Some desserts are good. Some are great. And then there are those rare creations that make everyone at the table go quiet after the first bite, eyes wide, forks paused mid-air.
This is that dessert.
Often called Heaven on Earth Cake or Cherry Angel Trifle, this no-bake masterpiece layers pillowy angel food cake, creamy vanilla-yogurt pudding, sweet-tart cherry pie filling, and a cloud of whipped topping into something so elegant, so effortless, you’ll wonder why you ever turned on the oven in the first place.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, attending a potluck, or simply treating yourself on a warm summer day, this dessert delivers pure joy with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
- No baking required
- Perfect for warm weather
- Light, fluffy, and fruity
- Beautiful presentation in a trifle dish or casserole pan
- Crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but takes minutes to assemble
Heaven on Earth Cake (aka Cherry Angel Trifle)
Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 3+ hours (or overnight)
Total time: ~3.5 hours
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Angel food cake (store-bought or homemade) | 1 to 2 cakes (depending on size) |
| Instant vanilla pudding mix | 1 (3.4 oz) package |
| Cold milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1 cup |
| Cherry pie filling | 1 (21 oz) can, divided |
| Frozen whipped topping, thawed | 1 (8 oz) container |
| Slivered almonds (optional) | For garnish (toasted is best) |
Instructions:
1. Prep the Cake
Cut your angel food cake into bite-sized cubes—roughly 1 to 2 inches each. Set aside. (If you’re using two smaller cakes, you may not need all of both.)
2. Mix the Pudding Layer
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it starts to thicken.
Then fold in the Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and velvety.
The yogurt adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and gives the dessert a richer texture.
3. First Layer of Goodness
In a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a large trifle bowl), layer half of the angel food cake cubes evenly across the bottom.
Spoon about two-thirds of the cherry pie filling over the cake cubes. Spread it gently with the back of a spoon or spatula.
4. Second Cake Layer
Layer the remaining cake cubes over the cherry layer. It’s okay if things look a little rustic—this dessert is meant to be casual and comforting.
5. Pour the Pudding
Carefully pour the pudding-yogurt mixture over the top of the cake, using a spatula to coax it into all the nooks and crannies between the cubes.
You want that creamy layer to seep in and coat everything just right.
6. Top It Off
Spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer in a smooth, even blanket.
Spoon the remaining 1/3 can of cherry pie filling across the top in swirls or dollops—this creates a gorgeous marbled look when you serve it.
Sprinkle with slivered almonds. If you have time, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This brings out their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
7. Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Overnight is even better, allowing the cake to fully absorb the flavors and become tender and trifle-like.
When ready to serve, scoop generously into bowls or dessert glasses.
Variations and Add-Ons
Once you master the base recipe, try mixing things up:
- Switch the fruit: Use blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different twist.
- Add a layer of crushed pineapple: For tropical flair, mix drained crushed pineapple into the pudding mixture.
- Chocolate version: Swap in chocolate pudding and use chocolate shavings on top.
- Lemon-lovers: Use lemon pudding with whipped topping and lemon curd for a bright, zesty finish.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let it chill: Don’t rush the refrigeration—it’s what transforms this dessert from layered cake to creamy trifle.
- Use fresh cake: Slightly stale angel food cake can work, but avoid anything too dry.
- Use real whipped cream: If you want a more decadent touch, replace the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream.
- Make ahead: Assemble it the night before for the best texture and stress-free hosting.
A Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
This Heaven on Earth Cake is so much more than layers—it’s comfort, it’s celebration, it’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes and has people asking for the recipe before they’ve finished their plate.
Make it once, and it’ll quickly become your go-to for birthdays, potlucks, and “just because” days.
Because every now and then, we all need a dessert that feels like home—light, sweet, and lovingly easy.