Heaven on Earth Cake: The Ultimate No-Bake Cherry Pudding Dessert Recipe

Prepare to experience a dessert that truly lives up to its name: Heaven on Earth Cake. This sensational layered creation combines the delicate lightness of angel food cake with creamy vanilla pudding and luscious cherry pie filling, all crowned with a cloud of whipped topping. It’s an effortlessly decadent dessert that comes together quickly, promising an amazing treat with minimal fuss. Perfect for any gathering, a weeknight indulgence, or a delightful summer cool-down, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

This easy cake recipe offers the absolute best combination of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers the airy softness of angel food cake beautifully complemented by a rich, creamy pudding blend. The vibrant cherry pie filling not only adds a burst of sweet-tart flavor but also makes the dessert incredibly visually appealing, drawing everyone to the table. It’s an ideal choice when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything is generously topped with light and fluffy whipped cream, creating a truly decadent finish. Your family and friends will absolutely adore this simple yet spectacular no-bake cake. Beyond this delightful creation, I also frequently prepare Cherry Yum Yum and Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake for potlucks and family dinners, always to rave reviews.

If you love easy desserts, you might also enjoy exploring more Dump Cake Recipes for effortless baking ideas.

Why You’ll Adore This Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

• Effortless No-Bake Perfection: This no-bake recipe requires hardly any actual “cooking.” It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want to avoid turning on the oven, or simply when you’re short on time but craving something sweet and satisfying.
• Stunning Layers, Simple Assembly: Despite its impressive appearance, creating the beautiful layers is surprisingly straightforward. The distinct strata of angel food cake, creamy pudding, and vibrant cherry filling create an eye-catching dessert that looks like it took hours of effort, but actually comes together in minutes.
• Highly Adaptable & Versatile: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily substitute ingredients to use what you already have in your pantry or fridge, or to customize flavors to suit any palate. From different fruit fillings to various pudding flavors, the possibilities are endless.
• Ideal for Make-Ahead Preparation: This Heaven on Earth Cake can be prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the pudding to set perfectly. This makes it an excellent choice for entertaining, as you can have a show-stopping dessert ready to go without any last-minute rush.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: No matter the occasion – be it a casual family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, a summer barbecue, or a potluck – this cake is consistently a hit. Its universally appealing flavors and delightful texture ensure that everyone will ask for a second slice and the recipe!

Key Ingredients for Heaven on Earth Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this divine dessert. You’ll notice many are pantry staples, making this recipe incredibly convenient.

• Prepared Angel Food Cake: This forms the airy, light base of our cake. For ultimate convenience, use a store-bought angel food cake. If you prefer, a boxed angel food cake mix works wonderfully, just ensure it’s baked and completely cooled before assembly. You could also make this Easy Angel Food Cake Recipe from scratch if you have extra time.
• Cherry Pie Filling: This provides the signature sweet and tart fruit layer. While a classic choice, remember you can always opt for Homemade Cherry Pie Filling for an extra touch of personalized flavor.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Crucial for the creamy, rich layer. It’s vital to use only the dry mix. Do not prepare the pudding according to the box instructions; we’ll be whisking it directly with milk and sour cream to achieve a unique, thick consistency.
• Milk: The liquid base for our pudding mixture. I typically use whole milk for a richer, creamier result, but reduced-fat milk can also be used if preferred, slightly altering the creaminess.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a wonderful tang and extra richness to the pudding layer, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best texture and taste.
• Whipped Topping: The crowning glory! We often use a classic like Cool Whip for its stability and ease, but any store-brand whipped topping works just as well. Ensure it’s thawed before use.
• Almond Slices: These are an optional but highly recommended garnish. Taking the extra time to toast the almond slices brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch and elegant finish to the cake.

You can find the complete Heaven on Earth Cake ingredients list with exact measurements in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Creative Substitutions and Delicious Additions

This Heaven on Earth Cake recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to customization, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Pie Filling Fun: While cherry is a classic for a reason, the possibilities don’t stop there! This cake is equally delicious with other fruit pie fillings such as vibrant blueberry, zesty lemon, sweet raspberry, or juicy strawberry. For a unique seasonal twist, consider using apple pie filling during the fall months for a comforting flavor profile.
• Cake Alternatives: Angel food cake is perfect for its lightness, but you can certainly substitute it with other types of cake. Yellow cake, vanilla sponge cake, white cake, or even a denser pound cake would all work wonderfully, offering slightly different textures. For a truly indulgent experience, you could even experiment with chocolate cake or brownies as your base layer.
• Nutty Variations: The slivered almonds are an excellent garnish for added crunch and flavor. However, if you or your guests aren’t keen on nuts, feel free to simply omit them. Alternatively, you could substitute with other toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different nutty note.
• Sour Cream Swaps: If sour cream isn’t available or you’re looking for an alternative, plain Greek yogurt can be used instead. It provides a similar tangy creaminess and a slightly healthier twist. Just be sure to use plain, unflavored Greek yogurt to maintain the desired taste.
• Whipped Topping Choices: While Cool Whip offers convenience, you can absolutely make your homemade whipped cream for an extra fresh and rich topping. It’s a simple process that yields a truly luxurious finish.
• Pudding Play: Don’t limit yourself to vanilla pudding! Instant pudding mixes come in a variety of flavors that can transform this cake. Try cheesecake pudding for added richness, lemon pudding for a brighter, citrusy note, or even chocolate pudding for a completely different indulgence.
• Fresh Berry Boost: For an extra layer of freshness and visual appeal, top each serving with a handful of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. They add a lovely burst of color and a natural sweetness.

How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake

Creating this “Heaven on Earth Cake” is a delightful and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect layered dessert:

Step 1. Prepare the Cake Base: First, take your prepared angel food cake and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for approximately 1-inch cubes. A serrated knife works best for this, using a gentle sawing motion to prevent squishing the fluffy cake. If you’re using a boxed cake mix you’ve just baked, ensure it has cooled completely before cutting and assembling.

Step 2. First Layer: Arrange about half of your angel food cake pieces evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. This size pan is perfect for achieving the ideal cake-to-filling ratio. Next, gently spread about two-thirds of the can of tart cherry pie filling over the cake layer, making sure it’s distributed well.

Step 3. Second Cake Layer: Carefully top the cherry pie filling with the remaining angel food cake cubes, ensuring they form a relatively even layer over the fruit. This creates the sandwich for our creamy pudding layer.

Step 4. Prepare the Pudding Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk until it begins to thicken. Then, fold in the sour cream until the mixture is perfectly smooth and well combined. This unique blending creates a richer, tangier pudding layer.

Step 5. Pudding Application: As soon as the pudding mixture is ready, carefully and quickly spread it evenly over the top of the cake layers in the pan. Speed is key here, as the instant pudding will continue to thicken as it sits, making it harder to spread smoothly.

Step 6. Whipped Topping: Next, gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer. An offset spatula works wonderfully to create a smooth, even, and airy surface, ready for the final touch.

Step 7. Final Cherry Layer: Finally, dollop and then carefully spread the remaining cherry pie filling over the whipped cream. Make sure to distribute it around so that every serving gets a generous portion of that delicious cherry goodness. You can even use a butter knife to create attractive swirls for an artistic touch.

Step 8. Chill and Garnish: The cake needs to refrigerate for a minimum of 4 to 5 hours before serving to allow the pudding to fully set and the flavors to properly meld. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with the toasted almond slices on top. For an even more indulgent experience, it’s also incredibly tasty served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Expert Tips for the Best Heaven on Earth Cake

Achieving the perfect Heaven on Earth Cake is simple with these expert tips and tricks:

• Chill Time is Crucial: The cake is absolutely best served thoroughly chilled. I strongly recommend making it the night before or at least giving it a full 4 to 5 hours in the refrigerator. This isn’t just about cooling; it allows all the delicious flavors to fully combine and the pudding layer to set firm, ensuring each slice holds its shape and delivers maximum deliciousness.
• Cake Prep Flexibility: Whether you opt for a store-bought angel food cake for ultimate convenience or bake a mix yourself, both yield fantastic results. The key is to ensure that if you are baking your own, the cake is completely cool before you begin assembling the layers. Warm cake can melt the pudding and whipped topping.
• Adjust Thickness with Pan Size: If you prefer a dessert with thicker, more substantial layers, consider making this Heaven on Earth Cake in a smaller 9×9 inch pan instead of a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. This will create a taller, more robust cake that’s still perfectly delicious.
• Elegant Trifle Presentation: For a truly stunning visual, especially for special occasions or holidays, assemble the cake in a beautiful trifle dish. The clear sides will showcase all the gorgeous layers of cake, pudding, and cherries, making it an impressive centerpiece.
• Delightful Individual Desserts: Looking for a charming way to serve? Instead of a large baking dish, layer the ingredients in individual mason jars, clear dessert cups, or elegant dessert bowls. This is a fantastic idea for parties, making serving a breeze and providing a perfectly portioned treat for each guest.
• The Right Knife Matters: When cutting the delicate angel food cake, always use a serrated knife. This specialized blade allows you to gently saw through the fluffy texture without squishing or tearing the cake, ensuring clean, uniform pieces for your layers.
• Toast Your Almonds: While optional, toasting the almond slices truly elevates their flavor. A quick toast in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden will bring out a deeper, nuttier taste and a more satisfying crunch.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures your Heaven on Earth Cake remains delicious for days:

To store any leftover cake, ensure your cake pan has a lid. If not, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, making sure to press it down against the surface of the cake to prevent air exposure and keep it fresh. Place the covered cake in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 to 5 days, though it is always best enjoyed fresh within the first couple of days for optimal texture and flavor.

I do not recommend freezing this recipe. The delicate consistency of the angel food cake, pudding, and whipped topping will unfortunately not hold up well to freezing and thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture.

Perfect Ways to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake?

Serving this delightful dessert is as easy as making it. Because of its layered, scoopable nature, there’s no need for precise slicing:

This yummy dessert can be scooped right into individual bowls using a large serving spoon. The layers are meant to be enjoyed together, so don’t worry about trying to cut perfect squares. Each spoonful will contain a lovely medley of cake, pudding, and cherry.

For an extra touch of indulgence, you can add more toasted almond slices or an additional dollop of whipped cream on top of each serving if desired. While completely optional, as the recipe is already incredibly delicious on its own, these garnishes enhance both the presentation and the taste.

More Irresistible Cake Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Heaven on Earth Cake, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic cake recipes:

• No-Bake Banana Split Cake
• Easy Cherry Chip Cake Recipe
• Refreshing No Bake Lemon Icebox Cake
• Classic Strawberry Sheet Cake
• Patriotic Red White and Blue Icebox Cake
• Decadent Blackout Cake

We hope you try this incredibly easy and delicious no-bake Heaven on Earth Cake! Once you do, please leave a comment below to share your experience and let us know what you think. Your feedback is always appreciated!