If you love the idea of a dessert that feels like a sweet, creamy cloud with juicy cherries and tender cake, then the Heaven On Earth Cake will sweep you off your feet! Imagine a dreamy, no-bake treat made from pillowy angel food cake, luscious cherry pie filling, silky vanilla pudding, and plenty of whipped topping. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s astonishingly simple and wildly delicious, living up to its delightful name every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Angel Food Cake:
- 1 angel food cake (store-bought or homemade, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Vanilla Pudding Mixture:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for garnish)
How to Make Heaven On Earth Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for a couple of minutes, just until it starts to thicken. Once the pudding’s got some body, fold in the sour cream until you have a smooth, silky cream. Set this aside; it’s going to be your secret weapon for irresistible layers.
Step 2: Layer the Angel Food Cake
Grab your 9×13-inch dish and scatter half of the angel food cake cubes across the bottom. Don’t worry about perfection – just spread them into an even layer, ready for all the goodness that’s about to be added.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Spoon half the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes, making sure you get a nice distribution of fruit and glossy sauce. These cherries seep down into the cake for pops of sweet, juicy flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Now, layer the remaining angel food cake cubes over the cherry filling, keeping the layers cozy and even. This double-decker effect is what makes Heaven On Earth Cake so fun to dig into!
Step 5: Smooth on the Pudding Mixture
Pour or dollop your creamy pudding mixture over the final layer of cake cubes. Use a spatula to gently spread it to the edges, letting it glide into all the nooks for ultimate creaminess.
Step 6: Finish with Whipped Topping and Cherries
Spoon the whipped topping over the pudding layer, swirling it for a little drama. For the finishing touch, drop small spoonfuls of the remaining cherry pie filling across the top, looking for those beautiful bursts of red.
Step 7: Add Almonds and Chill
If you’re using sliced almonds, sprinkle them over the top. Chill your Heaven On Earth Cake in the fridge for at least four hours, or even overnight if you have the patience. This lets all the layers meld into one irresistibly luscious dessert.
How to Serve Heaven On Earth Cake
Garnishes
This dessert is made for extra little touches! Add a few more sliced almonds for crunch, a sprig of fresh mint for color, or even a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. If you’re feeling playful, a few extra whole cherries on top can make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
While Heaven On Earth Cake is a standout on its own, it’s lovely alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chilled cup of coffee. Because it’s so light and fruity, it even pairs well with fresh berries or a small fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual Heaven On Earth Cake parfaits in glass jars or tumblers for picnics and parties. Alternatively, use a trifle bowl so those gorgeous layers are on full display. If you love variety, swirl in a little blueberry or strawberry pie filling on the top for a colorful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Heaven On Earth Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As it sits, the flavors become even more deliciously mingled, and the cake softens to an almost custardy texture—just be sure to use a spatula to keep those layers intact when serving again.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze it, portion your dessert into individual pieces and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container. Please note, though, that the texture of the whipped topping may change slightly upon thawing, so freezing is best reserved for leftovers rather than the whole assembled cake.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, as the creamy layers and fluffy cake are at their dreamiest straight from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat, but if someone prefers a slight warmth, let a portion rest on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes to soften before eating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Absolutely! Homemade angel food cake gives an even more customized feel, with a slightly softer and more delicate texture. Just be sure to let it cool thoroughly before cutting into cubes for layering.
What other fruit fillings work well?
If you’re not a cherry fan, go wild with blueberry, strawberry, or even peach pie filling. Each brings its own burst of color and fruity sweetness, making your Heaven On Earth Cake uniquely yours every time.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, try an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Each adds just the right amount of tang and creaminess without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Can this recipe be made ahead?
Definitely. Heaven On Earth Cake is a dream make-ahead dessert! Prepare it the day before, cover and refrigerate, and it will be perfectly set by the time you’re ready to serve guests.
Is it possible to make a smaller or larger batch?
Of course! You can halve all the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish for a small gathering, or double everything and use a larger pan to feed a crowd. The assembly steps stay exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts earn quite the reception that Heaven On Earth Cake does, with its luscious layers and effortless charm. If you’re craving something easy, fun, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces, give this recipe a try—you’ll be going back for seconds, and so will everyone you share it with!
Print
Heaven On Earth Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heaven On Earth Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert that features layers of angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Angel Food Cake:
- 1 angel food cake (store-bought or homemade, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Vanilla Pudding Mixture:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sour cream until smooth and well combined, then set aside.
- Layer Cake and Fillings: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cubed angel food cake across the bottom. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes. Repeat with the remaining cake cubes. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the second cake layer, then top with whipped topping.
- Finish and Chill: Spoon the remaining cherry pie filling in small dollops across the top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds if using. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to set. Serve chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute other pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry.
- For a homemade twist, bake and cool an angel food cake before cubing.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
