If you are craving a dessert that feels like a little slice of paradise, look no further than the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe. This delightful treat layers airy angel food cake with luscious cherry pie filling and a creamy, almond-infused pudding mixture. The result is a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s light yet indulgent, bursting with flavors and textures that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to spoil yourself on a quiet evening, this cake is truly a heavenly delight that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in bringing the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe to life, balancing sweetness, creaminess, and that unmistakable cherry pop. These pantry-friendly staples make assembling this dessert quick and fuss-free.
- Angel Food Cake: The angel food cake lends a light and fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy and fruity layers beautifully.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces): Adds a silky, sweet vanilla flavor that enhances every bite.
- Whole Milk (1 1/2 cups): Necessary for mixing with the pudding to create that luscious, creamy texture.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds subtle tang and richness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A small but impactful splash that gives the pudding a delightful aromatic twist.
- Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 ounces): Bursting with juicy cherries, it adds vibrant color and a burst of fruity flavor.
- Cool Whip (1 container, 8 ounces): Adds a fluffy, light finish that ties the layers together.
- Sliced Almonds (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a lovely crunchy contrast and a beautiful garnish.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Step 1: Cube the Angel Food Cake
Start with a ready-made angel food cake and cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect because it allows the cake to absorb the surrounding flavors without turning mushy. Place half of the cubes evenly in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish to form the first cake layer. This airy foundation is what makes this cake feel heavenly light.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Spread half the can of cherry pie filling evenly over the angel food cake cubes. The bright red cherries create a stunning visual contrast and infuse the cake with juicy bursts of sweetness. This fruity layer is where the cake earns its delightful “Heaven on Earth” title.
Step 3: Add Another Cake Layer
With half the angel food cubes remaining, layer them gently over the cherry filling. This second cake layer helps keep the pudding layer from mixing directly with the fruit, preserving the cake’s beautiful layering effect and ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of textures.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Pudding Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, sour cream, and almond extract. This combination takes a minute or two to thicken into a luxuriously smooth cream. The sour cream and almond extract add a little tang and warmth, elevating what could have been a simple pudding into a truly luscious component of this dessert.
Step 5: Spread the Pudding Mixture
Evenly spread the pudding mixture over the cake cubes in the pan. This creamy layer acts as the glue that brings all the flavors and textures together, giving the cake its irresistibly rich mouthfeel while still keeping it light and airy.
Step 6: Add Cool Whip and Remaining Cherries
Top the pudding with an even layer of cool whip for a fluffy, cloud-like effect. Next, dollop the remaining cherry pie filling over the cool whip and use a spoon to gently swirl the cherries around. This swirled cherry topping not only looks stunning but adds extra juicy bursts of fruit with every bite.
Step 7: Refrigerate the Cake
Refrigerate the assembled Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake cubes to soften slightly, resulting in a perfectly moist and indulgent dessert.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the optional sliced almonds on top. They add a wonderful crunch and a nutty aroma, elevating the texture profile and visual appeal of this already stunning cake.
How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the sliced almonds, you can get creative by adding fresh cherries, a few mint leaves for a pop of green, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These simple touches make your cake look just as heavenly as it tastes and impress your guests instantly.
Side Dishes
This cake shines brightly on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence. A cup of hot coffee or tea balances the sweetness, making it an ideal dessert after a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve individual portions in clear glass parfait dishes so the layers are visible, creating a feast for the eyes. You can also arrange the cake in a trifle bowl and layer it three times to turn it into a showstopper centerpiece dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe should be stored covered in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed tightly to prevent the cake from drying out and to maintain the freshness of the cherry topping and creamy layers.
Freezing
This cake is best enjoyed fresh because of its delicate textures. However, you can freeze leftovers wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the layers intact.
Reheating
Since this cake is served chilled, reheating is not necessary. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature if you prefer it less cold, but the chilled cream and fruit layers are part of its charm.
FAQs
Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using store-bought angel food cake?
Absolutely! Making your own angel food cake from scratch adds a personal touch, but the store-bought version works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing the light texture this recipe relies on.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for the milk and sour cream?
You can substitute almond milk or another plant-based milk for the whole milk, and use a non-dairy sour cream alternative to keep this dessert dairy-free while still preserving the creaminess.
How long can I keep the Heaven on Earth Cake in the refrigerator?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the cake within 3 to 4 days of making it. After that, the cake might start to lose its airy texture.
Can I use other fruit pie fillings instead of cherry?
Definitely! Blueberry, strawberry, or peach pie fillings can all work wonderfully. Just keep in mind each fruit will bring a slightly different flavor and color palette to the dish.
Why is almond extract used in the recipe?
The almond extract adds a subtle, sweet nuttiness that enhances the vanilla pudding and pairs beautifully with the cherries, making the flavor profile more complex and inviting.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe is truly a joy—it’s one of those desserts that feels effortless but tastes spectacular. The layers of light cake, luscious pudding, and bright cherries come together in a harmony that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, give this heavenly cake a try and let it become one of your favorite indulgences to share with friends and family.
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a light and refreshing no-bake dessert featuring fluffy angel food cake layered with sweet cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding, sour cream, and cool whip. This easy-to-assemble treat is perfect for gatherings and will delight cherry lovers with its combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- 1 Angel Food Cake (prepared, 10-inch)
Pudding Mixture
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Fruit and Toppings
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces)
- 1 container cool whip (8 ounces)
- 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Cube the Angel Food Cake: Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Place half of the cake cubes evenly in the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan to form the first layer.
- Layer the Cherry Pie Filling: Spread half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the layer of angel food cake cubes, ensuring full coverage for balanced flavor.
- Add Another Cake Layer: Place the remaining angel food cake cubes evenly over the cherry pie filling to create a second cake layer.
- Make the Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, sour cream, and almond extract until smooth. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
- Spread the Pudding Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared pudding mixture over the top layer of angel food cake, covering it completely for a creamy texture.
- Add Cool Whip and Remaining Cherries: Spread the cool whip evenly over the pudding layer. Then, dollop the remaining cherry pie filling on top and gently swirl it with a spoon into the cool whip for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Refrigerate: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle the top with sliced almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to use prepared angel food cake for convenience, or bake one from scratch if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cool whip.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.
- If almond extract is unavailable, vanilla extract can be used instead.
- Optional almonds add texture but can be omitted for nut-free preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
