Description
Heaven on Earth Cake blends creamy textures with luscious fruit and airy layers for a divine dessert experience. Californian pastry chefs perfected this sublime treat that promises pure indulgence with each delightful bite you savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) cold milk
- 1 cup (240 g / 8.5 oz) sour cream
- 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) sliced almonds
- Fresh cherries
- Additional whipped topping
Instructions
- Pudding Preparation: Whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until thick and smooth, then fold in sour cream to create a rich, creamy base that will serve as the cake’s luxurious binding element.
- First Layering: In a rectangular baking dish, spread half of the angel food cake cubes to form a light, airy foundation, creating an even base that will absorb the upcoming flavors.
- Cherry Infusion: Distribute cherry pie filling across the cake layer, ensuring complete coverage that will provide vibrant bursts of fruity essence throughout the dessert.
- Initial Pudding Layer: Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture over the cherry layer, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface that connects the cake and fruit elements.
- Secondary Layering: Add the remaining cake cubes as a second tier, carefully positioning them to maintain a consistent texture and structure.
- Final Fruit and Cream Application: Top the cake layer with remaining cherry pie filling, then complete the dessert by drizzling the final pudding mixture, covering every surface to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Whipped Topping Finale: Generously cover the entire dessert with whipped topping, transforming the cake into an ethereal, cloud-like creation that promises indulgence.
- Chilling and Setting: Wrap the dish in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and the cake to set into a perfect, cohesive dessert.
- Presentation and Serving: Before serving, sprinkle sliced almonds on top and optionally garnish with fresh cherries or an extra dollop of whipped topping, then slice and serve this heavenly confection.
Notes
- Chill for Best Texture: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and achieve a perfect, soft consistency that enhances the dessert’s overall taste and texture.
- Prevent Cake Sogginess: Cut angel food cake into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even absorption of pudding and cherry filling, maintaining the cake’s delicate structure and preventing mushy layers.
- Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry for a unique twist, or swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the dessert.
- Dietary Adaptation Options: Make the cake gluten-free by using gluten-free angel food cake, or create a low-sugar version by selecting sugar-free pudding mix and pie filling to accommodate various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg