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Heaven on Earth Cake
About This Recipe
Heaven on Earth Cake is a no-bake layered dessert that lives up to its name. It combines cubes of soft angel food cake, tart cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This dessert is not only visually stunning with its layers but also incredibly light and refreshing. It is often served chilled, making it a perfect treat for summer gatherings, holiday buffets, or whenever you crave a creamy fruit-filled dessert.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake and easy to assemble.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties.
- Beautiful layered presentation.
- Combines sweet, tart, creamy, and fluffy textures.
- Flexible with different fruit or pudding flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream (adds richness and tang)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Fold the sour cream into the pudding until smooth.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the cake cubes in an even layer.
- Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake layer.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the cherries.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, cherries, and pudding.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the final layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with almonds or graham cracker crumbs for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator.
- Top with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
- Use parfait glasses or mason jars for individual servings.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or sparkling water for a light dessert course.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Bliss: Replace cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling.
- Strawberry Shortcake Style: Use strawberry pie filling and garnish with fresh berries.
- Lemon Delight: Swap vanilla pudding with lemon pudding for a tangy twist.
- Tropical Layer: Add crushed pineapple between layers for extra fruitiness.
- Chocolate Heaven: Use chocolate pudding and drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 of 12)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 29 g
- Protein: 4 g
FAQ
Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake ahead of time? Yes, it actually tastes better when chilled overnight, as the cake absorbs flavors from the pudding and cherries.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? Absolutely. Stabilized whipped cream works well as a substitute.
Can I use a different cake? Yes, pound cake, sponge cake, or yellow cake can replace angel food cake, but the texture will be denser.
How long does it last? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can it be frozen? It is not recommended to freeze, as the pudding and whipped topping can separate after thawing.
Storage Tips
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Store leftovers in individual airtight containers for convenience.
- Do not freeze, as the creamy layers may lose their texture.
Final Notes
Heaven on Earth Cake is one of the easiest yet most impressive desserts you can make. With layers of light angel food cake, creamy pudding, and tangy cherries, it creates a harmony of flavors and textures that truly taste like heaven. Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or family dinners, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, it will become a staple in your recipe collection.