If you’re searching for a show-stopping, no-bake dessert that’s every bit as heavenly as it sounds, let me introduce you to the irresistible Heaven on Earth Cake. Imagine layers of fluffy angel food cake, velvety vanilla-sour cream pudding, sweet cherry pie filling, and a cloud-like blanket of whipped topping, all molded together into a chilled, sliceable treat. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any day into a celebration and is guaranteed to make you the star of the potluck table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this decadent delight is short, but each addition brings something magical—cushiony cake, creamy pudding, and bright layers of fruit that simply sing together. Here’s what makes Heaven on Earth Cake so special:

Angel Food Cake: Light and airy, it soaks up all those luscious layers without getting soggy.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Quick to prepare and delivers a classic, nostalgic flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit.
Cold Milk: Essential for activating and thickening the pudding—use whole milk for extra creaminess.
Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Cherry Pie Filling: Bursts of fruitiness and color in every bite; don’t be shy with this layer!
Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): A dreamy finishing touch, spreading easily and holding its shape when chilled.
Sliced Almonds (optional): A nutty, satisfying crunch to sprinkle on just before serving.

How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake

Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture

Begin by whisking together your instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a medium bowl—just two minutes of brisk stirring will leave you with a beautifully thickened base. Next, fold in the sour cream. This creates a pudding that’s ultra-smooth, ever so creamy, and packed with a subtle tang. You’ll notice right away how silkily it comes together.

Step 2: Layer the Angel Food Cake

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter half of your angel food cake cubes in an even layer on the bottom. These cake clouds are the foundational layer, ready to absorb all those dreamy toppings without losing their bounce.

Step 3: Add the First Layer of Cherry Pie Filling

Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes, making sure you get pockets of fruitiness all over. This is what gives Heaven on Earth Cake its eye-catching pops of red and bursts of juicy cherry flavor throughout.

Step 4: More Cake!

Layer on the remaining angel food cake cubes. This second layer is your golden ticket to extra height and that gorgeous, slice-worthy trifle look.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Pudding

Now, take your pudding mixture and pour it evenly over every inch of the cake. Use a spatula to gently coax it into every nook and cranny—it’ll begin seeping into the cake, creating perfectly creamy, flavorful bites once chilled.

Step 6: Add Whipped Topping

Next comes the fluffy whipped topping. Gently dollop and spread it across the entire pan. This is what gives the dessert its iconic “cloud” finish—and makes it even more inviting.

Step 7: Top with Cherries and Optional Almonds

Spoon the rest of your cherry pie filling on top, then use a spoon to lightly swirl and marble it into the whipped layer. If you’re in the mood for a little crunch, sprinkle with sliced almonds just before serving for a bakery-worthy finish!

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. Chilling is key for all those layers to meld beautifully and for the flavors to really pop when you slice in.

How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake

Garnishes

The crowning touch for Heaven on Earth Cake is always a thoughtful garnish. A light sprinkle of sliced almonds adds a delicate crunch and some rustic elegance. If you want to go the extra mile, try a few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for even more visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is already rich and fruity, it pairs nicely with a simple, unsweetened cup of coffee or strong black tea. If you’re serving it at a party, offer a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a scoop of tart lemon sorbet to balance the sweetness for your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Make individual Heaven on Earth Cake trifles in glass jars for potlucks or picnics—they travel beautifully and look so cute! You can also make a mini version in a loaf pan or assemble it in wine glasses for an elegant dinner party dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Heaven on Earth Cake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to airtight containers; the flavor only deepens as it sits, and the texture stays lusciously moist.

Freezing

If you want to make it even further in advance, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—the whipped topping might lose a tiny bit of volume, but the flavor will still be wonderful!

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so skip the oven or microwave. Simply slice and serve straight from the fridge for best results every time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade angel food cake instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade angel food cake only adds more flavor and freshness to Heaven on Earth Cake. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before cubing and layering.

What other pie fillings work in Heaven on Earth Cake?

Cherry is classic, but blueberry, strawberry, or even mixed berry pie filling create delicious variations. The colors and flavors are easy to swap depending on the season or your mood.

Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milk (such as almond or oat), coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream in place of sour cream, and a non-dairy whipped topping. The cake can easily accommodate these changes and still taste dreamy!

How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?

The trick is using angel food cake (which stays fluffy), not over-soaking the layers with pie filling, and chilling thoroughly. Cutting the cake into even cubes and layering carefully ensures the texture is just right.

Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake ahead for a party?

Definitely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day ahead since the layers have time to meld and set. Just wait until close to serving to add sliced almonds for maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Heaven on Earth Cake, it’s bound to become your go-to no-bake dessert—perfect for birthdays, barbecues, or any day that needs a little extra sweetness. You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is, and it’s always a delight to share with family and friends. Go ahead, treat yourself and savor every bite!

Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the heavenly delight of this no-bake Heaven on Earth Cake, a luscious combination of angel food cake, creamy pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Heaven on Earth Cake:

1 (16-ounce) angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk
1 cup sour cream
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Optional: sliced almonds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in sour cream until smooth.
Layering: Spread half of the angel food cake cubes in a 9×13-inch dish. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake. Add remaining cake cubes and pour pudding mixture evenly. Top with whipped topping.
Finishing Touches: Spoon remaining cherry pie filling over the top, swirl slightly, and garnish with sliced almonds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.