Using store-bought angel food cake, cherry pie filling, instant vanilla pudding mix, and whipped topping, this easy, no-bake heaven on earth cake is a delicious luscious layered cake!

A slice of heaven on earth cake on a white plate with a gold fork.

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A Retro Heavenly Cake Recipe

This heaven on earth cake recipe is a beloved throwback dessert that tastes just like something my Grandma would bring to a church potluck. If you love layered desserts like no-bake strawberry ice box cake, lemon lasagna recipe, or my Oreo dirt cake recipe, you’ll love it!

It’s one of the easiest treats for spring and summer but if you prefer to add a homemade touch you can certainly use my angel food cake recipe, make your own cherry pie filling, or even homemade Cool Whip.

Heaven on earth cake in a white baking dish.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Heaven on earth dessert is easy and impressive, perfect for potlucks and special occasions.
  • You can swap the cherry pie filling for a different flavor every time! A strawberry filling is also delicious!

Ingredients Notes

Angel food cake, whipped cream, cherry pie filling, sour cream and sliced almonds on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Angel food cake: If you plan to bake it yourself, make sure it’s completely cooled first. Otherwise, pick up a prepared cake from your local grocery store.
  • Vanilla instant pudding mix: When combined with milk, sour cream, and almond extract, it makes a deliciously creamy layer.
  • Cherry pie filling: No need to do anything with it, just open the can!
  • Cool Whip: Thaw it completely beforehand.
  • You’ll also need: Whole milk, sour cream, almond extract, and slivered almonds.

How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake

Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into 1-inch cubes. Layer half of them into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Then, spread half of the cherry pie filling over the cake and top with the remaining cake cubes.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the pudding mix, milk, sour cream, and almond extract until combined, smooth and it starts to thicken.

Once thickened, spread the pudding layer evenly over the angel food cake. Spread Cool Whip over that, and then dollop the remaining pie filling over top. Use a spoon to gently swirl the pie filling over the whipped topping.

Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, even better if it’s overnight. Sprinkle with sliced almonds just before serving.

Recipe Tips

  • This is the perfect make ahead dessert, as heavenly angel food cake tastes even better once the flavors have had a chance to marry overnight.
  • Remember, it’s instant pudding you want. Not the cook and serve!
  • Sliced almonds are great for garnish and pair well with the almond extract, but they’re completely optional. Fresh mint leaves can also be added!
  • Make a semi-homemade cake, by using boxed angel food cake mix if you wish.

Either way, you’ll discover exactly why each bite of this no bake dessert is a heavenly cake recipe!

Close up of heaven on earth cake on a plate.
A slice of heaven on earth cake on a plate.

Heaven on Earth Cake

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Using store-bought angel food cake, cherry pie filling, instant vanilla pudding mix, and Cool Whip, this easy, no-bake heaven on earth cake is a delicious luscious layered cake!

Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 Angel Food Cake , prepared
  • 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix , 3.4 ounces
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 can cherry pie filling , 21 ounces
  • 1 container cool whip , 8 ounces
  • 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds , optional

Instructions

  • Cube the angel food cake: Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Place half the cake into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan.
  • Layer the cherry pie filling: Spread half of the cherry pie filling over the cake.
  • Add another cake layer: Place the reaming cake cubes evenly over the cherry pie filling.
  • Make cream: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 package pudding mix, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until well combined and smooth. It may take up to one or two minutes for it to thicken a bit.
  • Spread pudding mix: Evenly spread the pudding mixture over the angel food cake.
  • Add cool whip and cherries: Spread the cool whip over the top of the cake. Dollop the rest of the cherry pie filling over the cool whip and gently swirl it with a spoon over the cool whip.
  • Refrigerate: Chill the cake in the fridge for 4 hours, or overnight. Sprinkle with sliced almonds before serving, if desired.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

*Angel food cake: If you make your own, make sure it is completely cooled before cutting up.
*This is the perfect cake to make ahead of time as the flavors love developing overnight in the fridge.
*Try using a different flavor of pie filling! 
*Cool whip replacement: If you don’t want to use cool whip, make your own with 1.5 cups whipping cream and 1/4 cups powdered sugar.  Whip with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 236mg, Potassium: 188mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 303IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 109mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Substitutions and Variations

  • You can omit the slivered almonds for garnish or use walnuts or pecans instead.
  • Use a different flavor of pie filling. Blueberry, strawberry, peach pie filling or even apple pie filling would be amazing during the cooler months.
  • Swap the angel food cake for a vanilla sponge cake or pound cake.
  • Make a stabilized whipped cream by beating 1.5 cups of whipping cream and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.

Recipe FAQs

How long can I store leftovers?

Keep any remaining heaven on earth cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze it?

I don’t recommend it. Not to worry, you probably won’t have any left to freeze!