If you’re hunting for the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s as heavenly as it sounds, the Heaven on Earth Cake might just be your new favorite. This easy trifle recipe brings together fluffy cake cubes, pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping in delicious layers that melt in your mouth. It’s a no-fuss, showstopper dessert that’s perfect for parties, BBQs, potlucks—or whenever your sweet tooth calls. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to make it, different variations, storage hacks, and answer top trending questions like what is Lemon Heaven Cake or Hummingbird cake recette.
Don’t miss our chocolate mug cake recipe for another quick and cozy dessert idea!
What Is Heaven on Earth Cake and Why Everyone Loves It
The Origins and Popularity of Heaven on Earth Cake
While it might sound like a bakery’s secret menu item, the Heaven on Earth Cake is a home kitchen masterpiece.
It gets its name because of its heavenly blend of textures and flavors—soft cake, creamy pudding, fruity filling, and whipped topping. It’s a twist on the classic trifle, but with even more crowd-pleasing charm. Popularized through viral Pinterest recipes and community potlucks, this dessert has become a go-to for no-bake lovers.
Unlike typical trifles, this dessert doesn’t require soaking the cake in alcohol or hours of chilling. The magic lies in layering store-bought or homemade angel food cake or pound cake with easy-to-whip ingredients. Plus, no oven required!
What Makes It Different from Other No-Bake Cakes
Most no-bake cakes rely heavily on cream cheese, graham crackers, or gelatin. The Heaven on Earth Cake, however, is lighter and fluffier thanks to cake cubes instead of dense crusts or cookie bases. It combines:
Cubed cake (typically angel food or vanilla sponge)
Cherry pie filling
Vanilla or French vanilla pudding
Cool Whip or stabilized whipped cream
Almond slices (optional for garnish)
The result? A sweet, creamy, airy dessert that looks impressive but takes under 15 minutes to assemble. Discover great ideas like our pineapple upside down bundt cake if you love visually stunning desserts.
Nutritional Overview: Is It Light or Decadent?
Here’s a basic breakdown for a standard 1-cup serving of traditional Heaven on Earth Cake:
| Ingredient | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cake cubes | 140–160 | Use angel food for lighter calorie count |
| Pudding mix | 100–120 | Lower fat versions available |
| Cherry pie filling | 90–110 | Use no sugar added for healthier choice |
| Cool Whip | 50–60 | Can substitute with Greek yogurt |
| Total | ~400–450 | Can be reduced with substitutions |
While it’s not a low-calorie treat, it’s lighter than most cheesecakes or layered desserts. Substitutions and fruit choices allow for customization to dietary needs.
LSI & NLP Keywords Used in This Section
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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Heaven on Earth Cake (No-Bake Trifle)
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the classic Heaven on Earth Cake, you don’t need any fancy tools or complicated ingredients. Here’s your no-fail list:
1 pre-made angel food cake (or homemade, cut into cubes)
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 package of vanilla pudding mix (or French vanilla for a deeper flavor)
2 cups of cold milk (for the pudding)
1 container of Cool Whip or whipped topping (about 8 oz)
Toasted sliced almonds (optional for garnish)
Glass trifle bowl or 9×13-inch pan
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the cherry filling for blueberry, strawberry, or even lemon curd. Looking for inspiration? Try our ice cream sundae ideas to explore more fruity dessert variations.
Step 1: Cut the Cake Into Fluffy Cubes
Start by slicing your angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Don’t compress them—just use a serrated knife to keep the light texture intact. This is the foundation of the cake’s airy structure.
Tip: If you’re using pound cake or sponge cake instead, make sure it’s not too dense. The fluffier, the better!
Step 2: Whisk the Pudding to Creamy Perfection
In a mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Let it sit for another minute to set. This creamy layer ties the whole dessert together.
Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest.
Step 3: Layer Like a Pro
Now it’s time to build your cake:
Start with a generous layer of cake cubes at the bottom.
Spoon over half of the cherry pie filling.
Drizzle half the pudding over the top.
Repeat the layers: cake, cherry filling, pudding.
Finish with a thick layer of whipped topping.
Sprinkle toasted almonds on top for crunch and visual flair.
Don’t press the layers too hard—you want them to stay airy and fluffy.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the pudding and fruit flavors to soak gently into the cake cubes without making them soggy. The longer it chills, the better it gets!
For best results, make it the night before a party. It holds beautifully overnight and serves up like a dream.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Hacks
Fridge: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the whipped topping and pudding texture.
Make-Ahead: Prepare layers separately and assemble a few hours before serving for maximum freshness.
Bonus: For individual servings, use mason jars or dessert cups. This makes it perfect for portion control and portable treats.
Expert Tip: Custom Trifle Variations
Try swapping out the cake or fillings to invent your own “heavenly” creation:
| Variation | Swap This | With This |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Heaven Cake | Vanilla pudding | Lemon pudding |
| Tropical Delight | Cherry filling | Pineapple tidbits & coconut |
| Chocolate Bliss | Angel food cake | Chocolate sponge cake |
| Berry Heaven | Cherry | Mixed berry compote |
If you love flavor fusion, don’t miss our dubai chocolate cheesecake bars for another global dessert twist!
Heaven on Earth Cake (No-Bake Trifle)
- Total Time: 2 h 15 min
Description
This no-bake Heaven on Earth Cake is a dreamy layered dessert made with fluffy cake cubes, creamy vanilla pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping. Easy to assemble and perfect for potlucks, holidays, and lazy nights—this trifle is light, sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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1 angel food cake (store-bought or homemade), cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
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1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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2 cups cold milk
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1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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¼ cup toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
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Cut the Cake: Slice the angel food cake into fluffy 1-inch cubes.
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Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it sit and thicken for 1–2 minutes.
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Layer the Dessert:
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In a large trifle bowl or 9×13-inch glass dish, layer half of the cake cubes.
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Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake.
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Spread half of the vanilla pudding over the filling.
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Repeat the layers: remaining cake cubes, cherry filling, and pudding.
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Top It Off: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the final layer.
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Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted almonds if desired.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
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Use lemon pudding and lemon pie filling for a citrus twist.
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Want a chocolate version? Swap in brownies and chocolate pudding!
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For individual servings, layer the ingredients in mason jars or cups.
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For extra flair, drizzle a bit of almond extract into your pudding mix.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 2 h
Flavor Variations and Delicious Twists on the Classic Heaven on Earth Cake
Lemon Heaven Cake: A Zesty Favorite
Lemon lovers, rejoice! A wildly popular variation is the Lemon Heaven Cake—a refreshing take that swaps the cherry pie filling with tangy lemon curd or lemon pie filling, and uses lemon pudding instead of vanilla. The result is a citrus-forward, sunshine-bright dessert perfect for spring and summer.
How to Make It:
Use lemon-flavored angel food cake (or plain)
Substitute cherry pie filling with 1 can of lemon pie filling
Replace vanilla pudding with instant lemon pudding
Add a sprinkle of crushed lemon cookies on top for added crunch
This version pairs beautifully with blueberries or raspberries if you want a bit more contrast in color and taste.
💡 Don’t miss our zesty cheez-it peanut butter and chocolate recipe if you’re into unique sweet-salty combos!
Chocolate Lovers’ Heaven on Earth Cake
For chocoholics, there’s an indulgent twist that uses chocolate sponge cake or brownies instead of angel food cake. Add chocolate pudding, hot fudge sauce, and maybe even a few chocolate chips.
Build It Like This:
Start with cubes of chocolate cake or leftover brownies
Drizzle in some warm chocolate fudge or ganache
Alternate layers with chocolate pudding and whipped topping
Garnish with Oreo crumbles or chocolate curls
This becomes a rich, creamy version of a chocolate trifle—heavenly and deeply satisfying.
Berry Heaven on Earth Cake
Looking for a berry twist? Mix together strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry pie fillings to create a Mixed Berry Trifle version of Heaven on Earth Cake.
You can use:
Strawberry cake or vanilla cake as the base
Mixed berry preserves or fresh fruit
Classic vanilla or French vanilla pudding
Top with sliced almonds and a drizzle of honey for that gourmet bakery touch.
Tropical Paradise Version
Want a vacation in a dish? Try this tropical variation:
Angel food cake cubes
Crushed pineapple (drained)
Coconut cream pudding
Whipped topping
Top with toasted coconut flakes and sliced bananas
It’s like a beach vacation layered into a bowl. Try this with mango or papaya for an exotic spin.
Hummingbird Cake Recette Inspired Variation
Inspired by the Southern classic, this twist includes banana, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Use banana cake or spice cake as your base.
Ingredients:
Spice cake cubes
Vanilla or banana pudding
Crushed pineapple
Sliced bananas
Whipped topping and toasted pecans
It’s sweet, nutty, fruity—and deeply comforting. Like banana bread in dessert trifle form.
Discover more nostalgic recipes like our soft buttery delight Madeline cookies for your tea table.
Comparison Table: Heaven on Earth Cake Variations
| Variation Name | Key Flavor | Filling | Cake Base | Garnish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Vanilla-Cherry | Cherry Pie | Angel Food | Almond Slices |
| Lemon Heaven | Lemon | Lemon Pie | Lemon Cake | Lemon Cookie Crumbs |
| Chocolate Bliss | Chocolate | Hot Fudge | Brownie/Choc Cake | Choco Chips |
| Berry Mix | Berry | Mixed Berries | Vanilla Cake | Honey |
| Tropical | Coconut-Pineapple | Crushed Pineapple | Angel Food | Coconut Flakes |
| Hummingbird | Banana-Pineapple | Banana, Pineapple | Spice Cake | Pecans |
Each one offers a different sensory experience while keeping the no-bake simplicity intact.
How to Serve, Store, and Transport Heaven on Earth Cake Like a Pro
The Best Ways to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake
This no-bake trifle is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a showstopper when presented right. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, potluck, bridal shower, or just serving it at home for family night, how you serve it can take it from casual to classy.
Serving Options:
Classic Trifle Bowl – Transparent sides show off the gorgeous layers. Looks fancy, feels homemade.
9×13 Glass Dish – Great for casual or large gatherings. Easier to slice and serve.
Mini Cups or Mason Jars – Ideal for single servings at parties or events. Plus, no mess!
Parfait Glasses – Make dessert feel upscale with tall narrow glasses layered beautifully.
Tip: Sprinkle the topping fresh before serving if you want that toasted almond crunch to pop.
💡 Hosting a dessert party? Don’t miss our ice cream sundae ideas to pair with your trifle creations.
How to Store Heaven on Earth Cake (And Keep It Fresh)
One of the best things about this cake is how well it stores—making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy planners. Here’s what you need to know:
Refrigerator Storage:
Shelf life: 3 days maximum
Container: Store in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Separation Tip: If you’re preparing ahead, you can keep the cake cubes, pudding, and whipped topping separate and assemble a few hours before serving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing?
❌ Not recommended. Pudding and whipped topping tend to break texture and turn watery when thawed.
Instead, prep the dry parts (cake cubes stored in a ziplock) and wet parts (pudding mix and fruit stored separately) and assemble just before serving.
Transporting Heaven on Earth Cake Without Ruining It
Planning to take your trifle to a family picnic, potluck, or road trip? Here’s how to move it safely:
Use the Right Container:
Trifle bowl with lid – Make sure it seals tight.
Glass baking dish with snap-on cover – Works perfectly for long rides.
Mason jars or parfait cups – These are spill-proof and look fancy.
Chill Before Travel:
Refrigerate at least 2–3 hours before transport.
Use insulated cooler bags with ice packs if you’re going on a longer trip.
Packing Tips:
Use non-slip shelf liners under the container inside your cooler to prevent sliding.
Bring extra garnishes like almonds or cookie crumbles in a separate bag and sprinkle right before serving.
💡 If you’re building a full dessert table, pair this treat with others like our pineapple upside down bundt cake for a retro sweet selection.
Serving Tips for Special Diets
Want to make it more inclusive for all your guests? Try these smart swaps:
| Dietary Need | Swap This | For This |
|---|---|---|
| Low Sugar | Regular pudding | Sugar-free pudding |
| Gluten-Free | Angel food cake | GF sponge cake |
| Dairy-Free | Cool Whip | Coconut whip or cashew cream |
| Vegan | Milk, pudding, cake | Almond milk, vegan pudding, eggless cake |
It’s easier than ever to adapt this dessert to dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Heaven Cake made of?
Lemon Heaven Cake is a variation of the Heaven on Earth Cake that uses lemon-flavored pudding, lemon pie filling, and either plain or lemon cake cubes. It’s known for its bright citrus flavor and pairs beautifully with berries and whipped cream.
How is Hummingbird cake different from Heaven on Earth Cake?
Hummingbird cake is a traditional Southern baked cake made with bananas, pineapple, and nuts, whereas Heaven on Earth Cake is a no-bake layered trifle dessert made with fluffy cake cubes, pudding, and whipped topping. However, you can create a Hummingbird-inspired version of Heaven on Earth Cake by layering those same flavors.
Heaven on Earth Cake is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing favorite that requires no oven, no baking skills, and minimal effort. Whether you’re going with the classic cherry version or mixing it up with lemon, chocolate, or tropical twists, this trifle delivers maximum flavor with minimal work.
This cake is perfect for summer parties, birthdays, holidays, and any time you want something sweet without turning on the oven. Use our serving tips, variation ideas, and storage tricks to make sure your Heaven on Earth Cake is always a divine experience.
Don’t miss our other easy recipes like the cheez-it peanut butter and chocolate dessert for more no-bake inspirations!
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