Introduction to Heaven on Earth Cake
When life gets busy, finding the perfect dessert that’s both easy and heavenly can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, Heaven on Earth Cake is here to save the day! This delightful dessert combines the lightness of angel food cake with the lusciousness of cherry pie filling. It’s a quick solution for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for when guests arrive. With just a little prep, you’ll have a stunning dessert that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to quench any sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Heaven on Earth Cake
This Heaven on Earth Cake is a true game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. It requires no baking and comes together in just 20 minutes! The layers meld together beautifully, creating a flavor explosion with each bite. Imagine the sweet satisfaction of serving this delightful dessert to your family and friends, leaving them in awe. The ease, speed, and taste of this cake make it irresistible and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Heaven on Earth Cake
Gathering the right ingredients for your Heaven on Earth Cake is the first step toward creating this delightful masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Angel food cake: The star of the show! Its airy and fluffy texture balances the richness of the other layers perfectly.
- Cherry pie filling: Sweet and tart, it adds a burst of flavor that takes the cake to heavenly heights. You can substitute it with your favorite fruit filling, like blueberry or peach, if cherry isn’t your jam!
- Whole milk: This creamy base helps create a dreamy pudding mix. If you prefer, almond milk or oat milk can serve as great dairy-free alternatives.
- Heavy cream: This adds richness and a smooth finish to the pudding mixture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead.
- Sour cream: This ingredient brings a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor while keeping everything creamy. Greek yogurt can work as a substitute if you’re looking for a healthier twist.
- Instant French vanilla pudding mix: It thickens the cream mixture and adds a sweet, vanilla flavor that is simply irresistible. If you can’t find the French variety, regular vanilla will do just fine.
- Whipped topping: This fluffy layer completes the dessert with a light finish. You can also make your own whipped cream if you’re up for it!
- Thinly sliced almonds: A sprinkle on top adds a delightful crunch and a nutty taste. Feel free to swap them out for chopped walnuts or pecans if you prefer!
For exact measurements and a printable list, check the bottom of the article!
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake
Creating your own Heaven on Earth Cake is as simple as pie! With just a few steps, you can transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Let’s dive into the process, shall we?
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
First, take that lovely angel food cake and slice it into 1-inch cubes. I find it easiest to use a serrated knife to get nice, uniform pieces. No need to stress if they’re not perfect; we’re layering them, after all!
Next, evenly arrange half of those fluffy cake cubes in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. This will be the base for our dessert, and it’s important for consistency in every slice.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Now comes the fun part! Spoon about two-thirds of that sweet cherry pie filling over your cake cubes. Gently spread it out to cover them evenly. The vibrant red cherries not only boost the flavor but also make your dessert visually stunning!
Try to save some filling for later; you’ll want it to create a marbled effect on top.
Step 3: Create the Pudding Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, and sour cream. I like to use a whisk for a nice, smooth mix—it’s oddly satisfying! Once combined, it’s time to sprinkle the instant French vanilla pudding mix over the dairy blend.
Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens up to a creamy, yogurt-like consistency. Don’t rush it; letting the pudding thicken is key to getting that perfect texture!
Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers
Now we’re ready to assemble! Spread that luscious pudding mixture evenly over the layer of cake cubes and cherry filling. It should sit like a soft cloud atop your cake.
Then, take the remaining angel food cake cubes and layer them on top. We’ve built a dreamy tower of flavor!
Step 5: Finish with Whipped Topping
Spread the thawed whipped topping gently over the pudding layer. This fluffy layer is like a cherry on top of a sundae, completing the look and taste!
Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling on top of the whipped topping. Then, using a spoon, knife, or skewer, swirl it around to create a beautiful marbled effect. Trust me, this step is where the magic really happens!
Finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced almonds across the top for that perfect crunch. It adds an elegant touch that makes your cake Instagram-worthy.
Cover your creation with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
Tips for Success
- Prep your Heaven on Earth Cake a day in advance for the best flavor.
- Use a serrated knife for cutting the angel food cake smoothly.
- Chill the dairy mixture well before spreading for easier assembly.
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps meld the flavors perfectly.
- Experiment with different fruit fillings for exciting flavor variations!
Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking dish: A standard baking dish works perfectly for this cake. A similar-sized glass dish can be a charming alternative.
- Serrated knife: Ideal for cutting angel food cake without squishing it. A regular chef’s knife will also do.
- Medium mixing bowl: Any bowl you have will work. Just make sure it’s large enough for whisking!
- Whisk: A hand whisk is great for mixing; a hand mixer can save time, too.
Variations on Heaven on Earth Cake
- Fruit Filling Swap: Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry to give your cake a unique twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free angel food cake and ensure your pudding mix is also gluten-free.
- Lightened Up: Use reduced-fat sour cream and whipped topping to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Chocolate: Drizzle some melted chocolate or add chocolate chips in the layers for an indulgent treat.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the almonds if you have nut allergies, or substitute with crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions for Heaven on Earth Cake
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra creamy experience.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
FAQs about Heaven on Earth Cake
Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to prepare the cake a day in advance. This allows all the flavors to meld, making each bite even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the cherry pie filling?
You can easily swap cherry pie filling with other fruit options like blueberry, blackberry, or peach. The sweetness and tartness will still shine through in this delightful dessert.
Is Heaven on Earth Cake suitable for special diets?
For a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free angel food cake and make sure your pudding mix is also gluten-free. You can enjoy this dessert without worry!
Can I freeze Heaven on Earth Cake?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the textures might change. It’s best enjoyed fresh and cold from the fridge right after the chilling time.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Heaven on Earth Cake recipe serves about 12 people. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings, so bring it along to your next get-together!
Final Thoughts
Heaven on Earth Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple joys and sweet moments shared with loved ones. With its light layers and luscious flavors, this cake transforms any ordinary day into something special. Whether you whip it up for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this delightful treat brings smiles around the table. Plus, it requires minimal effort—just what busy moms and professionals need! So, go ahead—give your family a taste of bliss and enjoy the happiness that comes with each heavenly bite!
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that features layers of angel food cake, cherry pie filling, and a creamy dairy mixture, topped with whipped cream and almonds.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces store-bought angel food cake
- 21 ounces canned cherry pie filling
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3.4 ounces instant French vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- 1½ tablespoons thinly sliced almonds
Instructions
- Slice the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Evenly arrange half of the cubes in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spoon approximately two-thirds of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes.
- Place the remaining angel food cake cubes uniformly atop the cherry filling.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, and sour cream until fully blended.
- Sprinkle the instant French vanilla pudding mix over the dairy blend. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens to a yogurt-like consistency.
- Evenly spread the thickened pudding mixture over the top layer of cake cubes.
- Carefully spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling onto the whipped topping. Using a spoon, knife, or skewer, gently swirl to create a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced almonds evenly across the top of the cherry filling layer.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the cake a day in advance and let it chill overnight.
- Feel free to substitute other fruit pie fillings for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
