Heaven on Earth Cake

If you love layered desserts that feel light, creamy, and completely comforting, Heaven on Earth Cake is about to win you over. This nostalgic, no-fuss dessert combines fluffy angel food cake, sweet strawberry pie filling, and a silky cream cheese pudding layer, all finished with whipped topping and optional sliced almonds.

It’s the kind of dessert that shows up at family gatherings, potlucks, church dinners, and summer celebrations — and disappears quickly. The beauty of Heaven on Earth Cake lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated decorating, no advanced techniques, and no stress. Just layers of flavor and texture that come together effortlessly.

With its soft cake cubes soaking up sweet strawberry filling and creamy pudding, this dessert feels indulgent while still being light and airy. It’s vegetarian-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and perfect when you need something reliable and crowd-pleasing.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy layered dessert with simple ingredients
• Light, fluffy texture thanks to angel food cake
• Creamy cream cheese and vanilla pudding layer
• Perfect for making ahead
• Great for gatherings, holidays, and potlucks
• Customizable with different fruits and toppings

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield

8 servings

Full Ingredient List (Exact Measurements)

• 16-ounce box angel food cake mix
• 21-ounce can strawberry pie filling
• 8-ounce block cream cheese
• 3.4-ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 8-ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Sliced almonds (optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×9 inch baking dish (un-greased)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Knife (for cutting cake into cubes)
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Angel Food Cake

Prepare the 16-ounce box angel food cake mix according to the package instructions.

Bake as directed and allow it to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes.

2. Create the First Layer

Place half of the cake cubes into an un-greased 9×9 inch baking dish.

Spread about 2/3 of the 21-ounce can of strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake layer.

Make sure the filling covers most of the cake cubes so the flavor distributes evenly.

3. Add the Second Cake Layer

Place the remaining cake cubes over the strawberry layer.

Distribute them evenly for a balanced structure.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, blend the 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese until smooth.

Make sure there are no lumps before proceeding.

Add:

• 3.4-ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Mix until fully combined and smooth.

The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

5. Add the Pudding Layer

Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the layered cake and strawberry filling.

Spread gently to cover the entire surface.

6. Chill

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or until fully set.

This chilling time allows the pudding layer to firm up and the flavors to meld.

7. Finish with Whipped Topping

Once set, spread the 8-ounce container of Cool Whip whipped topping evenly over the top.

Add the remaining strawberry pie filling over the whipped topping.

Optionally garnish with sliced almonds before serving.

Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Ensure Smooth Cream Cheese

The cream cheese must be softened before blending to prevent lumps.

Add a Citrus Boost

A small amount of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances sweetness.

Try Different Fruits

Swap strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry.

Add Texture

Sliced almonds add crunch and contrast to the creamy layers.

Flavor Profile & Texture

Heaven on Earth Cake is:

• Light and airy from angel food cake
• Sweet and fruity from strawberry pie filling
• Creamy and rich from the pudding mixture
• Soft yet structured from chilled layers

The cake absorbs moisture from the filling and pudding, creating a spoonable texture that’s creamy without being dense.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Estimated per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: approximately 350–400 kcal
• Protein: approximately 5–6 g
• Carbohydrates: approximately 55–60 g
• Fat: approximately 14–18 g

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian
• Contains dairy
• Contains gluten

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
• Keep refrigerated until serving.
• Add sliced almonds just before serving for best texture.
• Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

This dessert actually improves after a few hours in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought angel food cake?

Yes. If preferred, use pre-baked angel food cake and cube it.

Why does it need to chill for 3–4 hours?

Chilling allows the pudding layer to fully set and the cake to absorb flavor.

Can I freeze Heaven on Earth Cake?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of whipped topping and pudding may change.

What if my pudding layer is too thin?

Ensure you are using instant pudding mix and the correct amount of milk.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but stabilize it if preparing ahead.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes (for cake)
Chill Time	3–4 hours
Total Time	4 hours 40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into neat squares for presentation.
• Serve directly from the dish for casual gatherings.
• Add extra sliced strawberries for visual appeal.

This dessert is best served well chilled.

Recipe Variations

1. Cherry Heaven on Earth Cake
   Replace strawberry pie filling with cherry pie filling.
2. Blueberry Cream Version
   Use blueberry pie filling and garnish with fresh blueberries.
3. Citrus Twist
   Add lemon zest to the pudding mixture.
4. Almond Crunch Edition
   Mix sliced almonds between layers for added texture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is known for its airy structure, created by whipped egg whites. It absorbs moisture beautifully without becoming heavy.

Cream Cheese

Provides tangy richness and structure to the pudding layer. Always soften before mixing for best results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Do not grease the baking dish; the cake layers stay intact better this way.
• Spread layers evenly for clean slices.
• Chill fully before adding whipped topping for best structure.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for neat servings.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator:

• Store covered for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

• Not recommended due to texture changes.

Keep tightly covered to prevent the cake from drying out.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Estimated Amount
Calories	350–400 kcal
Protein	5–6 g
Carbohydrates	55–60 g
Fat	14–18 g

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian
• Contains dairy and gluten

Expanded Conclusion

Heaven on Earth Cake lives up to its name with every spoonful. The combination of fluffy cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy vanilla pudding creates a dessert that feels both comforting and celebratory.

It’s simple enough for everyday occasions and special enough for gatherings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this layered dessert is one you’ll return to again and again.

Make it ahead, let it chill, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table.

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