Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that truly lives up to its name, look no further than the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe. This dreamy creation layers fluffy angel food cake cubes with luscious vanilla pudding, tangy cream cheese, cool whipped topping, and a sweet strawberry pie filling that adds the perfect fruity pop. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you swooning. It’s simple enough for weeknight treats but special enough to impress guests, making it a must-have recipe in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is half the fun. Each component plays an essential role: the angel food cake provides a light, airy foundation, while the cream cheese and pudding add creamy depth. The strawberry pie filling is the star fruit flavor, and the Cool Whip keeps everything irresistibly fluffy!

• Angel food cake mix (16-ounce box): Use prepared cake according to package directions for that classic light and airy texture.
• Strawberry pie filling (21-ounce can): Delivers the sweet, juicy bursts that elevate the entire dessert.
• Cream cheese (8-ounce block, softened): Adds velvety richness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4-ounce box): Thickens the mixture into a smooth, luscious layer.
• Whole milk (1 ½ cups): Essential for mixing with the pudding to get the perfect creamy consistency.
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice (2 ½ teaspoons, optional): Brightens the flavor and adds a refreshing zing.
• Cool Whip whipped topping (8-ounce container, thawed): Gives the final layer a fluffy, light cloud of sweetness.
• Sliced almonds (optional): Adds a nice crunch and a sophisticated touch when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake Base

Start by baking your angel food cake according to the box directions, or use a pre-made one for convenience. Once cooled, cut the cake in half and then into 1-inch cubes. Only half the cake is needed for this recipe; save the rest for a future treat or freeze it for later use.

Step 2: Layer the First Cake and Strawberry Filling

Place half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer at the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch dish. This forms the fluffy base. Spoon about two-thirds of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake. Keep the remaining filling refrigerated for later topping.

Step 3: Add the Second Cake Layer

Top the strawberry-covered cake layer with the remaining angel food cake cubes, spreading them out evenly to create a delicious sandwich of cake and fruit.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Creamy Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and lemon juice (if using), mixing slowly until fully combined and silky smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the cake and strawberry layers, covering them entirely.

Step 5: Chill for Flavor Fusion

Cover the dish and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. This step allows the pudding to set beautifully and the flavors to meld into that signature heavenly harmony.

Step 6: Finish with Cool Whip and Strawberry Swirls

Once chilled, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top. Spoon the reserved strawberry pie filling over the Cool Whip and gently swirl it in with a knife or spatula. If you like, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty crunch and an elegant finish. Return to the refrigerator until you’re ready to dig in.

How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a final touch, fresh strawberries sliced thin or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers can round out the textures beautifully. If you want a burst of color and freshness, a few mint leaves also brighten up the plate and palate.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a light cup of coffee or herbal tea, perfect for afternoon gatherings. If your meal has been on the richer side, complement it with a crisp green salad beforehand to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe in individual parfait glasses layered with extra fresh berries and a drizzle of berry coulis. For parties, scoop generous portions into pretty dessert bowls and top with edible flowers for a whimsical touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays fresh and delicious when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last about 3 days, making it perfect for prepped desserts or enjoying over multiple days.

Freezing

While the cake can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the pudding and Cool Whip may change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze it, wrap it well and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply remove it from the fridge about 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill and let the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use homemade angel food cake instead of the box mix?

Absolutely! Homemade angel food cake works beautifully and adds a personal touch. Just be sure to use only half the cake as directed, and cut it into cubes for layering.

Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?

If you prefer to avoid Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. Just keep in mind the texture might differ slightly, but the dessert will still be delicious.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With some ingredient tweaks like using dairy-free cream cheese, pudding mix, and whipped topping alternatives, you can make a dairy-free version. Just check the labels to find products suitable for your dietary needs.

How long should the cake chill before serving?

Chilling for 3 to 4 hours is key to letting the pudding set and the flavors meld. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 2 hours, but the longer, the better for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Can I prepare the cake a day ahead for a party?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors improve even more after resting overnight. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until serving to keep it fresh and perfect.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe lives up to every bit of its name. It’s a dazzling yet simple dessert that effortlessly impresses with its layers of fluffy, creamy, and fruity goodness. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this cake promises sweet memories and big smiles. So roll up your sleeves and give it a try — this slice of heaven is waiting for you!

Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

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Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious and creamy layered dessert featuring light angel food cake, sweet strawberry pie filling, smooth cream cheese pudding mixture, and fluffy Cool Whip topping, all chilled to perfection for a refreshingly fruity and indulgent treat.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake

• 16 ounce box angel food cake mix, prepared according to package directions
• Only half of the prepared cake (about one loaf or half an angel food cake)

Fruit Layer

• 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling, divided

Pudding Layer

• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3.4 ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1 ½ 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

1. Prepare Cake: Cut the prepared angel food cake in half and then into 1-inch cubes, using only half of the cake for this recipe. Set aside the remaining half for later use.
2. First Cake Layer: Place half of the cubed angel food cake pieces in a single, even layer at the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish.
3. First Fruit Layer: Spoon 2/3 of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake layer. Refrigerate the remaining pie filling for topping later.
4. Second Cake Layer: Add the remaining cake cubes over the strawberry pie filling, spreading evenly.
5. Make Pudding Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, and optional lemon juice, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
6. Pour Pudding: Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the layered cake and pie filling in the baking dish.
7. Chill Dessert: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours to allow the pudding to set and flavor to meld.
8. Add Toppings: Once set, spread the thawed Cool Whip whipped topping evenly over the dessert. Spoon the reserved strawberry pie filling over the Cool Whip and gently swirl for a decorative effect. Garnish with sliced almonds if desired.
9. Final Chill and Serve: Return the dessert to the refrigerator until ready to serve chilled.

Notes

• Only half of the angel food cake is used in this recipe; freeze or store the other half for another use.
• Using fresh lemon juice in the pudding mixture is optional but adds brightness to the flavor.
• Sliced almonds are optional but add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened completely to avoid lumps in the pudding mixture.
• The dessert should be refrigerated at least 3-4 hours to set properly before serving.