Heaven on Earth Cake

Heaven on Earth Cake is a dreamy dessert that combines layers of whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and pineapple, all topped with a delightful mix of crushed graham crackers and toasted coconut. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any special occasion, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will melt in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is like a tropical vacation in every bite! The light, fluffy vanilla cake is complemented by the creamy, pineapple-infused pudding and topped with a crunchy, coconutty finish. It’s a no-bake dessert (other than the cake itself), which makes it easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just craving something sweet, this cake delivers a sweet, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box vanilla cake mix

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup whipped cream

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the vanilla cake according to the instructions on the box. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and let it cool completely.

In a separate bowl, mix the instant vanilla pudding with milk according to the package directions. Once the pudding is set, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.

Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then carefully fold it into the pudding-pineapple mixture.

Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake.

In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and toasted coconut. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Variations

Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut directly into the pudding mixture for an extra coconut flavor.

Berry Bliss: Top the cake with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to give it a fruity finish.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the graham cracker and coconut topping for a crunchy texture.

Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free pudding mix and a sugar-free cake mix for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this cake is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. The flavors actually improve after resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight!

Related Recipes:

• HEAVEN CAKE
• Chocolate Heaven Cake
• Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake

FAQs

How long does the cake need to chill in the refrigerator?

I recommend refrigerating the cake for at least 2 hours, but letting it chill overnight will give the flavors even more time to meld and enhance.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

I like using canned pineapple for this recipe because it’s more convenient and already prepped, but fresh pineapple works well too. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly before using it in the pudding mixture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead. It needs to chill for a few hours, so preparing it a day in advance actually helps the flavors to come together even more.

Can I use a different cake flavor?

I’ve only tried this with vanilla cake, but other flavors like yellow cake or coconut cake would work beautifully with the creamy pudding and pineapple layers.

Is there a substitute for whipped cream?

If I don’t have whipped cream, I sometimes use a whipped topping like Cool Whip for a similar texture. However, fresh whipped cream does add a richer flavor.

Conclusion

Heaven on Earth Cake is a light, refreshing, and indulgent dessert that I absolutely love making for any occasion. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet pineapple, and a crunchy topping creates the perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to prepare, and it’s sure to be a hit wherever I serve it!