Creating the Hostess Snowball Cake is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, ensuring they are filled equally.
6. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.
9. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
10. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the whipped cream. Frost the top and sides of the cake with chocolate frosting.
11. Coat with Coconut: Press shredded coconut onto the frosting-covered cake, ensuring it sticks well.
12. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting and filling.

Following these steps will lead you to a beautifully crafted Hostess Snowball Cake that is sure to impress!