Are you in search of a dessert that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also is a breeze to prepare? Look no further than the exquisitely delectable “Heaven on Earth Cake.” This delightful dessert is a perfect blend of fluffy angel food cake, rich vanilla pudding, creamy cool whip, and luscious cherry pie filling. Its ease of preparation and heavenly taste make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients:
1 Prepared Angel Food Cake: The base of our heavenly cake, angel food cake is known for its airy and light texture.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces): This adds a creamy and rich flavor that perfectly complements the lightness of the angel food cake.
1 ½ Cups Milk: This helps to achieve the ideal consistency of the pudding.
1 Cup Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: Either of these ingredients will add a delightful creaminess and a slight tang to the pudding layer.
½ Teaspoon Almond Extract: This enhances the flavor profile with a hint of nutty sweetness.
1 Can Cherry Pie Filling (20 ounces): The cherry on top, quite literally! It adds a fruity and slightly tart dimension to the cake.
1 Container Cool Whip (8 ounces): For a fluffy and smooth topping that melts in your mouth.
1 Tablespoon Toasted Almond Slices (optional): These provide a delightful crunch and an elegant finish.
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Start by cutting the angel food cake into cubes. This makes it easier to layer and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Whisk the Pudding Mix: In a bowl, combine the pudding mix, milk, sour cream, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Layering: In a 13×9 baking dish, create a layer with half of the cake cubes. Over this, spoon three-quarters of the cherry pie filling.
- Repeat: Add another layer of cake cubes. Pour the pudding mixture over this layer, ensuring it spreads evenly.
- Top it Off: Gently spoon the Cool Whip over the pudding layer. Add dollops of the remaining pie filling for a gorgeous topping.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for the flavors to develop fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almond slices on top for an added crunch and visual appeal.
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Nutritional Information and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Kcal and Servings: Varies depending on portion sizes
Serving and Storage Tips for Heaven on Earth Cake
Serving Heaven on Earth Cake
- Ideal Temperature: This cake is best served chilled. Take it out of the refrigerator just before serving to maintain its delightful texture and freshness.
- Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve the cake on a colorful plate or a crystal-clear dish to showcase its beautiful layers. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few fresh berries for an extra pop of color.
- Portion Size: Since this cake is quite rich, smaller servings are recommended. A standard slice or a square portion would suffice to satisfy your sweet cravings without being overwhelming.
- Pairing: Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of the beverage complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Storing Heaven on Earth Cake
- Refrigeration: Always store the Heaven on Earth Cake in the refrigerator. Due to its dairy components like milk, sour cream, and Cool Whip, it’s crucial to keep it chilled to prevent spoilage.
- Covering: Use an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents the cake from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator and also keeps it moist.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, this cake can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for optimal freshness and taste.
- Freezing: Although freezing is not recommended due to the cake’s delicate texture and layers, if you must freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Always use a clean knife or cake server when cutting a slice. This is especially important if you’re serving the cake over several days to keep it fresh.
- Serving a Crowd: If serving at a large gathering, consider pre-slicing the cake and arranging the slices on a serving tray for easy access.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Heaven on Earth Cake remains as heavenly as the day you made it, delighting your palate every time you indulge in a slice.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cake instead of angel food cake?
Absolutely! While angel food cake is preferred for its light and airy texture, you can substitute it with a sponge cake or even a white or yellow cake if desired. The key is to choose a cake that can absorb the pudding mixture well without becoming too soggy.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier or lower in calories?
Yes, you can make a few healthier substitutions. Use low-fat or fat-free milk instead of whole milk, opt for a light or fat-free Cool Whip, and choose low-fat or fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt. For the cherry pie filling, look for a no-sugar-added version. These substitutions can help reduce the overall calorie count.
3. How do I store the Heaven on Earth Cake if I have leftovers?
Leftover cake should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last up to 5 days in the fridge. Remember, the fresher it is, the better it tastes, so it’s best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days.
4. Can I prepare Heaven on Earth Cake ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes better when allowed to chill overnight as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just prepare it as per the recipe and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Add the garnish of toasted almonds just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Conclusion: A Heavenly Treat for Any Occasion
The “Heaven on Earth Cake” is a must-try for anyone who loves a dessert that is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Its combination of fluffy cake, creamy pudding, and tangy cherry pie filling, topped off with a light Cool Whip layer, makes it a universal crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience. So, why wait? Dive into the heavenly flavors of this exquisite dessert and let your taste buds rejoice!
📖 Recipe
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Heaven on Earth Cake
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: Varies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the divine taste of Heaven on Earth Cake, an exquisite dessert that combines fluffy angel food cake with creamy vanilla pudding, luscious cherry pie filling, and a light Cool Whip topping. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a heavenly blend of textures and flavors that will delight your guests. Follow this simple recipe for a dessert that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
1 Prepared Angel Food Cake
1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces)
1 ½ cups Milk
1 cup Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
½ teaspoon Almond Extract
1 can Cherry Pie Filling (20 ounces)
1 container Cool Whip (8 ounces)
1 Tablespoon Toasted Almond Slices (optional)
Instructions
- Cut angel food cake into cubes and set aside.
- Whisk together pudding mix, milk, sour cream, and almond extract. Set aside.
- In a 13×9 baking dish, layer half of the cake cubes. Spoon 3/4 of the cherry pie filling over the cake.
- Repeat with the remaining cake layer. Pour pudding mixture over, spreading evenly.
- Top with Cool Whip and the remaining pie filling.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight. Sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.
Notes
Substitute low-fat ingredients for a healthier version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook, Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
