If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s as dreamy as its name, you’re going to fall head over heels for Heaven on Earth Cake. This cherry-studded, creamy, and delightfully fluffy trifle brings together angel food cake, tangy cherries, silky pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping in the most irresistible way. It’s not just a feast for your taste buds, but a showstopper at any gathering—easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet so gorgeous it belongs at every celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cake Layer
- 1 angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Fruit and Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream. Take your time here—whisk until the mixture is smooth, silky, and has thickened slightly. This creamy blend is the heart of Heaven on Earth Cake, lending every bite a dreamy richness you’ll crave.
Step 2: Layer the Angel Food Cake
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter half of your angel food cake cubes across the bottom. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the more nooks and crannies, the better for catching all those luscious fillings!
Step 3: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Spoon about two-thirds of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes. Those ruby red cherries are the star of the show here, so make sure you get a little in every bite.
Step 4: Second Cake Layer
Now, layer the remaining angel food cake cubes on top. You’re creating that wonderful trifle effect, with pockets of cake ready to soak up the creamy layers.
Step 5: Pour and Spread the Pudding
Pour your prepared pudding mixture evenly over the whole dish, spreading gently with a spatula to make sure every bit of cake gets covered. This step ensures the cake becomes deliciously moist and full of flavor.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping and Cherries
Dollop the whipped topping over your pudding layer and smooth it out so it’s fluffy and inviting. Take the remaining cherry pie filling and spoon it across the top, swirling slightly with a knife or spatula for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 7: Finish with Almonds and Chill
If you’re using them, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for a delicate crunch. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!), allowing all the flavors to meld. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, scatter a few extra sliced almonds or add a sprinkle of white chocolate curls on top. A fresh sprig of mint or a few extra cherries make it look even more festive and inviting. These simple touches make Heaven on Earth Cake look as heavenly as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dessert is the star of any table, but you can pair it with a hot cup of coffee, a splash of dessert wine, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. If you’re serving it at a party, a light fruit salad alongside keeps things balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Heaven on Earth Cake in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for a charming twist at showers and gatherings. You can also use a trifle bowl for dramatic, show-off layers. If you’re feeling extra creative, try making mini versions in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Heaven on Earth Cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and honestly, it might taste even better on day two as the flavors continue to blend.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly and store in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Just remember the texture of whipped topping may change slightly upon thawing, but the cake will still be delicious.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is needed! Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it a bit softer, but otherwise, straight from the fridge is perfection.
FAQs
Can I use homemade angel food cake instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade angel food cake adds a lovely personal touch and slightly richer flavor, but store-bought works wonderfully and saves time, making Heaven on Earth Cake a true breeze.
Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with another fruit?
Yes! Feel free to swap in blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different flavor twist. Just make sure you use a fruit filling with a similar consistency for the best results.
Is there a way to make this dessert nut-free?
Definitely—just leave off the sliced almonds, and you’ll have a nut-free version that’s still every bit as delicious and crowd-pleasing.
How far in advance can I make Heaven on Earth Cake?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, making it the night before lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes serving a snap when you’re ready.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream, adding a bit of tang while keeping the pudding layer creamy and rich. It’s a simple swap if you prefer it or that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both showstopping and effortless, you simply have to try Heaven on Earth Cake. It’s the kind of treat that gets everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!), and I can’t wait for you to make it part of your own sweet traditions.
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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 layered dessert combining fluffy angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, tangy sour cream, and sweet cherry pie filling. Topped with whipped cream and optional sliced almonds for crunch, this easy-to-make American classic is perfect for any occasion, offering a light yet indulgent treat that can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- 1 angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Fruit and Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Set aside to allow it to fully thicken.
- Layer the angel food cake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the angel food cake cubes evenly to form the first cake layer.
- Add cherry pie filling: Spoon about two-thirds of the cherry pie filling evenly over the layer of cake cubes, distributing it gently.
- Second layer of cake: Add the remaining angel food cake cubes on top of the cherry pie filling, creating a second layer.
- Pour pudding mixture: Evenly pour the prepared pudding mixture over the entire layered dish. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the cake and filling layers without disturbing them.
- Top with whipped topping: Spoon the whipped topping over the pudding layer and smooth it out using a spatula for an even finish.
- Garnish with remaining cherry filling and almonds: Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling around the top layer of whipped topping and swirl slightly for a marbled effect. Sprinkle with sliced almonds if using for added texture and flavor.
- Chill before serving: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly for serving.
Notes
- Use either homemade angel food cake or store-bought for convenience.
- Try other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or strawberry for variety.
- Omit almonds to make the dessert nut-free if desired.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- This recipe is vegetarian friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/12th of the dish)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
