Introduction

Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious and refreshing dessert that combines light angel food cake with creamy vanilla pudding and sweet strawberries. It’s perfect for warm days or any time you want an impressive, no-bake treat with minimal effort.

A close-up of a slice of strawberry shortcake showing three layers of soft yellow cake. Between the cake layers are thick, fluffy white whipped cream and bright red sliced strawberries. On top, glossy strawberry slices form a neat layer, with some red syrup dripping down the sides. The cake has a light and creamy texture with juicy fruit visible inside, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16-ounce box angel food cake mix
21-ounce can strawberry pie filling
8-ounce block cream cheese
3.4-ounce box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix
1.5 cups whole milk
8-ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the angel food cake according to the package instructions. Once baked and cooled, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Place half of the cake cubes evenly in an un-greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
Step 3: Spread about two-thirds of the strawberry pie filling over the first layer of cake cubes.
Step 4: Add the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberry filling layer.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Mix in the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, and optional fresh lemon juice until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 7: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the layered cake and strawberry filling.
Step 8: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pudding layer has set.
Step 9: Before serving, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
Step 10: Spoon the remaining strawberry pie filling over the Cool Whip layer. Optionally, garnish with sliced almonds for added crunch and presentation.

Tips & Variations

For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the pudding mixture to brighten the flavor.
Try swapping strawberry pie filling for cherry or blueberry to mix up the fruit flavor.
Use refrigerated angel food cake if short on time, but fresh homemade or boxed is best for texture.
Toast the sliced almonds lightly before sprinkling to enhance their flavor and crunch.

Storage

Store Heaven on Earth Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may soften slightly but will remain delicious. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square slice of strawberry shortcake with three visible layers: the bottom and top layers are light, soft yellow cake, while the middle layer is thick white whipped cream mixed with slices of bright red strawberries. The top is covered with fluffy white whipped cream and arranged with halved strawberries that have a shiny glaze. Some strawberry syrup drips down the side. The slice sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. Prepare and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

You can substitute homemade whipped cream or any stabilized whipped topping if preferred. Just make sure to spread it on just before serving to maintain the light texture.