If you’re someone who loves desserts that are as easy to make as they are delicious, then you’ve just found your next go-to recipe: Heaven on Earth Cake. Imagine biting into a fluffy, light, and creamy dessert that combines the delicate texture of angel food cake with the rich, smooth layers of vanilla pudding, tangy sour cream, and cream cheese. Topped with a burst of tart cherry pie filling, this cake is like a little slice of heaven on your plate.
What makes this dessert even better is how incredibly simple it is to put together. There’s no baking involved, which means less time spent in the kitchen and more time enjoying your creation. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and let it chill, allowing the flavors to develop and blend even more beautifully. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just need a treat to share with friends, this cake is sure to be a hit.
I first discovered Heaven on Earth Cake at a family picnic. It was one of those desserts that caught my attention immediately—not just because it looked gorgeous but because it was the first thing to disappear from the dessert table! The combination of light and creamy layers with that delicious cherry topping just hit all the right notes. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make, and now I find myself preparing it for nearly every occasion.
So, let’s dive into the recipe and make this delightful dessert together.
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
If you’re short on time, feel free to take a shortcut and use a store-bought angel food cake. Either way, you’ll want to cut the cake into bite-sized cubes. This is the base of our dessert, and it provides a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy layers we’ll be adding later.
If you decide to make your own angel food cake from scratch, go for it! It’ll add an extra touch of homemade goodness to the dessert. However, using a pre-made cake is totally fine—it’s all about convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Once your cake is cubed, set it aside while you prepare the next layers.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding Mixture
Next, we’re going to create the smooth and creamy vanilla pudding layer. Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Now, it’s time to add some tangy creaminess to the pudding. Stir in the sour cream and mix until everything is well-combined. This gives the pudding an extra layer of richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Set this pudding mixture aside while you get the next layer ready.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
This part is where the magic happens. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This step is important because it helps create that velvety texture that’s going to make each bite feel indulgent.
Once your cream cheese is smooth, gently fold in the whipped topping. Don’t overmix—just fold until the mixture is fully combined. This will create a fluffy, airy cream cheese layer that’s perfectly balanced against the creamy pudding.
Now that we have all the layers ready, we’re ready to start assembling this delightful dessert.
Assembling the Heaven on Earth Cake: Layers of Deliciousness
Now that we’ve prepared all the individual layers, it’s time to put this cake together. The process is simple, but it’s where the magic happens. You’ll end up with multiple layers of flavor, texture, and color that will leave everyone raving about your dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Let’s break this down into easy steps. We’ll be layering the angel food cake cubes with the pudding mixture, the cream cheese layer, and finally, the sweet cherry topping. Here’s how to do it:
Layer the Angel Food Cake:
Start by spreading half of the angel food cake cubes evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. This forms the first layer of your dessert and gives it a soft, light base that will soak up all the creamy goodness we’re about to add.
Add the Pudding Mixture:
Next, spread half of your vanilla pudding mixture over the cake cubes. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth the pudding layer so that it covers the cake evenly. This is where the creaminess really starts to come through, and you’ll already be able to taste how the layers are beginning to meld together.
Top with Cream Cheese Layer:
Now comes the best part—the rich, fluffy cream cheese layer. Carefully spread half of the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the pudding. The cream cheese layer should be smooth and even, covering the pudding completely. This layer is rich and velvety, adding a delightful contrast to the lightness of the cake and pudding.
Repeat the Layers:
Once the first set of layers is in place, it’s time to repeat the process. Add the remaining angel food cake cubes, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture. Spread the pudding evenly, ensuring it covers all the cake cubes.
Next, top it off with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Smooth it out so the layers are uniform, giving your dessert that irresistible, creamy top.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Topping
The cherry topping is what takes this dessert to the next level. Open a can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the top layer of cream cheese mixture. The tart cherries not only provide a burst of flavor but also add a beautiful pop of color to your cake. You could even use other fruit pie fillings, like blueberry or strawberry, if cherries aren’t your thing. But personally, the cherries give this cake the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Chill the Cake
Once everything is assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. If you can, let it chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop even more. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
While it chills, the angel food cake will soak up the creamy layers, and the whole dessert will become a deliciously cohesive treat that’s simply irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heaven on Earth Cake
As you prepare to make this delightful dessert, you may have some questions or need a bit of extra guidance. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with answers to some of the most common questions that people often ask about making Heaven on Earth Cake.
1. Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making this cake ahead of time. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors have a chance to meld together. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
2. Can I use a different type of cake instead of angel food cake?
While angel food cake is light and airy, giving the dessert its signature texture, you can definitely try other types of cake if you prefer. Sponge cake or pound cake can work as substitutes. However, I do recommend staying with a lighter cake to keep the dessert’s overall texture balanced. A denser cake might overwhelm the creamy layers.
3. Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with another fruit topping?
Of course! While the cherry topping gives this cake a delicious tartness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers, you can switch it up with other fruit pie fillings. Strawberry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling are excellent options. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the fruit you choose, but it’ll still be delicious!
4. How do I store Heaven on Earth Cake?
Store your Heaven on Earth Cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. It will last up to three days in the fridge, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time. Just make sure it’s kept chilled until you’re ready to serve. It’s not recommended to freeze this cake, as the cream layers and toppings don’t freeze well.
5. Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes! If you enjoy a little crunch with your dessert, you can garnish your Heaven on Earth Cake with chopped almonds or pecans before serving. The nuts add a nice texture and a bit of flavor that contrasts with the creamy layers. However, this is optional, so feel free to skip the nuts if you’re not a fan.
6. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can substitute it for the Cool Whip. Just be sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture. Homemade whipped cream will add an extra touch of freshness and can make the cake even more special.
Conclusion: A Heavenly Dessert for Every Occasion
There you have it—your guide to creating the perfect Heaven on Earth Cake! This dessert is truly a crowd-pleaser, with its light and fluffy angel food cake, creamy layers of vanilla pudding, tangy sour cream, and rich cream cheese, all topped off with sweet cherry pie filling. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying your time with friends and family rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a little indulgence, Heaven on Earth Cake is sure to become one of your favorites. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you’ve made any fun variations or tried different toppings. Enjoy your heavenly dessert, and happy baking!
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Heaven on Earth Cake
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a light and creamy dessert that’s sure to impress. With fluffy angel food cake cubes layered with sweet, creamy vanilla pudding, tangy sour cream, and rich cream cheese, it’s a dreamy combination of textures and flavors. The cherry pie filling on top adds a fruity, tart contrast to the richness of the layers, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. This no-bake dessert is easy to assemble and can be made ahead, giving it time to chill and develop even more flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
1 package angel food cake (or 1 prepared angel food cake) – Light and airy, the perfect base
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – Adds a creamy, sweet layer
1 1/2 cups milk – For mixing the pudding
1 cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – Adds richness to the dessert
For the Topping:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – For a fruity, tart finish
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip) – Light and fluffy for the ultimate creamy top layer.
Optional:
Chopped almonds or pecans for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Angel Food Cake If using a store-bought angel food cake, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Set aside while preparing the creamy layers.
Make the Vanilla Pudding Mixture In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes). Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully combined.
Assemble the Cake Layer the Angel Food Cake: In a 9×13-inch dish, place half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer.
Add the Pudding Mixture: Spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the cake cubes.
Top with Cream Cheese Layer: Gently spread half of the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the pudding.
Repeat Layers: Add the remaining cake cubes, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture, and then the remaining cream cheese mixture.
Add the Cherry Topping: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top layer.
Chill Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
For added texture and flavor, you can garnish with chopped almonds or pecans before serving. This dessert is versatile—if you’re not a fan of cherries, you can swap the topping for other fruit pie fillings, like blueberry or strawberry, depending on your preference. The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for prepping ahead of time.
