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

Scale

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)

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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.