If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both delightfully retro and irresistibly delicious, look no further than this Heaven On Earth Cake. Layers of fluffy angel food cake, silky vanilla pudding, tart cherry pie filling, and pillowy whipped topping create a no-bake treat that’s practically made for potlucks and celebrations. Every bite is a burst of cloud-like sweetness with a creamy-cherry twist, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Angel Food Cake:
- 1 (16 oz) angel food cake, cut into bite-sized cubes
Vanilla Pudding Mixture:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Cherry Layer:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Optional garnish: sliced almonds or white chocolate shavings
How to Make Heaven On Earth Cake
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Pudding Mixture
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl, then whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream. You’re looking for a smooth, thickened consistency — kind of like a soft custard. As tempting as it may be, don’t skip the sour cream! It’s what gives the pudding that unmistakable richness and a slight tangy note that keeps Heaven On Earth Cake from being one-note sweet.
Step 2: Build the First Layer
Take out your 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter half of the cubed angel food cake evenly across the bottom. This base provides the first fluffy, springy bite and absorbs all the delicious flavors layered on top. Try to get an even, single layer to prevent any soggy spots.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Spoon half the cherry pie filling over your cake cubes. Aim for small dollops all over so that every slice gets a pop of juicy cherry goodness. This layer seeps down into the cake, mingling sweet and tart in the most irresistible way.
Step 4: Repeat and Pile On
Layer on the rest of your angel food cake cubes, then top with the remaining cherry pie filling. This double layering means you’ll get that perfect balance of fruit, cake, and cream in every spoonful — no digging required! Don’t worry about perfection; rustic layers are exactly what makes a trifle-style Heaven On Earth Cake so charming.
Step 5: Blanket with Pudding and Whipped Topping
Gently spread your vanilla pudding mixture over the layered cake and cherries, using a spatula to smooth it out edge to edge. Then, go in with the whipped topping, blanketing the entire dessert like a soft, sweet snowfall. A light touch ensures fluffy, gorgeous swirls — and that picture-perfect finish when you serve.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if you can stand the wait!). This chill time lets all the flavors meld beautifully, gives the cake a chance to soak up all the goodness, and makes the slicing clean and easy.
How to Serve Heaven On Earth Cake
Garnishes
Right before serving, take things over the top with a shower of sliced almonds or white chocolate shavings. The crunch and richness contrast with the soft cake and creamy layers, turning a humble dessert into a visual (and tasty) masterpiece. You can even sprinkle on a bit of fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Side Dishes
While Heaven On Earth Cake truly shines as the grand finale, it pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine. If you’re feeling playful, serve it alongside a fruit salad for a light, refreshing contrast, or with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
This dessert isn’t shy about making an entrance! For parties, try spooning Heaven On Earth Cake into individual parfait glasses, mason jars, or stemless wine glasses for single-serve cuteness. For a dramatic effect, assemble it in a trifle bowl to show off the beautiful layers—guests will swoon before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover Heaven On Earth Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a great “make ahead” treat for busy weeks!
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the whipped topping and pudding layers can lose some of their smoothness after thawing, becoming slightly watery. If you do want to freeze, wrap the cake very well and eat within 1 month for best taste. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Heaven On Earth Cake is best enjoyed chilled and straight from the fridge—no reheating required. Simply slice, serve, and savor the cool, creamy layers! If it has been frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade angel food cake instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you love baking from scratch, a homemade angel food cake will make the flavors even more memorable. Just let it cool completely before cubing, as the texture is key to soaking up all those delicious layers.
What other fruit fillings work with this recipe?
You’re not limited to cherry pie filling! Try swapping in strawberry or blueberry pie filling for a colorful twist. Peach or raspberry work wonderfully as well—just make sure the fruit layer has some syrup to keep the cake moist.
Is there a lighter version of Heaven On Earth Cake?
Yes! You can use light or fat-free whipped topping and pudding mix, reduced-fat sour cream, and even a sugar-free pie filling if you want to cut back on calories. The dessert will still taste delightfully indulgent.
Can I make Heaven On Earth Cake in advance?
This dessert is actually better when made ahead! Assemble it the night before your event, then chill overnight. The extra hours give the flavors time to meld, and the texture firms up beautifully for easy slicing.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely. Whip up some heavy cream with a touch of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, and use it in place of the prepared topping for an even more homemade touch. Just plan to serve the dessert within a day or two for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but is secretly simple, you absolutely have to give Heaven On Earth Cake a try. The combination of flavors and textures is a total dream, and it’s guaranteed to spark joy at any gathering. Share it with friends, bring it to a party, or just make it for yourself and indulge in a truly heavenly treat!
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Heaven On Earth Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heaven On Earth Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make no-bake dessert that combines the lightness of angel food cake with the richness of cherry pie filling, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping. This heavenly trifle-like dessert is perfect for any occasion and will have your guests coming back for more!
Ingredients
Angel Food Cake:
- 1 (16 oz) angel food cake, cut into bite-sized cubes
Vanilla Pudding Mixture:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Cherry Layer:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Optional garnish: sliced almonds or white chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
- Layer Cake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the angel food cake cubes. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake. Repeat with remaining cake and cherry filling layers.
- Add Pudding: Spread the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the cake layers.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Cover the pudding layer with whipped topping.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds or white chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry or blueberry pie filling for a different flavor twist.
- For a homemade touch, use freshly whipped cream instead of whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
