Heaven on Earth Layered Cake

Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious layered dessert that brings together light angel food cake, sweet cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding, and airy whipped topping. This no-bake treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for any celebration or as a refreshing end to a meal.

I first tried this cake at a summer picnic and instantly loved how easy it was to create such an elegant dessert with minimal fuss. Now it’s a go-to for gatherings with family and friends.

Ingredients

• Angel food cake: fourteen ounces store-bought is perfect because it provides a light and airy base that soaks up the fillings beautifully
• Cherry pie filling: twenty-one ounces canned offers a sweet and slightly tart fruit layer that complements the creamy pudding well
• Whole milk: one cup used to create the creamy pudding texture; choose full fat for best richness
• Heavy cream: half cup adds richness and silky smoothness to the pudding base
• Sour cream: one cup gives a subtle tang that balances the sweetness
• Instant French vanilla pudding mix: three point four ounces for a quick thickened dessert base with a lovely vanilla flavor
• Whipped topping: eight ounces thawed ensures a fluffy topping that pairs perfectly with the pudding
• Thinly sliced almonds: one and one-half tablespoons add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast

When selecting canned pie filling look for one without artificial preservatives for the best taste and texture. Fresh almond slices add the best flavor so pick those that are fresh and store them properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slicing and Layering Cake Cubes:

Slice the angel food cake into one-inch cubes carefully to keep the pieces intact. Arrange half of these cubes evenly on the bottom of a nine by nine inch baking dish, creating a sturdy but airy foundation.

Applying Cherry Pie Filling:

Spoon about two-thirds of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes evenly, making sure to cover all areas. This layer adds a burst of sweetness and color that contrasts beautifully with the white cake.

Adding Top Cake Layer:

Place the remaining angel food cake cubes uniformly on top of the cherry layer, gently pressing them down just enough to hold. This forms the second soft cake base for the pudding.

Making the Creamy Pudding:

In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sour cream whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended for a unified creamy base. Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the dairy blend and whisk continuously. Continue whisking until it thickens to a texture similar to yogurt, which indicates it is ready to spread.

Spreading Pudding Over Cake:

Evenly spread the thickened vanilla pudding over the top layer of cake cubes, covering completely to create a creamy layer that will meld all the flavors.

Adding Whipped Topping:

Carefully spoon and spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer evenly. This adds lightness and a silky contrast to the creamy pudding beneath.

Marbling with Remaining Cherry Filling:

Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling onto the whipped topping. Using a spoon or skewer, gently swirl the cherries into the whipped topping to create a pretty marbled effect that looks impressive and signals the cherry presence visually.

Sprinkling Almonds:

Evenly sprinkle the thinly sliced almonds across the cherry top, contributing a subtle crunch and finishing touch of elegance.

Chilling the Cake:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours. This chilling step allows the layers to set and flavors to marry for the best taste. Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Save

I always enjoy the contrast between the airy angel food cake and the smooth pudding topped with that marbled cherry effect. One Christmas I brought this cake to a family gathering, and it quickly became the star dessert everyone asked for.

Storage Tips

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. It will last nicely for up to three days but is best enjoyed within twenty-four hours. The texture of the angel food cake softens as it absorbs the filling so sooner is better for the fluffiest bite. Avoid freezing as the whipped topping and pudding layers do not freeze well and will become watery upon thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

• For the vanilla pudding mix you can use homemade pudding if you prefer to avoid instant mixes. Just adjust thickness accordingly
• Swap the cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different fruit experience
• Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier and protein-rich option
• Try crushed nuts such as pecans in place of almonds for a deeper nutty flavor

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the cake chilled on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch
• Garnish individual slices with fresh cherries or mint leaves for added color and freshness
• Pair with a light dessert wine or a cup of good quality coffee to balance the sweetness of the dessert

Cultural Context

Angel food cake is a classic American dessert known for its light texture created by egg whites. Pairing it with cherry pie filling ties into the tradition of bright fruit desserts common in American homes. This cake fits well with summer celebrations, potlucks, and holiday meals where nostalgic flavors and easy preparation are valued.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cake works best for this dessert?

Angel food cake is ideal due to its light, airy texture that absorbs the cherry filling and creamy pudding without becoming soggy.

→ Can other fruit fillings be used instead of cherry?

Yes, feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with your favorite fruit filling such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach for a different flavor profile.

→ How long should the dessert be chilled before serving?

Chilling for at least 4 hours allows the layers to meld and the pudding to set, creating a harmonious texture and flavor blend.

→ Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dessert contains no meat products and uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients like dairy and gelatin-free toppings.

→ Can the pudding mixture be prepared in advance?

It’s best to prepare and assemble the pudding mixture just before layering to maintain its texture and prevent separation.

→ What adds the crunchy texture on top?

Thinly sliced almonds sprinkled over the cherry filling provide a light crunch that complements the creamy and soft layers below.