately add the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and buttermilk to the butter mixture.
Step 5: Slowly stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
Step 6: Pour into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes; allow to cool completely.
Step 7: Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 8: Tint the shredded coconut pink with food coloring in a small bowl.
Step 9: Fold half the pink coconut into the whipped cream and spread over the cake base.
Step 10: Top with the remaining pink coconut and chill for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cold before topping to prevent the cream from melting. Gel coloring works best for the coconut.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 145mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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