Lemon Snowball
Lemon Snowball is a light, frosty dessert featuring a zesty lemon-flavored gelatin folded into whipped cream, layered with cubes of angel food cake. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, its refreshing citrus taste and fluffy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for those who love tangy, creamy treats.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 4 Tbsp cold water ⓘ
- 1 c boiling water ⓘ
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- Grated peel of 1 lemon
- 2 c whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 (about 10 oz) angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 c whipping cream ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp powdered sugar ⓘ
- 4 oz shredded coconut ⓘ
- Green garden leaves such as mint ⓘ
Instructions
- Line a 12-cup bowl with two pieces of wax paper, one on top of the other, allowing each piece to extend over opposite edges of the bowl.
- Set the bowl aside. In a large bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let stand for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Stir in granulated sugar, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, and lemon peel.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until it is partially set and mounds when dropped from a spoon.
- In a large bowl, whip 1 pint (2 cups) of cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold the gelatin mixture into the whipped cream.
- Spoon a small amount of the lemon mixture into the bottom of the prepared bowl.
- Scatter several pieces of angel food cake over the lemon mixture.
- Continue alternating layers of cake and lemon mixture until all are used.
- Cover with plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 days before serving, or freeze if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest alongside the lemon peel. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use light whipped cream instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, ensure your angel food cake is made with gluten-free ingredients. If you can't find frozen orange juice concentrate, fresh orange juice can be a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lemon Snowball with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet for a refreshing contrast. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Quick-N-Easy Cherry Cobbler.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To serve after freezing, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Snowball contains roughly 337 calories, with 1g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Snowball is ideal for making in advance. You can prepare it 1-2 days ahead of serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep it refrigerated, or you can freeze it if you prefer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I use instead of gelatin?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute unflavored gelatin with agar-agar. Use about 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder dissolved in boiling water to achieve a similar texture. Keep in mind that the setting time may vary, so monitor it closely as it cools.
How do I know when the gelatin mixture is partially set?
The gelatin mixture is partially set when it thickens and mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon. This usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooling and setting.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).