If there’s ever been a dessert that lives up to its name, Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake is it. Think light-as-air angel food cake, fluffy whipped topping, sweet strawberry pie filling, and a creamy vanilla pudding layer that ties it all together in dreamy, no-bake perfection. It’s a chilled dessert that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and almost too pretty to eat—almost.

What makes this dessert truly heavenly is how effortlessly it comes together. There’s no oven required, no complicated techniques—just a few layers of deliciousness that magically turn into a treat you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re heading to a summer potluck, hosting a brunch, or simply want something sweet and easy on a weeknight, this cake has you covered.

I still remember the first time I made it—it was a warm Sunday afternoon, and we had a few unexpected guests drop by. I didn’t have time to bake, but I had the ingredients on hand, and within minutes, I had this layered beauty chilling in the fridge. By the end of the evening, there wasn’t a single bite left. It became an instant family favorite, and I’ve been making it ever since.

So, grab a spoon and get ready to dive into your new go-to no-bake dessert: Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Light and Dreamy Dessert

This cake is everything a summer dessert should be—fluffy, creamy, and just sweet enough without being over-the-top. The airy angel food cake absorbs the fruity goodness of the strawberry filling, while the vanilla pudding adds a mellow creaminess that balances it all out. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes with every bite.

Simple, Everyday Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients or specialty tools here. In fact, you likely have most of the essentials already sitting in your kitchen:

• Store-bought angel food cake

• Instant vanilla pudding mix

• Strawberry pie filling

• Sour cream and cold milk

• Whipped topping (Cool Whip or your favorite brand)
  It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but doesn’t require a special trip to the store.

Foolproof for Beginners

Even if you’ve never baked a cake in your life, this recipe is 100% approachable. No oven, no mixer, no stress. It’s a matter of whisking a quick pudding mix, layering a few delicious ingredients, and letting the fridge do the rest. And because it’s no-bake, there’s very little cleanup—a true win-win.

Customizable and Versatile

While strawberries are a classic choice (and truly delicious), you can have fun experimenting with different variations:

• Swap in cherry pie filling or blueberry filling

• Add a chocolate drizzle or white chocolate shavings on top

• Fold in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for a twist in texture

• Try a lemon pudding base for a tangy version
  This is one of those recipes that’s easy to make your own.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the layering fun, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating that fluffy, fruity, and creamy perfection.

Full List of Ingredients

• 1 angel food cake, cubed – light and spongy, it soaks up all the delicious layers like a dream

• 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling – sweet, slightly tart, and jammy in all the right ways

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – adds creamy richness with minimal effort

• 1½ cups cold milk – helps set the pudding and create a silky smooth texture

• 1 cup sour cream – adds a touch of tang and balances out the sweetness beautifully

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) – a soft, cloud-like finish to the dessert

• Fresh strawberries (optional) – for garnish, color, and a fresh bite on top

Pro Tip: If you want a more rustic, homemade vibe, feel free to use a homemade angel food cake or fresh whipped cream. This recipe is as flexible as it is fabulous.

How to Make Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake

No oven? No problem. This is the kind of recipe that feels like magic—it goes from simple ingredients to stunning dessert in just a few steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the pudding layer
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This will be your luscious, creamy layer.

2. Build the base
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cubed angel food cake evenly across the bottom.

3. Add the strawberries
   Spoon half of the strawberry pie filling over the cake. Don’t worry about it being perfect—the swirls and unevenness just make it prettier.

4. Layer the pudding
   Carefully spread half of the pudding mixture over the strawberry layer using a spatula or spoon. Gently press it down to help it settle.

5. Repeat the layers
   Add the rest of the angel food cake, the remaining pie filling, and finish with the rest of the pudding mixture.

6. Top it off
   Spread the whipped topping over the entire surface, smoothing it out like frosting.

7. Chill to perfection
   Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

8. Garnish and serve
   Right before serving, top with fresh strawberry slices for an extra pop of color and freshness.

This dessert looks especially stunning when served in clear glass dishes—let those gorgeous layers shine!

What to Serve with This Recipe

While Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake is the star of the show, it pairs beautifully with a few simple treats for an extra special spread.

Suggested Pairings

• Iced coffee or sweet tea – balances the sweetness with a refreshing sip

• Vanilla ice cream – doubles down on creaminess

• Sparkling lemonade or rosé – light and bubbly companions

• Fresh fruit salad – adds color and a healthy contrast

• Light butter cookies – crunchy texture to offset the soft cake

Variations and Substitutions

What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, preferences, or just a desire to experiment, here are some fun and practical variations to try.

Nut-Free Version

• Ensure the pie filling and whipped topping are labeled nut-free.

• Avoid adding any toppings like almond slivers or nut-based garnishes.

• If serving to guests, always double-check ingredient labels.

Make It Extra Creamy

• Mix 2–4 tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the pudding mixture for a thicker, tangier bite.

• A splash of vanilla extract also enhances the overall flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

• Replace the angel food cake with a certified gluten-free version—many stores carry them.

• You could also use gluten-free sponge cake or homemade GF cake if you’re up for baking.

Fruity Twists

• Swap out the strawberries for cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling.

• Or go bold and layer mixed berries for a vibrant, colorful dessert.

• Want to get fancy? Drizzle chocolate or caramel syrup over the whipped topping before serving.

This is the perfect dessert to make again and again—changing the filling, topping, or flavor combinations makes it feel brand new each time.

Storage Instructions

One of the best parts about Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake (besides eating it, of course) is how easy it is to store. Whether you’re prepping it ahead of time or saving those rare leftovers, here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature

Because this dessert is made with dairy-based ingredients like pudding, sour cream, and whipped topping, it’s best not to leave it out for more than 1 hour at room temperature—especially on warmer days. Serve it cold and pop it back in the fridge as soon as everyone’s had their slice.

Refrigeration Tips

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavor actually improves as it sits—the layers meld beautifully and the texture becomes even creamier. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert.

Freezing Instructions

Yes, you can freeze it! Just be aware that the texture of the whipped topping and pudding layer might become slightly softer after thawing. Freeze the dessert in an airtight container for up to 1 week. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. It’s still delicious, especially on a hot day!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Want to make your Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake look like it came from a bakery window and taste like a dream? Here are a few helpful tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Use cold milk – This helps the pudding thicken faster and hold its shape better.

• Chill overnight – If you can wait, chilling it longer allows the flavors to marry beautifully and creates clean, neat layers.

• Use a warm knife to slice – Run your knife under hot water and wipe it between cuts for picture-perfect servings.

• Show off the layers – Use a clear glass baking dish or trifle bowl for a visual wow factor.

• Don’t overmix the pudding – Keep it smooth and fluffy to preserve that dreamy texture.

• Add a citrus kick – Stir a few drops of lemon juice into the pie filling to brighten up the flavor.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake, you might also enjoy these deliciously easy desserts:

🧁 Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

A simple and satisfying dump-and-bake dessert layered with strawberries and creamy cheesecake.

🍓 Strawberry Banana Pudding

Creamy, fruity, and layered with fresh bananas and strawberries—a chilled dessert that’s always a hit.

🍪 Strawberry White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

These chewy cookies combine strawberries and white chocolate for a rich, sweet bite.

FAQs

Have questions? You’re not the only one! Here are some quick answers to the most common queries:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—it’s actually better the next day after it’s had time to chill.

Can I use homemade angel food cake?

Yes! A homemade cake adds even more flavor and texture, though store-bought works beautifully.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

You can, but you’ll want to cook them down with sugar until they form a soft, jammy consistency.

Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Very much so! It’s soft, sweet, and fun to eat—kids love the creamy texture and fruity flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Heaven On Earth Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a little moment of joy, layered with love and flavor. With its cloud-like cake, creamy pudding, and sweet strawberry ribbons, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make all summer long—and maybe even year-round.

It’s effortless, elegant, and absolutely indulgent, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself.

So go ahead—whip it up, chill it overnight, and prepare to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular no-bake treat.

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