Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heaven on Earth Cake is the perfect combination of light and creamy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The fluffy angel food cake layers soak up the creamy vanilla pudding, creating a heavenly contrast. The fruit topping adds a burst of freshness and sweetness, making each bite perfectly balanced. This dessert is incredibly easy to make, and since it’s no-bake, it saves time while still offering a show-stopping presentation. It’s a great dessert for any event or just a simple, indulgent treat at home.

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 store-bought angel food cake (or homemade, if preferred)
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (5.1 oz) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the pudding:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Follow the instructions on the box, and allow the pudding to set for about 5 minutes. It should thicken up and be creamy.

2. Prepare the whipped cream:

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this. Once whipped, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. This will give the pudding a light, fluffy texture.

3. Prepare the angel food cake:

Slice the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the pieces in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Layer the cake and pudding:

Evenly spread the pudding mixture over the angel food cake, making sure the cake is completely covered with the creamy pudding.
Spread the drained crushed pineapple on top of the pudding layer.

5. Chill the cake:

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to soak up the pudding and pineapple.

6. Garnish and serve:

Before serving, garnish the top of the cake with shredded coconut and chopped nuts, if desired, for an extra touch of texture and flavor.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Berry Heaven on Earth Cake: Add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries instead of the pineapple for a berry-filled version.
Chocolate Version: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla pudding and layer with chocolate shavings or chips for a more indulgent treat.
Nuts & Caramel: Top the cake with chopped pecans, walnuts, or even drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
Coconut Milk Version: Use coconut milk in place of regular milk and top with toasted coconut for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Heaven on Earth Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture of the whipped cream may change slightly when thawed. Be sure to cover it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes! You can use chocolate pudding or even banana pudding if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure to use the instant variety for the best texture.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you’ll need to finely chop it and drain the juice before layering it on the cake. Make sure there’s no excess liquid to prevent the dessert from getting soggy.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. The flavors develop more as it sits in the fridge overnight, making it even more delicious. You can prepare it the day before you plan to serve it.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free angel food cake or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure that the pudding mix and any other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of cake?

If you don’t have an angel food cake, you can substitute it with sponge cake, pound cake, or even a graham cracker crust. The angel food cake adds a light, airy texture, but any cake will work for this dessert.

Conclusion

Heaven on Earth Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion—refreshing, indulgent, and easy to prepare. The combination of creamy pudding, fluffy angel food cake, and juicy fruit makes this a dessert that will delight everyone. With its versatility and simple preparation, it’s the perfect sweet treat to bring to gatherings or enjoy with family and friends. Try this recipe today, and let the layers of flavor transport you straight to “heaven”!