Heaven on Earth Cake, a delightful dessert, combines light angel food cake with creamy vanilla pudding, tangy cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. This luscious treat is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or a luxurious treat for everyday indulgence.
Why We Love This Recipe
Heaven on Earth Cake is beloved for many reasons:
- Texture and Flavor Harmony: The lightness of angel food cake, creaminess of the pudding, tartness of the cherries, and the soft whipped topping create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Ease of Preparation: Using prepared cake and instant pudding mix makes this recipe accessible and hassle-free.
- Versatility: This dessert can be easily customized with different fruit fillings or extracts to suit individual tastes.
- Visually Impressive: Its layered look makes it an attractive centerpiece for any dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared Angel Food Cake
- 1 package (3.4 ounce) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 can (20 ounces) Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip
- 1 Tablespoon almond slices, toasted (optional)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Pudding Layer
- Combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of milk. Whisk for about two minutes until the pudding starts to thicken.
- Add 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt and ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the pudding. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Layering the Cake
- Cut the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes.
- Layer half of the cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle dish or a deep serving bowl.
3. Adding the Pudding and Cherry Layers
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cake layer.
- Top with half of the cherry pie filling.
4. Repeating Layers
- Repeat layers with the remaining cake cubes, pudding mixture, and cherry pie filling.
5. Final Touch with Cool Whip
- Cover the top layer with Cool Whip, spreading evenly.
- Garnish with toasted almond slices if desired.
6. Chilling
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Pudding Consistency: Ensure the pudding mixture is thick before layering.
- Serving Dish: A clear dish showcases the layers beautifully.
- Almond Extract: It adds a subtle depth of flavor, but can be omitted or replaced with vanilla extract.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake a day ahead? A: Yes, preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop more fully.
Q: What substitutions can I make in this recipe? A: You can use any fruit pie filling, like blueberry or strawberry, and replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q: How long can I store this cake? A: It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but is best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? A: Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be used for a richer flavor.
Q: Is it possible to make a gluten-free version? A: Yes, use a gluten-free angel food cake to make this dessert gluten-free.
Conclusion
Heaven on Earth Cake is a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious. Its combination of fluffy cake, creamy pudding, tangy cherry, and soft whipped topping creates a heavenly experience. Whether for a special occasion or a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to please. The versatility in its preparation allows for personal touches, making it a recipe that can be adapted and enjoyed in numerous ways. So, dive into the layers of this exquisite dessert and savor the taste of heaven on earth!