Description of this recipe: Heaven On Earth Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert that layers the ethereal lightness of angel food cake with the sweet-tart burst of cherry pie filling, creamy vanilla pudding, tangy sour cream, and the smooth indulgence of Cool Whip. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate, making it a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and no oven time, making it an ideal choice for those hot summer days or when you simply don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll fall head over heels for this Heaven On Earth Cake because it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth without being overly heavy or rich. The combination of the light, airy angel food cake and the creamy, fruity layers creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Its simplicity is another reason to adore it; you can whip it up in minutes, chill it for a few hours, and have a show-stopping dessert ready to go. The customizable nature of the recipe also allows you to experiment with different fruit fillings or pudding flavors to create your own unique version. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its delicious taste and effortless preparation. This cake also offers an inviting presentation. The vibrant red cherries contrasting against the pure white cake and creamy layers makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It is a dessert that brings a sense of joy and celebration to any table.
Ingredients:
1 angel food cake, pre-made or baked from a boxed mix, cooled 1 can (540ml/18oz) cherry pie filling 1 package (102g/3.6oz) instant vanilla pudding mix 1½ cups milk (2% or whole milk) 1 cup sour cream 8 ounces Cool Whip Sliced almonds (optional garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cut the cooled angel food cake into approximately 1-inch cubes. This ensures even distribution and allows the cake to soak up the flavors of the other layers.
Step 2: Layer half of the cake cubes evenly in the bottom of a 9×9 inch cake pan (metal or glass). Ensure the cake is spread uniformly to provide a solid base for the next layer.
Step 3: Spread ⅔ of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake layer. Reserve the remaining cherry pie filling for the top.
Step 4: Layer the remaining half of the cake cubes over the cherry pie filling, creating the second cake layer. Gently press down to ensure an even surface.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, stir together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sour cream until smooth. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps for a silky, luxurious mouth feel.
Step 6: Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake layer, covering it completely.
Step 7: Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer, creating a smooth, white canvas for the final topping.
Step 8: Drop and spread the remaining cherry pie filling over the Cool Whip layer. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful, eye-catching finish.
Step 9: Cover the cake pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 to 5 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to become moist and delicious.
Step 10: Before serving, sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the cake for added texture and a touch of elegance (optional).
COOKING Rating: No Bake
Serving Suggestions: This Heaven On Earth Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Serve it chilled as a refreshing dessert on a warm day. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Serve it as part of a dessert buffet alongside other sweets and treats. Garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a more festive presentation. Cut into squares and serve as individual portions for easy serving. Serve with coffee or tea as an afternoon treat. Enjoy it as a comforting dessert after a light meal. Present in a trifle bowl for an elegant presentation.
Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the pudding mixture. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can use sugar-free pudding mix and reduced-fat sour cream. To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, wait until just before serving to add the cherry pie filling topping. For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of 2% milk in the pudding mixture. You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach. If you’re short on time, you can chill the cake for a minimum of 2 hours, but the longer it chills, the better the flavors will meld together. For a more festive look, use a clear glass bowl or trifle dish to assemble the cake, showcasing the colorful layers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can use a store-bought angel food cake to save time or bake your own from scratch for a more homemade touch. If you don’t have slivered almonds, any type of nuts, like crushed walnuts or pecans, would work well as a garnish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Estimates can vary based on specific ingredients used) Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving Protein: 5-7 grams per serving Sodium: 200-300mg per serving
Conclusion: Heaven On Earth Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and effortless elegance. Its layers of light, creamy, and fruity goodness create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert for a casual gathering or a show-stopping centerpiece for a special occasion, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With its customizable nature and foolproof preparation, Heaven On Earth Cake is a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, get ready to layer, and prepare to experience a slice of heaven on earth! Enjoy the process and savor every bite of this delightful no-bake treat. The cake’s cool and refreshing qualities make it a great choice during warmer months, while its comforting flavors make it equally satisfying year-round.
Five Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Question 1: Can I use a different type of cake instead of angel food cake? Answer: While angel food cake is the traditional and ideal choice for this recipe due to its light and airy texture, you can experiment with other types of cake. Sponge cake or a very light yellow cake could work as substitutes. However, avoid using dense or overly moist cakes as they may make the dessert too heavy.
Question 2: Can I make this cake ahead of time? Answer: Absolutely! In fact, this cake is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to properly soak up the moisture from the other layers. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Question 3: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? Answer: While you can use fresh cherries, it requires additional preparation. You would need to pit and cook the cherries with sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch to create a similar consistency to pie filling. Using cherry pie filling is a convenient shortcut that provides the perfect level of sweetness and thickness.
Question 4: What can I substitute for Cool Whip? Answer: If you prefer not to use Cool Whip, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. To make whipped cream, whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it. Alternatively, you can use a stabilized whipped cream recipe to ensure it holds its shape for an extended period.
Question 5: How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy? Answer: To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, make sure the angel food cake is completely cooled before assembling the dessert. Also, chilling the cake for the recommended 4-5 hours allows the layers to set properly. Avoid adding the cherry pie filling topping too far in advance, as it can contribute to the cake becoming overly moist. Lastly, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent it from drying out or becoming soggy.
