Welcome to your guide to creating the most divine dessert that your taste buds have ever encountered: the Heaven on Earth Cake. This recipe is not just a treat; it’s an experience—a blend of fluffy angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, tangy Greek yogurt, sweet cherry pie filling, and a cloud of whipped topping, all garnished with crunchy almond slivers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this guide will ensure your dessert is both delightful and Instagram-worthy.
Heaven on Earth Cake: A Divine Dessert Recipe for Family Gatherings
Every summer, Grandma Ellie would gather us in her sunlit kitchen, the heart of her home, where magic and flour dust danced in the air. This Heaven on Earth Cake was her signature, a recipe passed down through generations. It wasn’t just about the cake; it was about the love woven into each layer, the stories shared with every slice, and the tradition that bound us. This dessert became a symbol of joy and unity in our family, a heavenly creation that turned simple gatherings into cherished memories.
Shopping List
- Angel food cake (store-bought or ingredients for homemade)
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz.)
- Milk (1 1/2 cups)
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup)
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz. can)
- Frozen whipped topping (8 oz. container)
- Almond slivers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (unless you’re baking your angel food cake)
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling time
- Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
- 1-2 store-bought angel food cakes, or homemade (see note for recipe link)
- 1 (3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds a delightful tang and boosts protein)
- 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling, divided (reserve some cherries for topping)
- 1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (for that cloud-like texture)
- Almond slivers, garnished as needed (toasted, optional, for a nutty crunch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Angel Food Cake: Slice the angel food cake(s) into 1-inch cubes. If you’re up for making it from scratch, it’s a rewarding process that adds a personal touch to your dessert.
- Mix the Pudding Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until well combined and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Fold in the plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Cake: In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, layer half of the angel food cake cubes at the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cake, followed by half of the cherry pie filling. Repeat the layers, finishing with the cherry pie filling.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the top layer of cherry pie filling, creating a smooth and fluffy top layer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers over the whipped topping for a decorative and crunchy finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Serve: Scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring each serving gets a bit of every layer. Enjoy the heavenly blend of flavors and textures that make this cake a celestial experience.
Notes:
- Homemade Angel Food Cake: For those who prefer homemade, a simple Google search will yield many fluffy and light angel food cake recipes. The effort adds a special touch to your Heaven on Earth Cake.
- Variations: Feel free to swap out cherry pie filling for any fruit filling of your choice. Blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry can all add a delightful twist to this versatile dessert.
- Storage: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Keto Version Recipe
Replace the angel food cake with a keto-friendly almond flour sponge cake. Use a sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk, opt for full-fat Greek yogurt, and use a sugar-free cherry pie filling. Finish with a keto-friendly whipped cream and almond slivers.
The Heaven on Earth Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a show-stopper that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Its layers of light, fluffy, creamy, and fruity components combine to create a truly divine taste experience. This recipe proves that with a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Dive into the making of this heavenly dessert and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of paradise on earth.
