Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of moist cake, creamy pudding, and sweet strawberries, this treat is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party or enjoying it as a simple family dessert, this cake is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Dessert: Perfect for warm days when you don’t want to use the oven.
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
- Light and Refreshing: A perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
- Great for Make-Ahead: Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, parties, and gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Angel food cake
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Strawberry pie filling
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the base: Cut the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes.
- Make the pudding mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble the layers: In a 9×13-inch dish, layer half of the cake cubes, followed by half of the strawberry pie filling, and half of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread whipped topping evenly over the final layer.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Berry Mix: Swap strawberry pie filling for a mix of berries.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate shavings or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest for a bright citrus touch.
- Cream Cheese Addition: Blend cream cheese into the pudding mixture for extra richness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for a bit of crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture.
- Make-Ahead: This cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake?
Yes, pound cake or sponge cake can be used instead of angel food cake.
Is there a way to make this dessert lighter?
Use sugar-free pudding, low-fat milk, and a light whipped topping to reduce calories.
Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries cooked with sugar and cornstarch make a great homemade alternative.
How long does this cake need to chill?
At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for full flavor development.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you may need to add a bit of sugar and let them macerate for a juicier texture.
What can I serve with this cake?
It pairs well with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fruit syrup.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How do I prevent the cake from getting too soggy?
Layering carefully and not overloading with too much liquid helps maintain texture.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes, layer ingredients in small cups or jars for a fun, portable treat.
Is this cake overly sweet?
The balance of pudding, sour cream, and fruit keeps it from being too sweet, but you can adjust the sugar if needed.
Conclusion
Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that delivers heavenly flavor in every bite. With its creamy layers, fluffy cake, and sweet strawberries, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat is sure to become a family favorite!
PrintStrawberry Heaven on Earth Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and creamy no-bake dessert made with angel food cake, vanilla pudding, sweet strawberries, and whipped topping. It’s the perfect summer treat!
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought or homemade angel food cake, cut into cubes
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or white chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding – In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken, then stir in the sour cream.
- Layer the cake – In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the angel food cake cubes evenly.
- Add strawberry filling – Spoon half of the strawberry pie filling over the cake layer.
- Spread the pudding – Pour half of the pudding mixture over the strawberries and spread evenly.
- Repeat layers – Add the remaining angel food cake, followed by the rest of the strawberry pie filling and pudding mixture.
- Top with whipped topping – Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish & serve – Before serving, top with fresh strawberry slices and optional almonds or white chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Swap strawberry pie filling with fresh macerated strawberries for a fresher taste.
- Try using cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mix for a twist.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers on top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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