Heaven on Earth Cake

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is indulgent without being too heavy. The angel food cake is airy and light, while the vanilla pudding mixture adds a creamy, smooth texture. The addition of sour cream brings a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness and making it absolutely irresistible. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just when you’re in the mood for something sweet!

Ingredients

• 1 box Angel food cake mix (or 1 prepared Angel Food Cake)
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup sour cream

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

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Bake the angel food cake: If using a boxed angel food cake mix, follow the package instructions to prepare and bake the cake. If you already have a prepared angel food cake, you can skip this step.
2. Cool the cake: Once baked, allow the angel food cake to cool completely. If you used a boxed mix, cool the cake in the pan as directed.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Make the vanilla pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups of milk. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the sour cream: Fold in the sour cream to the pudding mixture and stir until smooth and creamy. This will give the filling a rich and tangy flavor.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Cut the cake: Once the angel food cake has cooled, slice it into bite-sized pieces or tear it into chunks.
2. Layer the cake and pudding: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, layer the angel food cake pieces and the pudding mixture. Start with a layer of cake, then add a layer of pudding. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
3. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up the creamy filling.

Serve:

1. Garnish (optional): Before serving, you can garnish the cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added flavor and a decorative touch.
2. Serve chilled: Serve the Heaven on Earth Cake chilled and enjoy the creamy, light goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Total time: 2.5 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Add fruit: Layer the cake with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for added sweetness and color.
• Add a topping: Top with whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it a layered dessert: Instead of mixing the pudding and sour cream, layer them separately for a different texture and visual effect.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Heaven on Earth Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This cake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just serve straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually gets better the longer it sits, as the flavors have more time to meld together. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties or family gatherings.

Can I use homemade angel food cake?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make homemade angel food cake, go ahead and use that instead of a store-bought version. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before assembling the cake.

Can I use other flavors of pudding?

Yes! While vanilla pudding is traditional, you can use other flavors like chocolate, banana, or even cheesecake for a unique twist on the dessert.

Can I freeze this cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze the cake, as the texture of the angel food cake may change, and the pudding mixture may separate once thawed. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh or after being refrigerated for a few days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Since the angel food cake mix typically contains gluten, you would need to find a gluten-free version of angel food cake mix or make the cake from scratch using gluten-free ingredients to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Heaven on Earth Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its light angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and tangy sour cream filling, this treat is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Plus, it’s so easy to make and perfect for preparing ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet homemade treat.

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