If you’re a fan of light, fluffy desserts that come together with minimal effort, you’re in for a real treat! This Heaven on Earth Cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert that tastes just as good as it looks. With layers of soft angel food cake, velvety vanilla pudding, tangy cream cheese, and a luscious cherry pie topping, every bite is pure bliss.

I first made this cake for a summer potluck, and let’s just say—there were no leftovers! It has that perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess without being too heavy, making it ideal for any occasion. Plus, the fact that you don’t have to turn on the oven? A total game-changer.

So, if you’re looking for an easy dessert that impresses every time, let’s dive into this Heaven on Earth Cake recipe.

How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake

The best part about this recipe? It requires almost no effort. You’re simply layering ingredients, letting them chill, and then digging in. Here’s everything you need to make it happen:

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather your ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

1 package angel food cake (or 1 prepared angel food cake), cut into cubes
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the Topping:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional: Chopped almonds or pecans for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake

If you’re using a store-bought angel food cake, cut it into bite-sized cubes and set them aside. You want them to be small enough to create those light, airy layers but not so tiny that they lose their texture.

If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can bake your own angel food cake from scratch—but let’s be honest, the pre-made version saves so much time and still tastes amazing.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding Mixture

Next, grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together:

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups milk

Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Once it’s smooth and creamy, stir in 1 cup of sour cream. This might seem like a surprising ingredient, but trust me—it adds a slight tanginess that balances out the sweetness perfectly. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is important because no one wants lumps of cream cheese in their dessert!

Once it’s silky, gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip or your favorite brand). Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep it light and airy.

And that’s it! You now have your pudding and cream cheese layers ready to go. Up next: assembling the magic.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

This is where the fun really begins! Grab a 9×13-inch dish and let’s start layering:

First Layer: Spread half of the angel food cake cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish. You don’t need to pack them down—keeping the cake pieces loose helps them absorb all the creamy goodness.
Pudding Layer: Pour half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the cake cubes, spreading it evenly. This adds an incredible smoothness and keeps the cake extra moist.
Cream Cheese Layer: Gently spread half of the whipped cream cheese mixture over the pudding layer. Use a spatula to carefully smooth it out, making sure not to disturb the pudding too much.
Repeat: Add another layer of angel food cake cubes, followed by the remaining pudding mixture and cream cheese mixture.
Cherry Topping: Finally, spoon the cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it out evenly. The bright red cherries make this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious!

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Now, this might be the hardest part—waiting! Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld together, making every bite extra dreamy and flavorful.

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped almonds or pecans over the top for a bit of crunch (totally optional, but highly recommended).

Tips for the Best Heaven on Earth Cake

Let it chill overnight – The longer it sits, the better it tastes! The cake absorbs all the flavors, making it ultra-soft and flavorful.
Use fresh whipped cream – If you want to take this dessert up a notch, swap out store-bought whipped topping for homemade whipped cream. Just beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Try different fruit toppings – Not a fan of cherries? Swap in strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling for a different twist.
Make it extra chocolatey – Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for an indulgent spin.

this recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made a day ahead. The extra chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.

2. What other fruit toppings can I use?

Not a fan of cherries? No problem! Try swapping in:

Strawberry pie filling for a classic strawberry shortcake vibe
Blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a fresh, tart contrast
Peach or pineapple filling for a tropical twist

3. How do I store leftovers?

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best texture and flavor.

4. Can I freeze Heaven on Earth Cake?

While technically you can freeze it, the texture of the pudding and whipped topping may change slightly. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

5. Can I make this with a different type of cake?

Absolutely! While angel food cake keeps it light and airy, you can also try:

Pound cake for a denser, richer version
Vanilla sponge cake for a soft, fluffy alternative
Chocolate cake if you’re craving something extra decadent

6. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out the dairy ingredients for:

Almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk
Dairy-free whipped topping (such as coconut whipped cream)
Dairy-free cream cheese substitute

7. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Definitely! If you prefer to make your own vanilla pudding, go for it—just make sure it’s fully cooled before layering it into the cake.

Final Thoughts: A Dessert That’s Always a Crowd-Pleaser

This Heaven on Earth Cake is one of those desserts that always gets rave reviews. It’s light, creamy, fruity, and so easy to make—plus, it looks absolutely stunning when served! Whether you’re making it for a potluck, family gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Enjoy every bite of this heavenly treat!

HEAVEN ON EARTH CAKE

Author: Lucas Recipes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Print Recipe

Description

A light, creamy, and fruity dessert that tastes like a slice of heaven! Layers of fluffy angel food cake, rich vanilla pudding, tangy cream cheese, and sweet cherry pie filling make this a no-bake delight. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layers:

1 package angel food cake (or 1 prepared angel food cake), cut into cubes
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

For the Topping:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Optional: Chopped almonds or pecans for garnish

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Angel Food Cake:

If using store-bought cake, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Vanilla Pudding Mixture:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).

Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined. Set aside.

3️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully combined.

4️⃣ Assemble the Cake:

In a 9×13-inch dish, layer half of the angel food cake cubes evenly.

Spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the cake.

Gently spread half of the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the pudding.

Repeat the layers with the remaining cake cubes, pudding mixture, and cream cheese mixture.

Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly.

5️⃣ Chill & Serve:

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together.

Garnish with chopped almonds or pecans if desired.

Serve chilled and enjoy the heavenly goodness!

Notes

Make it your own! Swap cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry for a twist.
Want an extra crunch? Add crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers between the layers.
For a lighter version, use sugar-free pudding mix, low-fat cream cheese, and light whipped topping.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hours

Lucas recipes