There is nothing quite like the delightful combination of light, fluffy cake with luscious cherries and creamy layers to create a dessert that truly lives up to its name. This Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe brings together the airy sweetness of angel food cake, the rich tang of cherry pie filling, and a dreamy vanilla pudding topping that sets perfectly for a show-stopping treat. Whether you’re after a stunning dessert for a family gathering or just craving something special, this recipe promises each bite to be a little slice of bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you—each one is straightforward, easy to find, and plays an essential role in building the texture, flavor, and, of course, that marvelous look this cake boasts. From the lightness of angel food cake to the tart sweetness of cherries and the creamy vanilla touch, every component has a purpose.
- 14 ounces store-bought angel food cake: Provides that signature airy and fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious layers.
- 21 ounces canned cherry pie filling: Adds juicy bursts of tart and sweet flavor with a gorgeous vibrant red color.
- 1 cup whole milk: Helps create the creamy pudding layer with just the right richness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a silky texture to the pudding mixture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Gives a delightful tang and moisture, balancing sweet elements perfectly.
- 3.4 ounces instant French vanilla pudding mix: The secret to a thick, luscious filling that holds the layers together beautifully.
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed: Light, airy, and fluffy topping layer that crowns the cake with smoothness.
- 1½ tablespoons thinly sliced almonds: Adds a delicate crunch and a lovely nutty contrast to the soft layers beneath.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake Base
Start by slicing your angel food cake into 1-inch cubes; this size helps it soak up the juicy cherry filling and creamy layers later on. Arrange half of these cubes evenly across the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form a light and airy foundation for your dessert.
Step 2: Layer on the Cherry Pie Filling
Next, spoon roughly two-thirds of your luscious cherry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes. This step infuses the cake with juicy, fruity bursts that lend both moisture and flavor, creating the characteristic cherry punch this cake is famous for.
Step 3: Add the Second Layer of Cake
Carefully place the remaining half of the angel food cake cubes on top of the cherry filling. This second layer acts as a sponge for the dreamy pudding that follows, stacking the texture and flavor as you build up your cake.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Cream Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk whole milk, heavy cream, and sour cream until completely smooth and blended. This creamy blend forms the foundation of your pudding layer, bringing richness and a touch of tangy brightness to the dessert.
Step 5: Incorporate the Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix
Sprinkle the instant French vanilla pudding mix over the cream blend, then whisk vigorously until thickness to a yogurt-like consistency. This thickened pudding is what holds the cake’s layers in harmony and ensures each bite is decadently creamy.
Step 6: Spread the Pudding Mixture Over Cake Cubes
Evenly spread the luscious pudding mixture over the top layer of angel food cake cubes. This step seals in moisture and adds the velvety vanilla notes that play beautifully with the cherries beneath.
Step 7: Add the Whipped Topping Layer
Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding mixture. This airy, fluffy layer gives the cake a dreamy finish and a light texture that complements every bite.
Step 8: Swirl in Remaining Cherry Pie Filling
Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling on top of the whipped layer, then use a spoon, knife, or skewer to gently swirl the cherries into a marbled effect. This not only looks visually stunning but ensures every slice has a perfect balance of cherry goodness.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Sliced Almonds
Finish by scattering thinly sliced almonds evenly over the top. Their delicate crunch adds an irresistible contrast to the soft cake and creamy layers beneath.
Step 10: Chill to Perfection
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld, the pudding to set, and the entire dessert to transform into what truly deserves the name Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, consider fresh cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar alongside the sliced almonds. Fresh mint leaves add a burst of color and a refreshing aroma that pairs wonderfully with the cherry and vanilla flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries can enhance the dessert experience, offering complimentary textures and temperatures that delight the senses.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dessert in individual glass cups or trifle bowls to showcase the layers visibly. Alternatively, cut into neat squares and present with a drizzle of cherry sauce and a sprinkle of toasted almonds on each plate for extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake maintains its freshness and the layers remain delightfully moist when stored properly.
Freezing
While the texture is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake for up to one month. Wrap the cake securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to bring back its smooth creaminess.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply serve it straight from the fridge for the perfect cool and refreshing bite every time.
FAQs
Can I make the pudding layer from scratch instead of instant mix?
Absolutely! You can use a homemade vanilla pudding to replace the instant mix, but keep in mind that the instant mix helps thicken the layer quickly and reliably, which is key to the cake’s texture.
What if I can’t find angel food cake?
If angel food cake is unavailable, chiffon cake is the closest substitute because of its similar light and airy texture. Avoid denser cakes as they won’t absorb the filling as well.
Can this dessert be made vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like dairy-free whipped topping, plant-based milk, and a vegan pudding mix, you can create a vegan version. However, the texture might vary slightly from the traditional recipe.
How far in advance can I prepare this cake?
The Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe actually benefits from resting in the refrigerator, so making it a day ahead is perfect. Just be sure to keep it tightly covered to retain moisture.
Is it possible to use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
You can freshen things up by using fresh cherries cooked down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken. This homemade cherry compote would add a delightful brightness to the cake.
Final Thoughts
There is something almost magical about the combination of airy cake, luscious cherries, and creamy pudding that defines the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly and beautifully. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become your go-to for celebrations or whenever you want to treat yourself and loved ones to a little slice of heaven.
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious no-bake layered dessert featuring airy angel food cake cubes, sweet cherry pie filling, a creamy vanilla pudding mixture, and whipped topping, all garnished with toasted almonds. This easy-to-make treat is chilled for a few hours to meld the flavors perfectly, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Base
- 14 ounces store-bought angel food cake
- 21 ounces canned cherry pie filling
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3.4 ounces instant French vanilla pudding mix
Topping
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- 1½ tablespoons thinly sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Base: Slice the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes and evenly arrange half of these cubes in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to create the first layer.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon about two-thirds of the cherry pie filling evenly over the angel food cake cubes to add sweetness and fruitiness to the base layer.
- Layer Cake Cubes: Place the remaining angel food cake cubes uniformly over the cherry pie filling to form the second cake layer.
- Mix Dairy Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, and sour cream until fully blended, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
- Incorporate Pudding Mix: Sprinkle the instant French vanilla pudding mix over the dairy blend and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens to a yogurt-like consistency, indicating readiness.
- Spread Pudding Layer: Evenly spread the thickened pudding mixture over the top layer of cake cubes, creating a creamy middle layer within the dessert.
- Add Whipped Topping: Carefully spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer for a light and airy texture on top of the cream layer.
- Marble Cherry Filling: Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling onto the whipped topping and use a spoon, knife, or skewer to gently swirl it, creating an attractive marbled effect.
- Top with Almonds: Sprinkle the thinly sliced almonds evenly over the cherry filling to add a subtle crunch and garnish.
- Chill Dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance for optimal flavor melding.
- If preferred, toasted almonds can be used for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Use gluten-free angel food cake to make the dessert gluten-free.
- For a lighter version, substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream if desired.
