If you love desserts that are as light as a cloud yet burst with vibrant flavors, then you are absolutely going to adore this Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe. Imagine soft angel food cake cubes layered with luscious cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding mixed with tangy sour cream, and fluffy cool whip, all coming together into one irresistible, chilled dessert that feels like a dream come true. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion when you want to wow guests or simply indulge in something sweet and comforting without many complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the airy angel food cake that forms the base to the sweet-tart cherry pie filling that adds bursts of juiciness, each item is simple yet essential.
- Angel food cake, cut into one inch squares: The lightest cake foundation that soaks up flavors without becoming soggy.
- 18 ounces canned cherry pie filling: Adds sweetness, vibrant color, and a juicy fruit punch to every bite.
- 3.6 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix: Creates the creamy, velvety layer that binds everything deliciously.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Needed to prepare the pudding, bringing richness and smoothness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Gives a slight tang and creamy texture, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip: For a light, fluffy topping that adds creaminess and an elegant finish.
- ¼ cup slivered or sliced almonds (optional): Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast, elevating the dessert’s texture.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Step 1: Arrange the Angel Food Cake
Start by placing half of the cubed angel food cake into your chosen pan (an 8×8, 9×9, or 9×13 works great). This soft layer will soak up the flavors from the pie filling, so spread it evenly across the bottom for a sturdy but tender base.
Step 2: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Next, pour about two-thirds of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes and gently spread it out. This juicy layer adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color that complements the white cake beautifully.
Step 3: Add Remaining Angel Food Cake
Cover the pie filling with the rest of the angel food cake cubes. This sandwiching effect helps trap the cherry goodness between layers, ensuring every forkful is a perfect bite with a balance of sweetness and softness.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sour cream. Keep whisking until it thickens smoothly. This creamy layer will add richness and a slight tang, making the cake feel indulgent but light.
Step 5: Spread the Cream Layer
Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the top layer of angel food cake, smooth it out with a spatula for even coverage. This step is crucial because it locks in moisture and adds that signature creamy texture of the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Top with Cool Whip and Remaining Filling
Spread the Cool Whip over the pudding layer, and then carefully dollop or spoon the remaining cherry pie filling on top. You can keep it all in the center or swirl it gently to create a beautiful marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Pop the cake into the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. This chilling step is key because it melds all those incredible layers together and allows the flavors to harmonize perfectly.
Step 8: Add Almonds and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the optional slivered or sliced almonds on top for a delightful crunch and an elegant finishing touch. These little nuts add a lovely texture reminder that complements the softness below.
How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the optional almonds are a classic choice, feel free to get creative with fresh cherries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a mint sprig for a pop of color. These garnish ideas elevate the presentation and add freshness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. For a heartier occasion, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream to amplify the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Serve this dessert in individual glass parfait cups layered beautifully so guests can see every delicious component. Or try making single-serve trifle jars for a charming and mess-free presentation that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next day’s slice even more flavorful. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freezing this cake isn’t recommended because the texture of the angel food cake and the creamy layers can change. However, if you must, freeze only for a short time and thaw slowly in the fridge to minimize texture changes.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you want to bring it to room temperature, simply let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and a thickener to replicate the cherry pie filling texture and sweetness. The canned version offers convenience and consistency for this recipe.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can try substituting dairy milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free sour cream and whipped toppings. Just make sure the pudding mix is compatible with dairy-free options or make a homemade pudding from scratch.
Can I make this cake in individual servings?
Absolutely! Layer angel food cake cubes, cherry filling, pudding mixture, and Cool Whip in small glasses or jars for personalized dessert servings. It’s a fantastic way to serve guests elegantly and with less fuss.
How long can this cake be refrigerated before it starts losing quality?
For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 3 to 4 days of assembling. After that, the angel food cake may become too soggy and the flavors can dull, so try to plan accordingly.
Can I substitute another fruit pie filling?
Yes! Blueberry, strawberry, or even mixed berry pie fillings work beautifully if you want to switch up the flavor. Just keep in mind that the cherry’s tartness is part of what makes the cake so balanced and refreshing.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this beloved Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create your own slice of dessert heaven. This cake is a perfect blend of light, creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements that come together effortlessly to delight every palate. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will quickly become one of your absolute favorites to make and share. Happy baking!
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring light and airy angel food cake combined with sweet cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding, sour cream, and topped with cool whip and optional almonds. This easy-to-make treat offers a delightful balance of fruity, creamy, and crunchy textures, perfect for a refreshing dessert that requires minimal prep and no oven time.
Ingredients
Angel Food Cake Layer
- 1 angel food cake, cut into 1-inch squares
Cherry Layer
- 1 (18 ounces) can cherry pie filling
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.6 ounces) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- ¼ cup slivered or sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Layer: Place half of the cubed angel food cake evenly into the bottom of an 8×8, 9×9, or 9×13-inch cake pan or Pyrex dish to create the first cake layer.
- Add Cherry Filling: Pour two-thirds of the cherry pie filling over the angel food cake base, spreading it evenly to cover the cake pieces completely.
- Top with Remaining Cake: Layer the remaining cubed angel food cake over the cherry filling, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Mix Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sour cream until the mixture begins to thicken and is smooth without lumps.
- Spread Pudding Mixture: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake layer and gently spread it out with a spatula to cover the cake completely.
- Add Cool Whip and Remaining Cherries: Spread the Cool Whip over the pudding layer. Then, spoon the remaining cherry pie filling onto the top, either all in the center or dolloped throughout and gently swirled together for a decorative look.
- Chill the Cake: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for 4 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding layer to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle slivered or sliced almonds on top if desired, adding a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
Notes
- Use a larger cake pan (9×13) for thinner layers or a smaller pan (8×8) for thicker cake layers.
- Chilling time is critical to allow pudding to set properly and flavors to meld.
- Almond topping is optional but adds a nice texture contrast and nutty taste.
- Ensure Cool Whip is thawed before spreading for best texture.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Substitute cherry pie filling with other pie fillings like blueberry or peach for variation.
