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
Scale
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.
