Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Discover the irresistible Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball recipe—a zesty, creamy delight perfect for any sweet craving! This dessert brings a brilliant burst of citrus paired with smooth, rich creaminess, wrapped in a tender, buttery cake that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your dessert table or simply enjoy a refreshing treat, the Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball is an absolute must-try that promises to please every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Burst of Citrus Flavor: The vibrant lemon zest and juice deliver a fresh, invigorating tang that awakens your taste buds immediately.
  • Buttery Soft Texture: Every bite offers a tender crumb that’s perfectly moist and melts effortlessly.
  • Creamy Dreaminess: The luscious lemon cream filling balances the tartness with a silky smooth richness.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or busy days.
  • Visually Stunning: Its delicate, snowball shape and bright color make it a crowd-pleaser on any dessert spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—whether enhancing flavor, adding texture, or contributing to the overall visual appeal of this luminous treat.

  • Fresh Lemons: Use fresh zest and juice for the brightest, cleanest citrus notes.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, buttery depth that’s key to the cake’s tender crumb.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base that ensures a soft but sturdy structure for the snowball form.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the lemon.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped into the lemon cream, it delivers that silky, dreamy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Essential for dusting and adding a delicate sweetness atop the snowball.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: A hint of warmth that complements the bright lemon flavors beautifully.

Variations for Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. It’s surprisingly easy to tweak while maintaining its signature balance of brightness and buttery creaminess.

  • Berry Twist: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries into the cream for a pop of color and fruity contrast.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
  • Dairy-Free Cream: Use coconut cream whipped gently for a delicious, dairy-free variation.
  • Lavender Infusion: Incorporate dried culinary lavender into the batter or cream to add a subtle floral note.
  • Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the finished snowballs for an extra shiny, tangy finish.
Why Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball is a Must-Try Treat

How to Make Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Cake Batter

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add fresh lemon zest, juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to create a smooth, fluffy batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake in a preheated oven until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Whip the Lemon Cream Filling

Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold in powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to create a silky, tangy filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Snowballs

Carefully crumble the cooled cake, mix with lemon cream, and shape into small balls. Chill the snowballs to set and hold their shape beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with a Dusting

Just before serving, generously dust the lemon cream snowballs with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Making Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps the batter blend smoothly for a softer cake.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and airy.
  • Fresh Lemon Zest Is Key: It packs a far more vibrant punch than bottled lemon extract or juice alone.
  • Chill to Set: Refrigerating the snowballs helps them hold their shape and enhances flavor melding.
  • Use a Sifter for Powdered Sugar: This prevents clumps and gives a delicate dusting that looks professional.

How to Serve Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Garnishes

Top with thin lemon slices, zest curls, or a small sprig of mint for a pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the creamy lemon sweetness.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a light fruit salad, or a crisp cup of herbal tea to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the snowballs on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with edible flowers or serve in dainty glass bowls dusted with extra powdered sugar for a whimsical finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze snowballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, where they’ll keep for up to 1 month.

Reheating

This treat is best enjoyed chilled, so simply thaw frozen snowballs in the fridge overnight before serving—no reheating needed!

FAQs

Can I make the Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with vegan margarine, use a plant-based cream like coconut cream, and replace eggs with flax seeds or applesauce to create a vegan version.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Absolutely. The Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball has a mild, sweet lemon flavor and creamy texture that kids often love, making it a family-friendly option.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

From start to finish, expect about 1 hour including baking and chilling time, making it a fairly quick yet impressive dessert.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemons provide a brighter, more authentic flavor that makes this recipe truly shine.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, or mix cream cheese with a bit of milk for a similar richness if heavy cream isn’t available.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, the Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball is your new go-to. This delightful treat combines the best of citrus brightness and creamy softness in a way that feels like a happy celebration in every bite. Don’t wait to try it for yourself—once you do, it’s sure to become one of your favorite sweets to brighten any day.

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Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball

Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball is a zesty and creamy dessert featuring a tender, buttery lemon cake combined with a smooth, luscious lemon cream filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh citrus brightness and rich creaminess, this make-ahead treat is visually stunning with its snowball shape and delicate powdered sugar dusting. Ideal for special occasions or a refreshing sweet craving.

  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
  • Yield: 12-15 snowballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)

Lemon Cream Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Cake Batter: Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time. Add fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour (or gluten-free blend) to create a smooth, fluffy batter.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  3. Whip the Lemon Cream Filling: Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold in powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and silky.
  4. Assemble the Snowballs: Crumble the cooled cake into a bowl, mix thoroughly with the lemon cream filling, and shape the mixture into small, round balls. Chill in the refrigerator to set and hold their shape.
  5. Finish with a Dusting: Just before serving, generously dust the lemon cream snowballs with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter and softer cake.
  • Gently fold ingredients to avoid overmixing and keep the cake light and airy.
  • Fresh lemon zest is preferred for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Refrigerate snowballs to help them hold their shape and improve flavor melding.
  • Sift powdered sugar before dusting to avoid clumps and achieve a delicate finish.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 snowball
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: lemon dessert, lemon cake, lemon cream, snowball dessert, citrus dessert, buttery cake, make-ahead dessert, gluten-free dessert

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