If you’re someone who loves desserts that are as easy to make as they are delicious, then you’ve just found your next go-to recipe: Heaven on Earth Cake. Imagine biting into a fluffy, light, and creamy dessert that combines the delicate texture of angel food cake with the rich, smooth layers of vanilla pudding, tangy sour cream, and cream cheese. Topped with a burst of tart cherry pie filling, this cake is like a little slice of heaven on your plate.
What makes this dessert even better is how incredibly simple it is to put together. There’s no baking involved, which means less time spent in the kitchen and more time enjoying your creation. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and let it chill, allowing the flavors to develop and blend even more beautifully. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just need a treat to share with friends, this cake is sure to be a hit.
I first discovered Heaven on Earth Cake at a family picnic. It was one of those desserts that caught my attention immediately—not just because it looked gorgeous but because it was the first thing to disappear from the dessert table! The combination of light and creamy layers with that delicious cherry topping just hit all the right notes. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make, and now I find myself preparing it for nearly every occasion.
So, let’s dive into the recipe and make this delightful dessert together.
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
If you’re short on time, feel free to take a shortcut and use a store-bought angel food cake. Either way, you’ll want to cut the cake into bite-sized cubes. This is the base of our dessert, and it provides a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy layers we’ll be adding later.
If you decide to make your own angel food cake from scratch, go for it! It’ll add an extra touch of homemade goodness to the dessert. However, using a pre-made cake is totally fine—it’s all about convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Once your cake is cubed, set it aside while you prepare the next layers.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding Mixture
Next, we’re going to create the smooth and creamy vanilla pudding layer. Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Now, it’s time to add some tangy creaminess to the pudding. Stir in the sour cream and mix until everything is well-combined. This gives the pudding an extra layer of richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Set this pudding mixture aside while you get the next layer ready.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
This part is where the magic happens. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This step is important because it helps create that velvety texture that’s going to make each bite feel indulgent.
Once your cream cheese is smooth, gently fold in the whipped topping. Don’t overmix—just fold until the mixture is fully combined. This will create a fluffy, airy cream cheese layer that’s perfectly balanced against the creamy pudding.
Now that we have all the layers ready, we’re ready to start assembling this delightful dessert.
