If you’re looking for the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s light, creamy, and irresistibly sweet, this Easy Heaven on Earth Cake is about to become your new go-to. Made with fluffy cubes of angel food cake, layers of smooth vanilla pudding, tart cherry pie filling, and a cloud of whipped topping, this crowd-pleaser is as heavenly as its name suggests. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, summer BBQ, or just want something indulgent and simple to whip up, this dessert delivers every time.
You’ll love how easy this is! And the best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are store-bought, but don’t let that fool you — the flavors come together in a way that tastes completely homemade.
For this dessert, you’ll need:
- Angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
- Cherry pie filling
- Instant vanilla pudding
- Cold milk
- Sour cream (yes, it adds a perfect tang!)
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Optional garnishes: sliced almonds, fresh cherries, extra whipped topping
These pantry staples make the prep quick, but the flavor feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake
This dessert is all about layering. It comes together quickly and chills in the fridge until it’s time to serve — making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Prepare the pudding mixture
Start by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens. This should only take a minute or two. Once it’s thick and smooth, stir in the sour cream. The sour cream may seem like a surprising addition, but it gives the pudding a rich, creamy tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Layer the cake
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by adding half of your cubed angel food cake. Try to create an even layer so every bite gets that soft, spongy texture. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake. You want some cherries in every corner of the pan — they add the perfect pop of fruitiness.
Next, spread half of the pudding mixture over the cherries. Use a spatula to smooth it out gently.
Then repeat: more cake, more cherries, more pudding. Layering like this gives the dessert its luscious, trifle-like texture.
Add the whipped topping
Spread your thawed whipped topping over the final layer of pudding. You can smooth it out neatly or create swirls for a playful look. Either way, this final layer is the finishing touch that pulls it all together.
Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you can, let it sit overnight. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld. The cake absorbs just enough moisture from the pudding and cherries without getting soggy.
Garnish and serve
Right before serving, add a sprinkle of sliced almonds for crunch. You can also top it with fresh cherries or a dollop of whipped topping for an extra special finish.
Scoop into bowls or slice into squares — either way, it’s a showstopper.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh cake: If you’re buying a store-bought angel food cake, make sure it’s fresh. A dry cake won’t absorb the pudding as nicely.
- Make it in a trifle dish: Want a more elegant presentation? Layer the ingredients in a trifle bowl for a gorgeous centerpiece.
- Customize the flavors: This dessert is incredibly flexible. Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or even peach. You can also switch the vanilla pudding for lemon or chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Add a crunch: For extra texture, try layering in crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers. It adds a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.
- Don’t skip the chill time: This isn’t a recipe to rush. Give it time in the fridge — at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the whipped topping and pudding, this dessert won’t last too long, but it’s so delicious it probably won’t make it past day two!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dessert. The texture of the whipped topping and pudding can change after thawing, becoming watery or grainy.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to elevate it further, try these fun serving ideas:
- Top with extra fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Drizzle with a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an even more indulgent treat.
- For a party or picnic, serve it in small mason jars or individual dessert cups — perfect for grab-and-go fun.
Recipe Variations
This cake is easy to adapt to your tastes or the season:
- Tropical Heaven: Use pineapple chunks, coconut pudding, and top with toasted coconut.
- Berry Bliss: Swap the cherries for mixed berries and use white chocolate or cheesecake pudding.
- Lemon Dream: Try lemon pudding and lemon curd layered with blueberries for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Use chocolate pudding and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it. Just make sure it cools completely before cutting into cubes.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert is perfect for making the day before. Just cover and chill overnight.
What other pie fillings can I use?
You can use blueberry, strawberry, peach, or even apple pie filling. Choose what you love or what’s in season.
Can I make this in individual servings?
Definitely. Use clear cups or jars to layer the ingredients individually. It’s perfect for parties or picnics.
Is there a way to lighten this recipe?
Yes! Use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping, and try a light or reduced-fat sour cream. It still tastes great.
How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?
Be careful not to overload it with pie filling, and don’t make it more than 24 hours ahead. The angel food cake will absorb just the right amount of moisture if timed right.
Can I add fresh fruit instead of canned pie filling?
Sure! Fresh berries or diced stone fruits work beautifully. Just note that they won’t be as sweet as pie filling, so you might want to macerate them first with a little sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Heaven on Earth Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. Every bite is a dreamy combination of light, fluffy cake, rich pudding, and tart cherries, all wrapped in a cool, creamy whipped topping. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, rich without being heavy, and 100% no-bake.
It’s the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again — for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving something delicious and comforting. It’s easy, flexible, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.
Try it this week and see why everyone calls it “heaven on earth.”
Heaven on Earth Cake
Ingredients
- 1 large angel food cake, cubed
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup fresh cherries or additional whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the sour cream until fully combined to create a creamy pudding mixture.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the angel food cake cubes evenly across the bottom.
- Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake layer and spread it evenly.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cherries using a spatula to smooth it out.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake cubes, cherry pie filling, and pudding mixture.
- Top the dessert with the whipped topping, spreading it out evenly over the final layer.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds and fresh cherries or extra whipped topping if desired.
- Scoop into bowls or slice into squares to serve and enjoy!
