Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Name: Meet Heaven on Earth Cake: The No-Bake Dessert You'll Want to Make All Summer Long
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) store-bought angel food cake, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, divided; 1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix and pie filling (such as Jell-O); 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half; 1 cup sour cream; 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Sliced almonds (optional)

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) purchased angel food cake, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, divided
1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix and pie filling (such as Jell-O)
1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1 cup sour cream
1 (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Sliced almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Place half of the angel food cake pieces in the bottom of a deep 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading them in an even layer.

Step 3: Spread 1 cup of cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake pieces.

Step 4: Add the remaining cake pieces in an even layer on top of the cherry pie filling.

Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and sour cream until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.

Step 6: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake, spreading it out gently.

Step 7: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.

Step 8: Dot the top with the remaining 1 cup of cherry pie filling.

Step 9: Using a toothpick or spoon, gently swoop and swirl the cherry pie filling into the whipped topping to create a marbled effect.

Step 10: Refrigerate the dessert uncovered for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 11: Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 446
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 67g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 485mg
Cholesterol: 21mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 13g
Calcium: 169mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 260mg

Servings per recipe: 8

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

The Story Behind Heaven on Earth Cake

Heaven on Earth Cake, as its evocative name suggests, is designed to deliver an ethereal dessert experience. Its origins trace back to mid-20th century America, a period when no-bake desserts gained popularity due to their convenience and visual appeal. Home bakers began experimenting with angel food cake, pudding, and fruit fillings to create layered desserts that were light, sweet, and impressive without the need for complex baking skills. Over time, this dessert became a staple for family gatherings, potlucks, and summer celebrations, beloved for its airy texture and creamy, fruity layers.

Regional Variations and Special Touches

While Heaven on Earth Cake is widely recognized as an American classic, regional differences exist. In the Midwest, cherries are most commonly used, often inspired by local cherry orchards. In the South, bakers may swap in peach or blueberry pie fillings, reflecting the areas seasonal fruits. Some coastal regions add a hint of coconut or toasted almonds to the top, enhancing both flavor and texture. These small adjustments allow the dessert to adapt to local tastes while retaining its signature layered structure.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Desserts

Heaven on Earth Cake is often compared to trifles and layered puddings, yet it maintains its own identity. Unlike traditional trifles, it usually employs store-bought angel food cake cubes rather than homemade sponge, giving it a lighter, more airy base. The combination of pudding and sour cream in the filling creates a richer, creamier layer than standard whipped cream alone. Additionally, the swirl of pie filling atop the whipped topping adds a visually striking and flavorful contrast, which is less common in comparable desserts.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dessert is most often served chilled at family gatherings, holiday dinners, church potlucks, and summer celebrations. Its ability to be prepared ahead of time makes it ideal for entertaining, as it requires minimal last-minute assembly. Individual portions can be scooped from a large baking dish or served elegantly in trifle glasses, making it versatile for both casual and formal occasions.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Despite its name, Heaven on Earth Cake is not a traditional European dessert but a distinctly American creation from the 20th century.
The cakes popularity grew alongside the rise of convenience foods, such as instant pudding and store-bought angel food cake, which made layered desserts accessible to everyone.
The dessert has inspired countless variations, including versions using cream cheese instead of sour cream, different fruit fillings, and nut toppings.
It has become a nostalgic comfort food for many families, often evoking memories of summers, church events, and birthdays.
Its no-bake nature makes it especially popular during hot months, as it avoids the need for an oven while still delivering a visually impressive centerpiece.

FAQ about Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or a cake dome, for up to 2 days. The flavors meld and the texture improves after chilling.

It is not recommended to freeze this cake because the whipped topping and pudding may separate or become watery after thawing, affecting the texture and presentation.

Yes. You can use other fruit pie fillings such as strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry. Whipped topping can be substituted with homemade whipped cream, but ensure it is stabilized if you plan to store the cake for several hours.

No, the recipe specifies refrigerating uncovered for 8–12 hours to allow the pudding to set and the whipped topping to absorb flavors. Covering during this period could trap condensation and affect the texture.

Yes, the cake can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and garnish with almonds just before serving for best presentation.

Use a deep 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish to allow for the layered structure. A clear dish is helpful for presentation if serving directly from the dish.

You can use fat-free or low-fat dairy alternatives for milk or sour cream. You may also adjust sugar content by selecting unsweetened pudding mixes or sugar-free pie fillings, but this may slightly change the texture.

Leftovers should be eaten within 2 days when refrigerated. Do not leave the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage from dairy components.

Comments

Frank Phillips

11/29/2023 07:13:15 AM

I'm not a fan of cherries, but using strawberries instead was a hit with everyone. This dessert is fantastic, especially on those scorching days when you want to avoid adding more heat to the kitchen with the oven.

Joseph Flores

08/13/2022 02:37:34 AM

I prepared this dish in a trifle bowl and skipped the sour cream (trying to watch my calories 😜). And it turned out fantastic! My daughter started making this for family events in high school, and it's been a hit ever since! 🤩😍

Jerry Flores

12/08/2022 05:38:43 PM

I substituted fat-free Greek yogurt for sour cream and made sweetened stabilized whipped cream instead of Cool Whip in this recipe. I also added clear vanilla extract to the whipped cream. The result was both visually appealing and delicious! Personally, I prefer homemade whipped cream over Cool Whip.

Michelle Williams

08/02/2024 01:58:33 AM

I used frozen strawberries instead of cherries in this recipe. I'm not a fan of frozen cherries, I prefer fresh ones. Nevertheless, the dessert turned out great! I absolutely loved it.

Andrew Gonzalez

07/22/2023 02:02:16 PM

I am certain this recipe will be delicious! With such amazing ingredients, how could it not be? I accidentally added a second layer of cherries on top of the second layer of cake before the pudding. I made my own whipped cream using heavy cream since I had it on hand. I am so excited to taste it! 😊

Jerry Young

09/27/2022 07:29:13 PM

My mom always used to bring this dish to church potlucks, and we never had any leftovers! She also made it with blueberry and strawberry pie fillings.

Melissa Martin

03/23/2023 05:53:53 AM

This dessert is delightfully light and not too rich. Next time, I plan to use 2 cans of cherry pie filling and double the amount of vanilla pudding. I'll also add more milk to the pudding to make it easier to incorporate into the cake. Overall, a great recipe that just needed a few tweaks.

Jerry Hall

04/25/2024 06:00:05 AM

This dessert was delicious! We used fresh strawberries to make it even more flavorful. We layered a half cake with strawberries, pudding, and repeated the layers before topping it off with whipped cream. We served it with extra strawberries and whipped cream for my mom's birthday celebration.

Richard Robinson

08/13/2024 03:26:19 AM

I made a few changes to the ingredients. I substituted cream cheese for sour cream, strawberry filling for cherry, and chopped walnuts for sliced almonds.

Ronald Clark

01/30/2023 04:45:06 AM

This recipe had me salivating the entire time I was reading it! I'm definitely going to make it and I'm sure it will vanish faster than it took to prepare this delicious gem. The name says it all - it's a real winner! I'm also excited to experiment with different fruit fillings and enjoy every bite. YUMMY!

Gary Turner

12/29/2024 05:16:59 AM

We absolutely adore this recipe! The first time my mother-in-law tried it, she couldn't stop praising it and requested it for her 97th birthday. She wanted hers made with raspberries instead of cherries, which posed a bit of a challenge as raspberry pie filling was hard to come by. After scouring the internet, I finally found it online. I also added fresh berries to both the filling and the top. The result was excellent! I decided to double all the ingredients, except for the whipped topping, and it was a hit with everyone!

Linda Wilson

11/03/2023 10:09:43 PM

I have made this dessert three times without making any changes. It's fantastic that there is no added sugar. Kudos to you and your team!

Karen Nguyen

12/24/2024 02:41:44 PM

I absolutely loved using cheesecake flavored pudding mix for this recipe! It was a huge hit with everyone. My husband agreed and said it's a keeper!

Kimberly Scott

08/15/2022 05:23:38 PM

I have made this dish twice this summer and it was a hit both times. It's simple to prepare and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it!

Brandon Rivera

06/14/2024 05:46:12 PM

I followed the recipe to the letter and oh my goodness, this is unbelievably delicious. It's so good, it should be against the law!

Jennifer Lewis

01/09/2024 02:53:20 AM

We absolutely adore this recipe! When my mother-in-law tried it for the first time, she couldn't stop praising it and requested it for her 97th birthday celebration. She specifically asked for raspberries instead of cherries in her pie. Though it was a bit challenging to find raspberry pie filling, I managed to locate it online. I also added fresh berries to the filling and the top. The result was outstanding! I ended up doubling all the ingredients except for the whipped topping, and it was a huge hit with everyone who tried it!

Aaron Edwards

03/08/2023 10:01:50 AM

I would appreciate it if the recipe included a picture. It would make it much simpler to quickly identify recipes I want to try without having to read through all the details.

Donald Rodriguez

08/31/2024 01:02:38 AM

4th of July - the ultimate dessert choice!! Simple, enjoyable to prepare, and most importantly, absolutely delicious!!

Victoria Anderson

12/02/2022 07:25:32 AM

I prepared it as a truffle dish. It was a big hit and absolutely stunning!

audio version

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

The Story Behind Heaven on Earth Cake

Regional Variations and Special Touches

Distinguishing Features from Similar Desserts

Typical Serving Occasions

Interesting Facts and Trivia

FAQ about Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe