Heaven on Earth Cake – Creamy Strawberry Layered Dessert You’ll Love

Heaven on Earth Cake is a truly indulgent dessert that lives up to its name, combining light and airy angel food cake with luscious strawberry pie filling and a creamy, dreamy cream cheese pudding layer. Topped with whipped cream and optional sliced almonds, this layered dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat for any occasion, it’s a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to assemble. The layers create a delightful mix of textures: soft, fluffy cake, smooth pudding, and juicy, sweet strawberries. Served chilled, each bite is refreshing and satisfying, making it the ideal dessert for warm days or any time you want a creamy, fruity indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep, Stunning Results: Minimal hands-on time delivers a dessert that looks like it took hours to make.
• Layered Delight: Angel food cake, strawberry pie filling, and cream cheese pudding combine for a rich, yet light dessert.
• Textural Contrast: Soft cake, creamy pudding, and juicy strawberries create a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be refrigerated for hours, perfect for parties and entertaining.
• Customizable: Optional lemon juice, sliced almonds, or additional fruits allow personalization.
• Family-Friendly: Sweet, creamy, and fruity layers appeal to adults and kids alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 8

Cake Layer:

• 16-ounce box angel food cake mix – provides a light, airy base that absorbs flavors without becoming soggy.

Fruit Layer:

• 21-ounce can strawberry pie filling – adds sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color.

Cream Cheese Pudding Layer:

• 8-ounce block cream cheese – softened, gives richness and creamy texture.
• 3.4-ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix – adds flavor and helps the pudding set.
• 1.5 cups whole milk – blends with pudding mix and cream cheese for a silky consistency.
• Fresh lemon juice (optional) – balances sweetness with subtle acidity.

Topping:

• 8-ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping – light, fluffy topping that finishes the cake beautifully.
• Remaining strawberry pie filling – adds extra color and sweetness on top.
• Sliced almonds (optional) – add crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredient Notes:

• Angel Food Cake: Light and airy, it pairs beautifully with creamy layers.
• Cream Cheese: Room temperature ensures smooth incorporation.
• Pudding Mix: Vanilla flavor complements the strawberries without overpowering them.
• Strawberry Pie Filling: Use good quality for vibrant flavor.
• Optional Ingredients: Lemon juice brightens flavor; almonds add crunch.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×9-inch baking dish (un-greased)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap for covering the dessert

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Angel Food Cake

Prepare the angel food cake as directed on the package. Once baked, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even layers and allows the pudding to soak slightly without making the cake soggy.

2. Layer the Cake and Strawberry Filling

Place half of the cake cubes in the bottom of an un-greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread about 2/3 of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake. Add the remaining cake cubes on top, creating a layered base for the creamy pudding mixture.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Pudding Mixture

In a medium bowl, blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 3.4 ounces of vanilla instant pudding mix, 1.5 cups whole milk, and optional fresh lemon juice. Mix until fully combined, creating a silky, creamy layer that will set in the refrigerator.

4. Assemble the Dessert

Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the layered cake and strawberry filling. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top, ensuring it reaches all corners of the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.

5. Chill Until Set

Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, allowing the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld. The cake will absorb some of the strawberry juices, creating a harmonious layered dessert.

6. Add Topping

Once chilled, spread 8 ounces of Cool Whip over the top layer. Spoon any remaining strawberry pie filling over the whipped topping. Optionally, garnish with sliced almonds for a crunchy, decorative finish.

Tips & Variations

• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure it is at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Chilling: Do not skip refrigeration; it allows the pudding to set and flavors to develop.
• Optional Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances sweetness.
• Fruit Variations: Substitute or add blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a colorful twist.
• Almonds: Toasted almonds can enhance flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the cake layers in advance and assemble before serving.

Flavor Profile

Heaven on Earth Cake balances creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The angel food cake is light and airy, absorbing some of the strawberry filling juices, while the cream cheese pudding adds rich, velvety smoothness. The strawberry pie filling introduces sweetness and subtle tartness, contrasting beautifully with the smooth pudding. Cool Whip adds a light, fluffy top layer, and optional almonds contribute a crunchy texture, creating a multi-layered dessert that’s indulgent without being heavy.

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	5g
Carbs	50g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free unless almonds are added, contains dairy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cake Prep: Bake angel food cake in advance and cut into cubes; store in airtight container.
• Pudding Layer: Can be made ahead and refrigerated separately until assembly.
• Refrigeration: Assemble the full dessert up to 4 hours before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers; best consumed within 2–3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without Cool Whip?
Yes, whipped cream can be used as a substitute.

2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but the filling provides sweetness and consistency; adjust sugar if using fresh fruit.

3. Can I prepare this dessert the day before?
Absolutely, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Angel food cake typically contains gluten; use a gluten-free mix to adapt.

5. Can I add other toppings?
Yes, toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, or additional fruits can be added.

Cooking Timeline

Task	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes (angel food cake)
Chill Time	3–4 hours
Total Time	4 hours 40 minutes
Servings	8

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
• Cut into squares for even portions.
• Garnish with extra Cool Whip, fresh strawberries, or toasted almonds for visual appeal.
• Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday celebrations.

Recipe Variations

1. Berry Heaven: Replace strawberries with mixed berry pie filling.
2. Chocolate Layered Version: Add a thin layer of chocolate pudding between cake layers.
3. Tropical Twist: Substitute pineapple pie filling for a sweet, tropical flavor.
4. Nut-Free Option: Omit almonds, or use seeds for added crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Angel Food Cake: Provides a light, airy base that absorbs fruit juices without becoming soggy. Its soft texture complements creamy layers beautifully.

Cream Cheese: Softened full-fat cream cheese creates richness and smooth texture in the pudding layer. Room temperature is critical to avoid lumps.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Layering: Evenly distribute cake and filling for consistent flavor in each bite.
• Cream Cheese: Beat thoroughly until smooth for a silky pudding layer.
• Chilling: Refrigeration is crucial to achieve the proper set and texture.
• Presentation: Add sliced almonds or fresh fruit just before serving for visual appeal.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture; fresh strawberries and Cool Whip can separate if frozen.
• Serving: Always serve chilled; avoid leaving at room temperature for extended periods.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	5g
Carbs	50g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, nut-free unless almonds added, contains dairy.

Expanded Conclusion

Heaven on Earth Cake lives up to its name, delivering a creamy, fruity, and luxurious dessert that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. The light angel food cake, layered with rich cream cheese pudding and sweet strawberries, topped with whipped cream and optional almonds, creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. With minimal hands-on time and make-ahead convenience, it’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat to enjoy any time. Save this recipe, share with loved ones, and indulge in a slice of heavenly dessert that’s sure to delight every palate.

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