If you have a sweet tooth and crave something that feels like a slice of pure bliss, the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dessert combines the airy lightness of angel food cake with the creamy richness of vanilla pudding and sour cream, all perfectly balanced by bursts of luscious cherry pie filling and a fluffy cool whip topping. Simple yet sensational, this cake’s layers harmonize to create an unforgettable experience that truly lives up to its heavenly name.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this cake shine. Each component may seem straightforward, but together they build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish a true showstopper.
- Premade Angel Food Cake: Offers a light, spongy base that soaks up the pudding and cherry juices beautifully.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates that creamy, dreamy middle layer with sweet vanilla flavor that ties the cake together.
- Milk: Essential to whisk the pudding into that perfect, smooth consistency.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and richness to the pudding, boosting the cake’s moist texture.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Brings vibrant bursts of fruity sweetness and a gorgeous red color that contrasts perfectly with the cake.
- Cool Whip (thawed): Adds a fluffy, cloud-like topping that finishes the cake with a lovely airy touch.
How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Begin by tearing the premade angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. This step not only helps with easier layering, but it ensures each heavenly bite carries that signature light and airy texture angel food cake is known for.
Step 2: First Layer
Place half of the broken cake pieces evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Covering the entire base is key here because it sets a solid and luscious foundation for all the layers that will follow.
Step 3: Make the Pudding Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sour cream until silky and smooth. Let this mixture rest for a few minutes – this resting period lets the pudding thicken into the creamy, rich layer that will elevate the cake’s texture.
Step 4: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Evenly spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the first cake layer, spreading it so that each slice gets a juicy, fruity surprise. The cherries add an irresistible pop of flavor and eye-catching color.
Step 5: Second Cake Layer
Sprinkle the remaining angel food cake pieces over the cherry filling. This helps build the next level and adds more airy texture to balance the rich layers throughout the cake.
Step 6: Add Pudding Layer
Pour and spread the vanilla pudding mixture evenly atop the second cake layer. Smooth out the surface gently so that the creamy pudding fully covers the cake, making a luscious midsection everyone will love.
Step 7: Top with Whipped Topping
Gently spread the thawed Cool Whip over the pudding layer. This airy topping finishes the cake with a light, cloud-like texture that makes every forkful feel indulgent without being heavy.
Step 8: Decorate with Cherry Pie Filling
For that irresistible finishing touch, spoon the remaining cherry pie filling decoratively over the Cool Whip. This eye-catching garnish adds both taste and visual appeal, making the cake look as spectacular as it tastes.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate it for several hours. This chill time allows all the flavors to mingle and the layers to set perfectly, turning your dessert dreams into reality when it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Garnishes
Consider adding a few fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a little extra texture and elegance on top. A dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and add subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you want to turn it into a more festive treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe in individual clear cups or mini trifle glasses so each guest can enjoy the beautiful layers. For parties, slice it into small squares and place on decorative plates for an irresistible buffet centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days and maintains the creaminess and lightness that make this dessert so delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but because of the pudding and Cool Whip layers, it’s best to do so for up to a month to preserve texture and flavor. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen cake to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to regain its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I make this cake from scratch rather than use premade angel food cake?
Absolutely! While the premade angel food cake saves time, baking your own angel food cake can add a homemade touch that’s just as delicious. Just be sure your cake is light and airy to keep the signature texture.
Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruits?
Yes, you can! Blueberries, sliced strawberries, or even mixed berry pie filling make excellent alternatives. Just choose your favorite to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
You can make substitutions like using dairy-free pudding mix, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free whipped topping. The key is keeping the textures light and creamy for the same heavenly effect.
How long should the cake chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight is even better. This waiting time lets all the layers meld beautifully, making every bite taste like pure Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe perfection.
Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?
Yes, this cake is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Preparing it a day early helps the flavors develop more depth and the texture to fully set, making your serving experience even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends or simply treat yourself, the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe is the answer. Its blend of textures and flavors delivers joy in every bite, and the ease of assembly means it’s perfect for both special occasions and casual cravings. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite dessert to cherish forever!
Print
Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time of 2-3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Heaven on Earth Cake is a light and airy layered dessert featuring tender angel food cake pieces, creamy vanilla pudding mixed with sour cream, sweet cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. Easy to assemble without baking, this no-cook treat is perfect for gatherings and offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 premade angel food cake
Pudding Mixture
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Fruit and Topping
- 1 can cherry pie filling (about 21 oz)
- 1 container Cool Whip, thawed (8 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Tear the premade angel food cake into bite-sized pieces to make layering easier and ensure every bite has a light and airy texture.
- First Layer: Evenly spread half of the angel food cake pieces in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to cover the base to create a solid foundation for the layers.
- Make the Pudding Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes until the pudding thickens and sets.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon and spread half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake layer in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage for a fruity burst in every slice.
- Second Cake Layer: Top the cherry layer with the remaining angel food cake pieces to build the next layer of the cake.
- Add Pudding Layer: Spread the prepared vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the second layer of cake, smoothing it out to fully cover the surface.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Gently spread the thawed Cool Whip over the pudding layer, creating a smooth and fluffy finish.
- Decorate with Cherry Pie Filling: Decorate the top of the cake by spooning the remaining cherry pie filling attractively over the Cool Whip topping.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dish and refrigerate the cake for several hours (at least 2-3 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a 9×13 inch dish for layering to ensure proper structure and serving size.
- Allow the pudding to fully set for about 5 minutes before assembling to prevent runny layers.
- Chill the dessert for at least 2-3 hours, though overnight refrigeration enhances flavor melding and texture.
- For variation, substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry.
- This dessert is best served cold to maintain its light and creamy texture.

