If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a true crowd-pleaser, light yet indulgent, and incredibly simple to make, then Heaven on Earth Cake is exactly what you need. With fluffy angel food cake, rich creamy pudding, tangy cherries, and a cool whipped topping, it’s a treat that feels like a little slice of heaven. Plus, it’s no-bake, so you don’t even need to worry about turning on the oven—making it perfect for any time of year. This dessert is quick, refreshing, and a hit at any gathering.
Let’s dive into why this cake should be on your dessert list!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about Heaven on Earth Cake. First, it’s an easy weeknight dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dessert ready to chill in the fridge and be devoured later. It’s an excellent choice when you need a quick family meal dessert or a healthy comfort food option that’s still light on your stomach.
This cake is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand—store-bought angel food cake, instant pudding, and whipped topping, with a can of cherry pie filling to give it that gorgeous pop of color and tartness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can switch out the cherries for other fruits, change the pudding flavor, or even top it with nuts or shredded coconut for extra crunch. And because it’s make-ahead, you can have it ready hours (or even a day) before your next get-together.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What really sets this recipe apart is how easy it is to make without sacrificing flavor or presentation. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy and indulgent, yet it’s so simple to throw together. The layers of airy angel food cake, creamy pudding, and tangy cherries create a combination that’s truly irresistible. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors, and because it’s served cold, it’s a refreshing dessert for warm days or when you want something light but satisfying.
Also, it’s adaptable to nearly any taste! Whether you’re sticking with the classic cherry pie filling or you want to experiment with mixed berries or pineapple, you can make this cake your own. The pudding layer is wonderfully rich without being overly heavy, so it’s perfect if you’re craving something sweet but not too rich. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for healthy eating for two since you can easily scale the recipe down or prep individual servings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this heavenly dessert. (Tip: you’ll find full measurements in the recipe card below!)
- 1 store-bought angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (or homemade)
- 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 (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cherries or additional whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in the sour cream and set aside. This adds extra creaminess to the pudding layer!
- Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cubed angel food cake into an even layer. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Pudding Layer: Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture over the cherries, smoothing it with a spatula to cover the entire layer.
- Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining angel food cake cubes, followed by the rest of the cherry pie filling and pudding mixture. Spread the pudding out evenly.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the final pudding layer.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. The flavors really meld together when it’s allowed to chill.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the top with sliced almonds, fresh cherries, or extra whipped topping if desired. Slice into squares and serve—everyone will love it!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: It may be tempting to dig into this dessert right away, but chilling it for a couple of hours (or overnight) really allows all the layers to set and enhances the flavors. Trust me—it’s worth the wait.
- Keep the Cake Layer Light: When layering the angel food cake, be sure not to over-pack it. A light layer of cake will help the pudding and fruit layers shine through.
- Get Creative with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different fruit fillings like mixed berries, peaches, or even a tropical blend with pineapple and coconut. You can also switch the pudding to chocolate or butterscotch for a fun twist.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up or work with what you have on hand, here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
- Fruit Fillings: You can replace the cherry pie filling with blueberry, strawberry, peach, or mixed berry fillings. Fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries can also be added to the layers.
- Pudding Flavor: Experiment with different pudding flavors—chocolate, lemon, or banana pudding are delicious alternatives to vanilla.
- Whipped Topping: If you want a lighter version, you can use whipped coconut cream or low-fat whipped topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free angel food cake to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
While Heaven on Earth Cake is perfect on its own, here are a few ways to elevate it or make it part of a larger meal:
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh berries on the side can add an extra burst of freshness and color.
- Pair with a Light Drink: Serve this dessert with a cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be a great choice.
- Top with Extra Whipped Cream: You can never have too much whipped cream—add a dollop on top when serving for that extra creamy touch!
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
For the perfect meal pairing, you can enjoy this dessert alongside:
- A light summer salad with a tangy vinaigrette, which balances the sweetness of the cake.
- A refreshing lemonade or citrus-based drink to cut through the richness.
- A savory main dish like grilled chicken or pasta for a satisfying contrast to the lightness of the cake.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep or as a sweet treat to snack on throughout the week.
- Freezing: This cake is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing it can cause the whipped topping and pudding to separate, so I don’t recommend it.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This cake is fantastic for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and let it chill overnight to deepen the flavors. Just make sure to keep it covered so it stays fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Overwhelm the Layers: Keep the layers of cake and pie filling balanced—too much pie filling can make the dessert soggy.
- Chill for Long Enough: The chilling time is crucial. If you don’t chill it long enough, the layers won’t set properly, and the texture won’t be as creamy.
- Be Gentle with the Pudding Layer: When spreading the pudding, be gentle so you don’t disturb the other layers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Yes, homemade angel food cake works wonderfully, but store-bought is more convenient for quick prep. - What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
You can swap in blueberry, strawberry, or peach filling, or even fresh fruit! - Can I make this in individual servings?
Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in small jars or dessert cups for personal portions. - Can I add fresh fruit?
Yes, fresh berries, diced peaches, or pineapple would make a great addition.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- A whisk for preparing the pudding mixture
- A spatula for spreading the layers
- Plastic wrap or a lid for covering the dish while it chills
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Heaven on Earth Cake
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes
- 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 (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cherries or extra whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer.
- Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes, spreading it evenly.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the cherries, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake cubes, cherry pie filling, and pudding mixture.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or fresh cherries if desired. Slice into squares and enjoy!
