Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious and easy-to-make dessert that combines layers of fluffy angel food cake, creamy pudding, fruity cherries, and whipped topping. This no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No baking required and ready in just minutes.
- Light and Refreshing: Perfect for warm days or when you want a lighter dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors with your favorite fruits or pudding.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for preparing in advance to let the flavors meld.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 store-bought angel food cake, cubed
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: Almond extract or vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- Optional: Sliced almonds or shredded coconut for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Fold in half of the whipped topping and set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cubed angel food cake to create an even layer. Top with half of the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Pudding Layer: Spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the cherries. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, cherries, and pudding.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or fresh fruit on top if desired. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Use pineapple chunks and coconut pudding for a tropical flavor.
- Chocolate Heaven: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding and use chocolate shavings as a garnish.
- Mixed Berry Delight: Replace cherry pie filling with a mixed berry filling or fresh berries.
- Lemon Lovers: Use lemon pie filling and lemon pudding for a citrusy treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free angel food cake.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped topping and pudding may separate when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Yes, homemade angel food cake works wonderfully for this recipe.
2. What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
Any fruit pie filling, like blueberry, strawberry, or apple, is a great substitute.
3. Can I make this recipe in individual servings?
Yes, layer the ingredients in small jars or dessert cups for individual portions.
4. How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Assemble the cake just a few hours before serving and avoid overloading with pie filling.
5. Can I use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping?
Yes, sugar-free versions work well for a lighter dessert option.
6. Is this recipe suitable for a trifle dish?
Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in a trifle dish for an elegant presentation.
7. Can I add fresh fruit?
Yes, fresh berries, diced peaches, or pineapple are excellent additions.
8. What’s the best way to slice this cake?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices.
9. Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds make a tasty garnish.
10. How far in advance can I make this dessert?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance; chilling overnight enhances the flavors.
Conclusion
Heaven on Earth Cake is a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With its layers of angel food cake, creamy pudding, and fruity cherry filling, it’s a treat that feels indulgent yet light. Perfect for any gathering or family dinner, this no-bake favorite is sure to impress. Try it today and taste the bliss of this heavenly creation!
PrintHeaven on Earth Cake
This Heavenly dessert is a layered trifle-style cake featuring fluffy angel food cake, sweet cherry pie filling, creamy pudding, and whipped topping. It’s a no-bake treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a refreshing and indulgent dessert!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (or homemade)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cherries or additional whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
- Layer the Dessert:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer.
- Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes, spreading it evenly.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the cherry layer, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake cubes, cherry pie filling, and pudding mixture.
- Top with Whipped Topping:
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer.
- Chill:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle the top with sliced almonds and garnish with fresh cherries or additional whipped topping if desired. Scoop into bowls or plates and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, strawberry, or peach filling for variety.
- For added texture, sprinkle a layer of crumbled graham crackers or shredded coconut between the layers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.