Introduction
Let me tell you something straight: sometimes you just want dessert without turning your kitchen into a war zone. Trust me, I’ve been there—standing in front of the oven, sweating through complicated baking projects that take hours. But then I discovered this Heaven on Earth Cake recipe, also known as Cherry Angel Trifle.
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It’s light. It’s creamy. It’s got that sweet-tart cherry goodness. And here’s the kicker: it’s a no-bake dessert that comes together in just minutes. Seriously, the hardest part is waiting while it chills in the fridge.
I first made this last summer for a family get-together. My mom was bringing her famous potato salad, my brother was on grill duty, and I figured dessert was on me. I didn’t wanna stress about a cheesecake cracking or cupcakes that might flop. So I pulled out this easy trifle. When I brought it to the table, everyone stopped mid-conversation. “What is that?” someone asked. By the time I went back to grab a spoon, the dish was already half gone. That’s when I knew I had a winner.
Ingredients
Here’s all you need for this Heaven on Earth Cake recipe:
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1–2 store-bought angel food cakes (or homemade if you’re ambitious)
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1 box (3.4 oz.) instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 ½ cups cold milk
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling (divided)
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1 container (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
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Almond slivers (for garnish, optional – toasted if you want extra crunch)
Directions for Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe
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Prepare Cake: Cube the angel food cake into bite-sized chunks.
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Make Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens slightly. Fold in the Greek yogurt.
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Layer First Half: Spread half of the cake cubes into a 9×13-inch dish. Spoon about ⅔ of the cherry pie filling over the cake.
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Layer Second Half: Add the remaining cake cubes on top. Pour the pudding mixture evenly across the cake, letting it sink into the gaps.
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Top It Off: Spread whipped topping across the pudding. Drizzle the remaining cherry pie filling decoratively. Sprinkle with almonds if you’re feeling fancy.
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Chill & Serve: Refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight is best) so the flavors come together. Serve cold and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
This recipe is crazy flexible. You can twist it a dozen different ways and it’ll still taste amazing.
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Use blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry.
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Swap vanilla pudding for lemon pudding for a citrusy vibe.
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Try a layer of crushed Oreos for extra texture.
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Add toasted coconut on top if you’re into tropical flavors.
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Make it patriotic: red cherries, blueberries, and white whipped topping = perfect for July 4th BBQs.
And if you’re into fruity desserts, you’ll love this Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Frappuccino — it’s creamy, refreshing, and just as crowd-pleasing.
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FAQ
Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, I recommend it. I’ve done this plenty of times before parties. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
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What if I don’t like cherries?
No problem at all. I’ve swapped in strawberry, blueberry, even peach pie filling. Trust me, it still turns out amazing. Use whatever fruit topping you like best.
Storage
This cake keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out.
I wouldn’t freeze it (whipped topping doesn’t thaw well), but honestly—it never lasts long enough around my family to worry about storage.
Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
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Chill Time: 3 hours
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Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
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Yield: 12 servings
Tools Used
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Large mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula
Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe for Easy Entertaining
When you need a dessert that looks impressive but takes almost no effort, this Heaven on Earth Cake recipe is the way to go. I’ve made it for birthdays, BBQs, potlucks—you name it. It never fails.
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And if you want more light, fruity ideas, try this Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe. It’s moist, tropical, and just as simple.
Why This Cherry Angel Trifle Works
The secret is in the layers. Angel food cake soaks up the creamy pudding, while the tart cherries cut through the sweetness. The whipped topping makes it all feel light as air.
Last Fourth of July, I made this instead of my usual cheesecake. I thought people might miss the cheesecake, but nope—the trifle dish was empty before the burgers were gone. That’s the kind of recipe you can count on.
If you love learning more about trifles and layered desserts, Delish has some amazing inspiration too.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, dessert shouldn’t be stressful. This Heaven on Earth Cake (Cherry Angel Trifle) is proof that you can whip up something impressive in minutes. It’s colorful, it’s creamy, and it’s downright irresistible.
So next time you need a quick dessert that everyone will rave about, give this recipe a try. Trust me… you’re gonna love it.

Heaven on Earth Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cube cake into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix pudding with milk, fold in yogurt.
- Layer half cake, then ⅔ of cherry filling.
- Add rest of cake cubes, pour pudding mix over.
- Spread whipped topping evenly.
- Drizzle remaining cherry filling decoratively.
- Sprinkle with almonds.
- Chill at least 3 hours (overnight preferred).
- Serve cold.
Notes