Snow on a Mountain Recipe: Easy and Delicious Dessert Ideas

Updated On: October 15, 2025

Imagine the crisp, refreshing essence of pristine mountain snow captured in a delightful treat – that’s exactly what the Snow on a Mountain recipe offers. This classic no-bake dessert combines the richness of coconut, the smoothness of cream cheese, and the crunch of nuts to create a heavenly mound of sweetness that looks like a snowy peak.

It’s a nostalgic favorite for many, often enchanting guests at family gatherings and holiday parties alike.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner searching for a simple yet impressive recipe, Snow on a Mountain is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

Plus, this dessert delivers a lovely balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Snow on a Mountain is more than just a dessert – it’s a conversation starter. It transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular treat that resembles a snowy mountain peak, making it perfect for winter celebrations or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

The recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak it to suit dietary preferences or seasonal flavors, and it doesn’t require baking, which means less fuss and a quicker path to deliciousness.

Additionally, the combination of coconut, cream cheese, and nuts provides a great balance of creamy, chewy, and crunchy textures that delight every bite.

For those interested in exploring more creative and delicious recipes, be sure to check out these gems: Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained well)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving plate or cake stand
  • Plastic wrap or parchment paper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer or hand whisk until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating continuously until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in optional ingredients. If you’re using crushed pineapple and/or chopped maraschino cherries, fold them gently into the cream cheese mixture. This adds a lovely fruity twist.
  4. Form the mountain shape. On your serving plate, mound the cream cheese mixture into a rough mountain shape, about 6 to 8 inches tall. Use a spatula to smooth the sides and peak.
  5. Cover with coconut. Generously sprinkle shredded coconut all over the mountain, pressing lightly to adhere. Make sure every side is fully coated to create the “snowy” effect.
  6. Decorate with nuts. Press the chopped walnuts or pecans around the base of the mountain, and optionally sprinkle some on top for added texture and visual interest.
  7. Chill before serving. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
  8. Serve cold. Slice carefully or scoop portions with a spoon to serve. Enjoy the creamy, coconut-covered snowy mountain!

Tips & Variations

“For the best results, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps and to achieve a smooth texture.”

If you want to make this dessert vegan or dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative such as cashew cream cheese or coconut cream mixed with a thickener.

Try adding chopped dried fruits like apricots or dates for a chewy surprise inside your snowy mountain. For a tropical twist, fold in some shredded dried mango or pineapple bits.

For an extra festive look, add edible silver or white sugar pearls on the coconut “snow”. You can also drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1/8 of recipe)
Calories 210 kcal
Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Sugar 14 g
Protein 3 g
Fiber 2 g

Serving Suggestions

Snow on a Mountain is a stunning dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, especially during chilly winter evenings. Serve it alongside fresh fruit slices like kiwi or berries for a refreshing contrast.

For a complete festive spread, consider combining this dessert with light salads such as the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or a warm comforting bowl like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Snow on a Mountain also complements a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile dessert for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.

Conclusion

Snow on a Mountain is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that brings a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to any table. Its snowy appearance and creamy coconut flavor make it a standout treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Best of all, it requires no baking, minimal ingredients, and just a bit of patience to chill.

This recipe invites you to explore creativity with optional add-ins and decorations, making it adaptable to your personal taste and occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy winter night or a festive celebration, Snow on a Mountain offers a sweet escape that’s both charming and delicious.

For more inspiring recipes to elevate your culinary repertoire, explore dishes like the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious or the nutritious 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Snow on a Mountain

Description: A refreshing layered dessert with coconut and cream that resembles snow-capped peaks. Perfect for a light and sweet treat.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Toast shredded coconut in a dry pan until golden, then set aside.
  2. Melt white chocolate chips with butter over low heat until smooth.
  3. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold toasted coconut and lemon zest into the whipped cream gently.
  5. Layer the whipped cream mixture in serving glasses, drizzle melted white chocolate between layers.
  6. Top with chopped almonds and a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Carbs: 18g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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