Introduction to Heaven on Earth Cake
Welcome into my kitchen, where I feel each family ought to have a little sweetness! And if you’re searching for something really divine, I give you Heaven on Earth Cake. So, the dessert is just an ideal combination of creamy, fruity, and fluffy goodness.
Quick, easy solutions for those busy days when you want to have something special for loved ones but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Seriously, this cake is low prep and high flavor; it will quickly become your favorite to make. Get ready for dessert that tastes just like a warm big hug from the inside
Why You’ll Love This Heaven on Earth Cake
Heaven on Earth Cake is every mother’s or professional’s wish come true. It’s that simple to prepare that even on a very busy day, you won’t spend so much time getting this in order. The combination of flavors is something no one would be able to resist. Best of all, it’s something you can prepare in advance so you get more quality time with your loved ones as it chills in the fridge!
Ingredients for Heaven on Earth Cake
Gathering your ingredients for Heaven on Earth Cake is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Angel Food Cake Mix: This light, fluffy cake forms the base. It’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: Sweet and tangy, this filling adds a burst of fruity goodness. Fresh strawberries can also work if you’d prefer!
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the pudding mixture, making it extra indulgent.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: This helps create a velvety layer that binds everything together and enhances the flavor.
- Whole Milk: Essential for mixing with the pudding and cream cheese, this adds creaminess and depth to the dessert.
- Cool Whip Whipped Topping: Light and airy, it tops the dessert beautifully and adds a delightful sweetness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors, giving a hint of freshness to the creamy layers.
- Sliced Almonds (optional): These are optional but add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, making the cake even more special.
For exact measurements, head to the bottom of the article for printing. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; the delightful end results will be well worth it!
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake
Ready to create a slice of Heaven on Earth? Let’s dive into the steps! Trust me, it’s simple, and the end result is absolutely worth it.
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
Begin by preparing the angel food cake as directed on the package. This usually involves mixing the cake mix with water and beating until fluffy.
Once baked, let it cool completely before cutting it into 1-inch cubes. You’ll love how light and airy it feels!
Step 2: Layer the Cake Cubes
Now that your cake is cool, place half of those fluffy cake cubes in an un-greased 9×9 inch baking dish. The cubes should fit snugly.
This is where the magic starts as the cake will soak up all the delicious layers to come!
Step 3: Add Strawberry Filling
Spread about 2/3 of the strawberry pie filling over the cake layer. This sweet, fruity layer adds a delightful contrast to the soft cake.
You’ll want to distribute it evenly to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 4: Alternate Layers
Add the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberry filling. This creates a beautiful layered effect that looks stunning.
Believe me, your guests will be impressed before they even take a bite!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until nice and smooth. This is where we’re making the creamy, dreamy filling.
Once smooth, mix in the Jell-O vanilla instant pudding and whole milk. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice if you’d like to brighten the flavors.
Step 6: Combine and Pour
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the layered cake and filling. Ensure it cascades down the sides, covering everything.
Take your time here; each layer deserves a little love!
Step 7: Chill the Dessert
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set. This chilling time is essential, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Just imagine the anticipation as it sets—you can almost taste the sweetness!
Step 8: Top with Whipped Cream
After chilling, spread the Cool Whip whipped topping over the top, creating a lovely blanket of cream.
This fluffy layer is what dreams are made of, giving it that visual appeal!
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Top with the remaining strawberry filling and, if you’d like, sprinkle some sliced almonds for that added crunch.
Serve this dessert chilled, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy—they won’t be able to resist a slice of Heaven on Earth!
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing; it blends smoothly.
- Refrigerate for the full 3-4 hours; it sets the layers beautifully.
- Feel free to substitute the strawberry filling with your favorite fruit!
- Keep the Cool Whip in the freezer until use for the best texture.
- For a twist, add a dash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect. Alternatively, use a large measuring cup.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A whisk works great, but an electric mixer saves time!
- Baking Dish: A 9×9 inch dish is standard; a similar size works too.
- Plastic Wrap: Use for covering while chilling; foil can be a substitute.
Variations
- Berry Medley: Swap strawberry filling for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. This creates a colorful and juicy twist!
- Chocolate Delight: Add chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a rich, indulgent variation. Top with chocolate shavings for extra flair.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the layers for added texture and nuttiness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free angel food cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a delicious alternative.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use non-dairy whipped topping for a plant-based option.
Serving Suggestions
- Complement with Fresh Fruit: Serve slices of Heaven on Earth Cake with a side of fresh strawberries or mixed berries to enhance the fruity flavor.
- Pair with Beverages: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled sparkling water or sweet iced tea.
- Presentation Tips: For a fancy touch, serve on elegant dessert plates garnished with a mint sprig.
FAQs about Heaven on Earth Cake
Have questions about making this delightful dessert? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I hear about Heaven on Earth Cake:
Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making a day in advance. Just ensure it chills for a minimum of 3-4 hours for the best flavors to develop.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can definitely substitute with fresh strawberries! Just slice them up and layer them generously for a fresh burst of flavor in every bite.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but trust me, they won’t last long!
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! You can use different fruits, chocolates, or even crushed cookies on top. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Is Heaven on Earth Cake suitable for special diets?
With a few tweaks, yes! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free angel food cake. Dairy-free alternatives for cream cheese and whipped topping work great as vegan substitutes too.
Final Thoughts
Creating Heaven on Earth Cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about crafting a moment of joy for you and your loved ones. This dessert captures the essence of sweet simplicity, bringing smiles and delightful flavors to your table.
Imagine serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening after a long day—every bite transports you to a blissful escape. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a casual weeknight treat, this cake has a special way of making ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Trust me, once you dive in, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a delightful and creamy dessert made with layers of angel food cake, strawberry pie filling, and a light cream cheese pudding mixture, topped with whipped cream and optional almonds.
Ingredients
- 16-ounce box angel food cake mix
- 21-ounce can strawberry pie filling
- 8-ounce block cream cheese
- 3.4-ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 8-ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the angel food cake as directed on the package. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Place half of the cake cubes in an un-greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Spread about 2/3 of the strawberry pie filling over the cake layer.
- Add remaining cake cubes on top of the filling.
- In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in pudding mix, whole milk, and optional lemon juice until fully combined.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the layered cake and filling.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set.
- Spread Cool Whip over the top and add remaining strawberry filling.
- Optionally garnish with sliced almonds before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before blending.
- This cake is best served chilled.
- Feel free to customize by adding other fruits or toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
