Ingredients
- 1 prepared angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) sliced peaches in light syrup, drained (or 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (if using fresh peaches)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Additional whipped topping for garnish
- Sliced almonds or fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Place in the refrigerator to set completely, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fold 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- If using fresh peaches, toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Begin layering your Heaven on Earth Cake in the 9×13 inch baking dish:
- Place half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer on the bottom
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer
- Arrange half of the peach slices over the cream cheese
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the peaches
- Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients:
- Remaining angel food cake cubes
- Remaining cream cheese mixture
- Remaining peach slices
- Remaining pudding mixture
- Top the entire dessert with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it evenly to cover the pudding layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, garnish with additional peach slices, sliced almonds, or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- For best results, allow the cake to chill overnight (8-12 hours) before serving.
- Drain the canned peaches thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the dessert.
- Store leftover Heaven on Earth Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the cream and pudding layers will change upon thawing.
- Make-ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing 1-2 days before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use a glass baking dish rather than metal to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to prevent lumps.
- Allow sufficient time for chilling—the longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.
- Cut the angel food cake with a serrated knife for clean edges without compressing.
- For a more defined appearance, use a trifle dish instead of a rectangular baking dish.
- Pat the peaches dry with paper towels after draining to remove excess moisture.
Additional Tips and Variations
Blueberry Heaven on Earth Cake: Replace peaches with 3 cups fresh blueberries or 2 cans of blueberry pie filling. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Lemon Heaven on Earth Cake: Substitute lemon pudding mix for vanilla, add 2 tablespoons lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture, and use thinly sliced lemons for garnish.
Heaven on Earth Cake with Strawberries: Use 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries instead of peaches and substitute strawberry-flavored gelatin powder mixed into the pudding.
Chocolate Heaven on Earth Cake: Use chocolate pudding mix, chocolate cake, and layer with chocolate shavings.
Seasonal Heaven on Earth Cake: Adapt the recipe using seasonal fruits like cherries in summer or cranberries and oranges in winter.
Lower-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free pudding mix, reduced-fat cream cheese, light whipped topping, and peaches packed in juice rather than syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Heaven on Earth Cake without cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute mascarpone cheese or 2 cups of vanilla Greek yogurt mixed with 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
How far in advance can I make Heaven on Earth Cake? For optimal texture and flavor, prepare it 1-2 days before serving.
Can I use pound cake instead of angel food cake? Yes, pound cake works well but will create a denser, richer dessert compared to the lighter angel food cake version.
Why is my Heaven on Earth Cake soggy? This could be due to excess moisture from the peaches. Make sure to drain canned peaches thoroughly or pat fresh fruit dry before using.
Can I make individual servings instead of one large cake? Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in parfait glasses or mason jars for elegant individual portions.
Is Heaven on Earth Cake gluten-free? Not in its traditional form, but you can substitute with gluten-free angel food cake to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.