Heaven on Earth Cake – This no-bake dessert is packed with layers of moist, fluffy angel food cake, a creamy pudding layer, and a luscious strawberry pie filling. Whether you’re preparing a special treat for a summer barbecue, family gathering, or any celebration, this dessert promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Heaven on Earth Cake
- Best Variations for Heaven on Earth Cake
- Tips for the Perfect Cake
- How to Store Heaven on Earth Cake
- FAQ Section
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taste – As the name suggests, this dessert truly tastes like heaven on earth. The layers of strawberry, cake, and pudding blend harmoniously to create a rich and satisfying bite. Each forkful delivers a balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering, making it an ideal treat for any time of day.
Texture – Light, airy, and perfectly moist, the texture of the cake is nothing short of delightful. The angel food cake retains its structure while soaking up just the right amount of the pudding, ensuring that each bite is soft but not mushy.
Make-Ahead Friendly – This dessert is even better when prepared ahead of time. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld, making it ideal for parties or gatherings. Just prepare it the night before, and let the fridge do the rest!
No-Bake Recipe – Skip the oven and save time! Heaven on Earth Cake requires no baking, making it a stress-free dessert that can be assembled in minutes.
Heaven on Earth Cake: The Perfect No-Bake Dessert for Every Occasion
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this heavenly dessert, gather the following simple ingredients:
- Angel Food Cake: You can use store-bought or make your own. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds a creamy layer that binds the dessert together.
- Cold Whole Milk: Essential for mixing with the pudding mix to achieve the perfect texture.
- Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweet layers.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: The star of the show, this adds a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Cool Whip: This light and fluffy whipped topping gives the dessert a perfect finish.
- Optional Topping: Almond slivers for added crunch and fresh strawberries for garnish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Heaven on Earth Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Layer
Start by whisking together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Set aside to let it thicken further while you prepare the other layers.
Step 2: Layer the Angel Food Cake
Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Place half of these cubes in the bottom of a trifle bowl, large baking dish, or individual mason jars if you’re opting for personal-sized servings.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Pie Filling
Spread about two-thirds of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes. This will soak into the cake, giving it a wonderful fruity flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Remaining Cake
Take the rest of the angel food cake cubes and layer them over the strawberry filling. This creates the base for the next set of creamy layers.
Step 5: Add the Pudding Mixture
Spread the vanilla pudding mixture over the second layer of cake cubes. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure each bite has the perfect pudding-to-cake ratio.
Step 6: Top with Cool Whip
Now, spread a generous layer of Cool Whip over the pudding. This light and fluffy topping brings the dessert together with a velvety finish.
Step 7: Decorate with Strawberry Swirls
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining strawberry pie filling on top of the Cool Whip. You can leave it in dollops or use a knife to create elegant swirls across the top.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Place the dessert in the refrigerator uncovered and let it chill for at least 4-6 hours, though overnight chilling will yield the best results. This allows the layers to fully set and flavors to blend.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the cake with slivered almonds for a bit of crunch and freshness. Add a few fresh strawberries for garnish, and you’re ready to serve!
Best Variations for Heaven on Earth Cake
This versatile dessert lends itself to a variety of flavor combinations. Here are some exciting ideas to customize your Heaven on Earth Cake:
- Fruit Variations: Swap the strawberry pie filling for blueberry, cherry, or raspberry pie filling for a delightful twist. You can even use fresh fruits like peaches or mangoes.
- Cake Base Options: Try making this dessert with a homemade angel food cake, vanilla sponge cake, or even pound cake. Each variation brings a unique texture and flavor.
- Pudding Flavors: Vanilla pudding is a classic, but you can experiment with flavors like banana cream, coconut, cheesecake, or even Oreo pudding.
- Topping Alternatives: Instead of Cool Whip, consider topping the cake with cream cheese frosting or a glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a tangy touch.
Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Level Your Cake Cubes: Use a serrated knife to ensure even, clean cuts when cubing the angel food cake. This helps with layering and presentation.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: If you prefer, you can make your own whipped cream rather than using Cool Whip. Just whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Let It Sit: For best results, let the cake chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the cake to absorb the flavors of the pudding and pie filling.
- Serve Cold: Always serve the cake cold, especially if you’re enjoying it outdoors. This prevents the whipped topping from melting too quickly.
How to Store Heaven on Earth Cake
Heaven on Earth Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Follow these steps for proper storage:
- Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
- Keep the cake on a flat surface to prevent tipping or spilling.
- Before serving leftovers, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
Can You Freeze Heaven on Earth Cake?
This cake doesn’t freeze well due to the pudding layer, which can become watery when thawed. If freezing is necessary, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ
Can I bake my own angel food cake for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade touch, bake your own angel food cake from scratch or use a boxed mix. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before assembling.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, in fact, it’s recommended! Making this cake the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What’s the best way to cut the cake into cubes?
A serrated knife works best for cutting the cake into clean, even cubes while maintaining the cake’s fluffy texture.
How do I serve this cake?
Use a large serving spoon to scoop out portions, or serve in individual mason jars for a personalized presentation.
Give this Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake a try for your next celebration, and watch it become an instant favorite!
Heaven on Earth Cake
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce packet instant vanilla pudding
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream or greek yogurt
- 14 ounce angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes
- 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling
- 8 ounce Cool Whip
- 3 tablespoons almond slivers
Instructions
- Start by preparing the vanilla pudding layer: Whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream in a medium mixing bowl, until smooth and fully incorporated. As you whisk, the mixture should get thicker. Set aside.
- Prepare the cake layer: Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes and divide the quantity in half. Add first half as an evenly layer into the bottom of the baking pan (9×13 baking pan), trifle bowl or in any dish you wish to assemble the cake.
- Spread about ⅔ of the strawberry pie filling on top and then layer the remaining angel food cake over it.
- Evenly spread all of the vanilla pudding mixture over the cake layer and then top it with the Cool Whip.
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the remaining strawberry pie filling over the cake. You can spread it around and make some swirls if you desire.
- Place in the refrigerator uncovered to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight for a more flavorful and moist cake. Refrigerating it will also help the layers to set.
- Right before serving it with a large serving spoon, sprinkle with slivered almonds and add some fresh fruit next the a slice of the cake.
