If you are searching for a dessert that truly lives up to its name, this Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe will instantly become your new go-to favorite. Layers of airy angel food cake, luscious strawberry pie filling, and a velvety cream cheese pudding topping come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that is both refreshing and indulgent. This delightful treat is not only a feast for the taste buds but also incredibly easy to put together, making it perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to special celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of taste and texture. From the lightness of the angel food cake to the creamy, tangy pudding, every component enhances the dessert’s unforgettable charm.
- 16 ounce box angel food cake mix: Serves as the airy, spongy base that soaks up the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant red splash of fruity goodness.
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Provides creaminess and subtle tang to the pudding layer for depth of flavor.
- 3.4 ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix: Creates a smooth, luscious pudding that holds the cake together beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk: Essential for blending with the pudding mix to achieve the perfect consistency.
- 2 ½ teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional): Adds a hint of brightness that balances the rich cream cheese and sweet strawberries.
- 8 ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed: Gives the top a fluffy, light finish you won’t be able to resist.
- Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish): Offers a delightful crunch and elegant touch to elevate the presentation.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake Base
Start by cutting the prepared angel food cake in half and then into 1-inch cubes. Important to note: you will only need half the cake for this recipe, so freeze or save the other half for another treat. Place half of the cake cubes in a single layer on the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish, whether metal or glass.
Step 2: Add the First Layer of Strawberry Pie Filling
Take about two-thirds of the can of strawberry pie filling and spoon it evenly over the layer of cake cubes. This layer infuses juicy sweetness right into the base. Refrigerate the remaining pie filling as you will use it later for topping.
Step 3: Build the Second Cake Layer
Next, spread the remaining cake cubes as the second layer over the strawberry filling. This traps the fruit layer in the middle, creating a beautiful contrast of textures once sliced.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Pudding Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Then, add the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, and fresh lemon juice if using. Mix these ingredients slowly until everything is fully incorporated and silky smooth, forming that irresistible pudding layer.
Step 5: Pour the Pudding Over the Layers
Gently pour the cream cheese pudding mixture over the assembled cake and strawberry layers in the baking dish. This creamy blanket will set wonderfully in the fridge, melding all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Cover your dessert and refrigerate it for 3-4 hours. This step is essential to let the pudding firm up and allow the flavors of cake, strawberries, and cream cheese to mingle into heavenly bliss.
Step 7: Add the Final Toppings
After chilling, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly on top to add a light, fluffy finish. Then, spoon the remaining strawberry pie filling over the whipped cream and swirl gently for a marbled, inviting look. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. Refrigerate again until serving time.
How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and texture, topping the dessert with sliced almonds adds a lovely crunch. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole strawberries on the side also brighten the look and aroma perfectly. These simple garnishes make the dessert look as divine as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade. If serving for a larger brunch or dinner party, consider fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more dramatic effect, serve the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe in individual clear glasses or trifle bowls to showcase those stunning layers. You can also cut the cake into elegant squares and place each piece on a delicate dessert plate garnished with edible flowers or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. This dessert stays fresh for up to 3 days, and you’ll find the flavors only get better as they have time to meld.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe. Make sure it’s well-covered in plastic wrap and foil or in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the ideal texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Simply let it reach room temperature for about 15 minutes if it tastes too cold right from the fridge. The creamy layers and fresh fruit are meant to be savored cool and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade angel food cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade angel food cake works wonderfully and adds even more of a personal touch. Just prepare and bake your cake according to your favorite recipe, then use half as directed.
Is it possible to substitute another fruit for strawberries?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like blueberry, cherry, or peach. Each brings a unique flavor, but strawberries provide the classic bright, sweet-tart contrast that makes this recipe so special.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! The Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe actually benefits from chilling several hours or even overnight, as it allows the flavors to deepen and the pudding to set perfectly.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer fresh ingredients, whipped heavy cream sweetened with a little sugar is a fantastic substitute that gives a rich and airy topping.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The traditional angel food cake mix is not gluten-free, but you can find gluten-free angel food cake mixes or bake your own gluten-free cake to make this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe feels like spreading a little happiness—because every bite is a perfect celebration of light cake, luscious fruit, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to try it. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy a slice (or two) of true dessert bliss!
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- 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 strawberry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding mixed with cream cheese, and a smooth layer of whipped topping. This easy-to-make chilled dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- Half of a 16 ounce box angel food cake, prepared and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling (reserve 1/3 for topping)
Creamy Pudding Layer
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3.4 ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 ½ teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional)
Topping
- 8 ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
- Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake base: Cut the prepared angel food cake in half and then into 1-inch cubes. Only half of the cake is used in this recipe; freeze or store the remaining half for later use.
- Layer cake and pie filling: Place half of the cake cubes in a single layer on the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish. Spoon about two-thirds of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake layer. Keep the remaining pie filling refrigerated for later topping.
- Add second cake layer: Layer the remaining cake cubes evenly over the strawberry pie filling and set aside.
- Make the pudding mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, and fresh lemon juice (if using) gradually, mixing slowly until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Pour pudding over layers: Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the layered cake and pie filling in the dish.
- Refrigerate to set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Add topping and garnish: Once set, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top of the dessert. Spoon the reserved strawberry pie filling on top and swirl gently. Sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired for garnish.
- Final chill and serve: Return the dessert to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use an ungreased baking dish to help the layers hold better.
- Leftover angel food cake can be frozen and used later in other desserts.
- The lemon juice is optional but adds a subtle brightness to the pudding layer.
- Sliced almonds add a nice crunch and contrast but can be omitted for nut-free preferences.
