There are desserts that satisfy a sweet tooth… and then there are desserts that truly feel like a celebration in every bite. This Heaven on Earth Cake: A Delightful Dessert Recipe! is exactly that kind of treat light, creamy, fruity, and layered with pure comfort.
Welcome into my kitchen I’m Chef James, and here at Tiramisucake.com, I believe every family deserves a go-to dessert that feels special without demanding hours of effort. This Heaven on Earth Cake is one of those magical recipes. It’s made with fluffy angel food cake, silky vanilla pudding, luscious cherry pie filling, and a cloud of whipped topping. The result? A chilled layered dessert that’s refreshing, nostalgic, and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, Easter brunch, or summer BBQs.
Much like our beloved Classic Tiramisu Recipe the heart of our dessert collection this cake is all about texture and balance. Soft cake, creamy filling, bright fruit, and a light finish. If you love layered no-bake desserts, you might also enjoy our No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu, Berry Cheesecake Trifle, or our easy Chocolate Tiramisu Cups.
From an E-E-A-T perspective, this recipe is tested in my own kitchen multiple times for texture stability and food safety. Because this dessert contains dairy, proper refrigeration is essential. The USDA food safety guidelines recommend keeping dairy-based desserts below 40°F and storing them properly you can always review official recommendations at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/.
Let’s make something heavenly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Assembly – Minimal prep time, no complicated baking steps.
- No Stress Dessert – Uses store-bought angel food cake for convenience.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Treat – Needs chilling time, which actually improves flavor.
- Family-Friendly – Sweet, creamy, and fruity kids and adults love it.
- Light Yet Indulgent – Fluffy texture makes it feel less heavy than traditional cake.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Easily found at Trader Joe’s, Costco, or Aldi.
- Potluck Approved – Travels well and serves beautifully.
Have you ever needed a dessert that looks impressive but secretly takes just minutes to assemble?
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Heaven on Earth Cake:
Cake Layer
- 1 (14–16 oz) angel food cake, cubed
Store-bought works perfectly. It keeps the recipe quick and airy. Costco and Walmart both carry excellent options.
Creamy Filling
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Creates structure and creaminess. - 1 ½ cups cold whole milk
Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% works fine. - 1 cup sour cream
Adds slight tang and balances sweetness. - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Enhances flavor depth.
Fruit Layer
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Classic choice you can substitute strawberry or blueberry.
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: Fresh strawberries or shaved white chocolate for garnish
Chef James Tip: If you want a fresher flavor, you can use homemade whipped cream instead but stabilize it with powdered sugar if making ahead.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Spread half of the cubes evenly into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Step 2: Add Cherry Layer
Spoon ⅔ of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes. Spread gently without crushing the cake.
Step 3: Make the Cream Layer
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Chef James Extra Tip: Let the pudding sit for 2–3 minutes before folding in the sour cream this improves structure and prevents a runny filling.
Step 4: Layer Again
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cherries. Add remaining cake cubes, then remaining cherries.
Step 5: Final Cream Layer
Spread remaining pudding mixture evenly over the top.
Step 6: Add Whipped Topping
Spread whipped topping smoothly over the entire dessert.
Step 7: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This allows flavors to meld and the cake to absorb moisture.
Food Safety Note: According to USDA refrigeration guidelines, keep refrigerated at or below 40°F and do not leave out more than 2 hours. More guidance available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/.
Recipe Tips & Variations
1. Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake
Swap cherry filling for strawberry pie filling for a brighter summer twist.
2. Chocolate Version
Add mini chocolate chips between layers and use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
3. Keto-Friendly Option
Use sugar-free pudding, sugar-free pie filling, and a low-carb cake alternative.
4. Dairy-Free Adaptation
Use almond milk (ensure pudding is compatible) and dairy-free whipped topping.
Chef James Suggestion: Add a thin layer of softened cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar for a cheesecake-style upgrade.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating?
This dessert is meant to be served chilled no reheating required.
FAQs
1. Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
2. Can I use homemade angel food cake?
Absolutely. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before layering.
3. How long does Heaven on Earth Cake last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated when properly stored.
4. Can I use fresh cherries?
You can, but cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to mimic pie filling texture.
5. Is this dessert overly sweet?
No the sour cream balances sweetness beautifully.
6. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
What to Serve With Heaven on Earth Cake
- Fresh brewed coffee
- Iced vanilla latte
- Light summer salads
- Try pairing with our Classic Tiramisu Recipe for a layered dessert buffet
- Or add our No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu to your holiday dessert table
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Tiramisu: A Fresh, Creamy Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert
- No Bake Strawberry Desserts: Easy, Fresh, and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Fresh Strawberry Desserts: Light, Fruity, and Perfect for Any Season
- Improper Red Velvet Molten Cookie Scoops
Conclusion
Heaven on Earth Cake truly lives up to its name. It’s creamy, fruity, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make the kind of dessert that makes people ask for seconds.
As always, I encourage you to follow safe food handling practices from the USDA at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ and continue exploring trusted culinary resources like https://www.seriouseats.com/ and https://www.foodnetwork.com/ for deeper baking techniques.
Now it’s your turn try this Heaven on Earth Cake: A Delightful Dessert Recipe! and tell me in the comments how your family loved it.
