• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Together as Family

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Easy Meal Plans
  • Meet My Family
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Meet My Family
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • Meet My Family
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cake + Cupcakes » Heaven on Earth Cake

    Heaven on Earth Cake

    Published : January 14, 2023 Updated : January 14, 2023 by Together As Family Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe

    Heaven on Earth Cake is a layered dessert that is so easy to make with prepared ingredients. Layers of angel food cake, cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping. Garnished with sliced almonds on top. 

    Using canned cherry pie filling is a delicious shortcut in this recipe. Try these other recipes that use it, like my Chocolate Cherry Cake, No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Pie, and Marshmallow Cherry Fluff.

    A slice of cake with angel food cake layers and pudding layers inside of it. Sitting a top a white plate.

    Heaven on Earth Cake

    Heaven on Earth is the perfect way to describe this super easy layered dessert recipe! It starts with a layer of angel food cake, topped with canned cherry pie filling, a creamy vanilla pudding layer, more cake and pie filling, and then it's topped off with whipped topping + sliced almonds for garnish. 

    It's so light tasting, easy to make, and a no bake dessert that is sure to be a hit!

    A horizontal picture of a glass pan where you can see the layers of this cake.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Angel Food Cake - I always buy a store-bought, already baked angel food cake from the bakery section at the store. It's 14 ounces in size and comes in a ring shape. You can also buy a box (16 oz) of angel food cake mix, prepare it according to package directions, and then let it cool before cutting it up into chunks. 
    • Cherry Pie Filling - This is the classic way to make this heaven on earth cake recipe but any canned pie filling would work great!
    • Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix - Make sure you are using the instant pudding. I have never tried this recipe with sugar-free vanilla pudding so experiment if you wish. 
    • Sour Cream - Sounds odd but trust me, it makes this cake so rich tasting and thick in texture. The tart flavor of sour cream pairs perfectly with the sweet cherry filling, creamy pudding, and angel food cake. It all just works so well together!
    • Cool Whip
    • Sliced Almonds - This is for garnish on top of the cake and it really adds a lot. Almond flavor pairs perfectly with cherry. Leave off the almonds if you have a nut allergy to bake for. 

    Labeled ingredients for this cake recipe on a white background.

    How To Make Heaven on Earth Dessert with Angel Food Cake

    Learn how to make this easy, no bake dessert with layers of deliciousness with the easy steps below. Be sure and read to the bottom of the page where there is a detailed recipe card, a printable option, and a pin it button so you can save this recipe for later. 

    • Prep : Using a serrated knife, cut up the angel food cake into 1-inch chunks. Have a deep-dish 8x8 baking pan ready to go, or you can use a 9x9-inch baking pan if wanted. 
    • Make The Cake : Layer half of the cut up angel food cake and spread it out into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the cherry pie filling over top the angel food cake chunks. Place the remaining angel food cake chunks over top the cherry pie filling. 
    • Pudding : Whisk together the dry vanilla pudding mix + milk + sour cream until it's thick and combined. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes or until it's nicely thickened. This should not take long at all because the sour cream helps to really make the mixture thick. 
    • Finish Making The Layers : Spread the pudding mixture over top the angel food cake layer. For the final layer, spread the thawed Cool Whip over top, and the remaining cherry pie filling. 
    • Fridge : Cover the pan with foil, plastic wrap, or a lid and let it refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight is even better. 
    • Garnish : Garnish the cake with sliced almonds before serving. 

    How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!

    How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!

    How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!

    How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!

    How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!

    Heaven on Earth Cake FAQ's

    • What Is Heaven on Earth Cake?

      • I do not know where the origin of the name came from, but I would guess that it gets it's name because that is literally how you might describe this cake as you're eating it! It's light, creamy, cool, and all the layers and flavors work together so perfectly to create a bite of 'heaven on earth'. 
      • This cake includes layers of angel food cake, canned cherry pie filling, a creamy vanilla pudding layer, whipped cream topping, and then it's garnished with sliced almonds and cherry pie filling. 
    • How To Store Leftovers

      • Leftovers of this cake can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. I just leave the cake in the pan and cover the pan tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. 
    • Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

      • Yes! This cake actually needs at least 8 hours of refrigeration time so it's the perfect make-ahead dessert. I think the flavors are best after it has refrigerated overnight (about 12 hours) so that is what I always do. 
      • Make it the night before and let it hang out in the fridge, so all the flavors can develop and come together, and then it will be ready to serve whenever it's time. Don't garnish the cake with the sliced almonds until right before serving. 
    • Substitution & Variation Ideas For This Easy Dessert

      • Angel Food Cake : If wanted, try making a Homemade Angel Food Cake instead. You can also buy a box of angel food cake (16 ounces) and prepare it according to package instructions. Let it cool completely before cutting into chunks. I always use the store-bought angel food cake (14 ounces) that comes in the ring shape. You will find it in the bakery section of the grocery store.
      • Pie Filling : I love the cherry pie filling but any flavor can be used. Strawberry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or berry pie filling are all great ones to use. You can also make your own homemade cherry pie filling if wanted. 
      • Pudding Mix : White chocolate instant pudding mix can be used instead of the vanilla pudding mix. You could also make a chocolate version of this cake by using chocolate instant pudding. 
      • Sour Cream : Plain Greek yogurt can be used instead to reduce calories if wanted. I prefer the taste of this cake using the sour cream. You could even try using vanilla flavored Greek yogurt for a yummy twist. 
      • Whipped Topping : Cool Whip is what I use but you can always make your own whipped cream instead. Whip together 1.5 cups of heavy whipping cream + ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. About 5 minutes. 

    A piece of cake on a white plate with a bite taken out of the front of it with a fork.

    A pan of cake with a piece taken out so you can see the layers inside.

    Recipe Tips

    Here are a few of my helpful tips so that you can have success recreating this recipe in your own kitchen ♥

    • Use Full- Fat Dairy Products : As with all my baking recipes, it's best to use full-fat dairy products. They provide the best flavor, texture, and thickness to desserts. I recommend using full-fat sour cream (not the reduced-fat stuff), and either the whole milk or half & half that the recipe calls for. 
    • Fridge Time : Don't rush this! This cake won't taste as good if you try to rush the 8 hour of fridge time needed before serving. I prefer this cake after it has refrigerated overnight, about 12-16 hours, because the flavors are just so much better, the cake softens slightly, and it tastes so yummy. 

    A pan of cake

    Overhead shot of a piece of cake to show the cherry swirls on top.

    More Easy Cake Recipes You'll Love

    • Easy Strawberry Cake : This cake uses a can of strawberry pie filling + strawberry cake mix! So good and loaded with explosive strawberry flavors. 
    • Easy Oreo Dit Cake : Cake mix chocolate cake base topped with a chocolate pudding frosting, Oreo crumbs for the "dirt", and gummy worms! This is always a kid-favorite. 
    • Pineapple Upside Down Cake : This is a homemade version of the classic dessert. 
    • Easy Pineapple Pistachio Cake : Canned pineapple + pistachio pudding mix + a cake mix makes this one of the easiest, and moistest desserts ever!
    • Orange Pineapple Cake : Also called 'pig-pickin' cake. One of my very favorites!
    • Lemon Lovers Layered Cake w/ Lemon Pudding Frosting : Three layers of super moist lemon cake topped with a fluffy and light lemon pudding frosting. 

     

    A slice of cake with angel food cake layers and pudding layers inside of it. Sitting a top a white plate.

    Heaven on Earth Cake

    Jessica - Together as Family
    Heaven on Earth Cake is a layered dessert that is so easy to make with prepared ingredients. Layers of angel food cake, cherry pie filling, and layers of creamy pudding and whipped topping.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Fridge Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
    Course Cake, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 405 kcal

    Equipment

    • Deep 8x8 Baking Dish
    • Wire Whisk
    • Serrated Knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 ounces prepared angel food cake
    • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
    • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
    • 1½ cups whole milk (half & half can also be used)
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
    • ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional garnish)

    Instructions
     

    • Use a serrated knife to cut the angel food cake into 1-inch square chunks.
    • Using a deep dish 8x8 square baking dish, evenly layer half of the angel food cake chunks into the bottom of the pan.
      Spread half of the cherry pie filling over the angle food cake.
      Place the remaining angel food cake chunks into an even layer over the cherry pie filling.
      * If you don't have a deep dish 8x8 baking pan then use a regular 9x9 baking pan instead. Pyrex makes a deep dish, clear glass 8x8 baking dish.
      How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!
    • In a mixing bowl, add the dry instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and sour cream. Stir with a wire whisk, for 1-2 minutes, until it's thoroughly combined, smooth, and thick.
      * Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up, before using, if needed. It should thicken up fairly quickly because of the sour cream and whole milk fat.
      How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!
    • Spread the pudding mixture over top the angel food cake layer.
      Spread the Cool Whip into an even layer over top the pudding. Swirl the remaining cherry pie filling over top.
      * To swirl : Dollop the pie filling over top the Cool Whip. Use a toothpick or spoon to gently swirl it around into the desired pattern.
      How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!
    • Cover the cake with plastic wrap, foil, or a lid. Let it refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight (12-16 hours), works best.
    • Sprinkle the sliced almonds over top the cake before serving.
      How to make heaven on earth cake with step by step process with photos!

    Notes

    Recipe Tips -
    • Use Full- Fat Dairy Products : As with all my baking recipes, it's best to use full-fat dairy products. They provide the best flavor, texture, and thickness to desserts. I recommend using full-fat sour cream (not the reduced-fat stuff), and either the whole milk or half & half that the recipe calls for. 
    • Fridge Time : Don't rush this! This cake won't taste as good if you try to rush the 8 hour of fridge time needed before serving. I prefer this cake after it has refrigerated overnight, about 12-16 hours, because the flavors are just so much better, the cake softens slightly, and it tastes so yummy. 
    FAQ's -
    • What Is Heaven on Earth Cake?

      • I do not know where the origin of the name came from, but I would guess that it gets it's name because that is literally how you might describe this cake as you're eating it! It's light, creamy, cool, and all the layers and flavors work together so perfectly to create a bite of 'heaven on earth'. 
      • This cake includes layers of angel food cake, canned cherry pie filling, a creamy vanilla pudding layer, whipped cream topping, and then it's garnished with sliced almonds and cherry pie filling. 
    • How To Store Leftovers

      • Leftovers of this cake can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. I just leave the cake in the pan and cover the pan tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. 
    • Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

      • Yes! This cake actually needs at least 8 hours of refrigeration time so it's the perfect make-ahead dessert. I think the flavors of best after it has refrigerated overnight (about 12 hours) so that is what I always do. 
      • Make it the night before and let it hang out in the fridge, so all the flavors can develop and come together, and then it will be ready to serve whenever it's time. Don't garnish the cake with the sliced almonds until right before serving. 
    • Substitution & Variation Ideas For This Easy Dessert

      • Angel Food Cake : If wanted, try making a Homemade Angel Food Cake instead. You can also buy a box of angel food cake (16 ounces) and prepare it according to package instructions. Let it cool completely before cutting into chunks. I always use the store-bought angel food cake (14 ounces) that comes in the ring shape. You will find it in the bakery section of the grocery store. 
      • Pie Filling : I love the cherry pie filling but any flavor can be used. Strawberry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or berry pie filling are all great ones to use. You can also make your own homemade cherry pie filling if wanted. 
      • Pudding Mix : White chocolate instant pudding mix can be used instead of the vanilla pudding mix. You could also make a chocolate version of this cake by using chocolate instant pudding. 
      • Sour Cream : Plain Greek yogurt can be used instead to reduce calories if wanted. I prefer the taste of this cake using the sour cream. You could even try using vanilla flavored Greek yogurt for a yummy twist. 
      • Whipped Topping : Cool Whip is what I use but you can always make your own whipped cream instead. Whip together 1.5 cups of heavy whipping cream + ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. About 5 minutes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 307mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 455IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 175mgIron: 0.5mg
    Keyword angel food cake with cherry pie filling, heaven on earth cake
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @togetherasfamilyblog on Instagram

    A slice of cake on a white plate with a bowl of cherry pie filling in the background.

    Overhead picture of a cake inside a glass square pan, topped with cherry filling and cool whip.

    « Cannoli Dip
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    I am so glad that you are here. I love sharing recipes and I am very passionate about families sitting together at the table for dinner. Even if it's takeout or a homecooked meal, eat together! I hope I can help you find some delicious recipes that your family will love just as much as mine does.

    You might also like...

    A tin of pretzel bites with a Rolo and pecan.
    Close up of a snowman bark recipe with a hat, button, and pretzels sticks for the arms.
    Cookie cups that look like hot chocolate mugs sitting on a white plate.
    Stack of brownie cookies on a white plate.
    A glass mug of hot chocolate that is white from white chocolate chips. Topped with mini marshmallows.
    Front image for this recipe for sloppy joes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    As seen on...

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ