Samad: “Okay Lina, this Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake is actual magic in a baking dish.”
Lina: “No kidding. It’s light, creamy, and full of sweet strawberry flavor. Perfect for spring parties or just a random Tuesday night.”
This heavenly dessert is a no-bake dream and the perfect pick for busy American families who want a show-stopping sweet without turning on the oven. Our focus keyword? You guessed it: Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Cake
Lina: “It’s basically like strawberry shortcake met a creamy trifle and had a fluffy baby.”
Samad: “Haha yes! And you don’t need fancy baking skills. Just layer, chill, and try not to eat it all in one go.”
This recipe is:
- No-bake and crazy easy
- Packed with real strawberries and pudding creaminess
- Great for potlucks, birthdays, or casual backyard BBQs
- A hit with kids and adults (we tested on both)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Samad: “You only need a few grocery store staples, nothing wild.”
Lina: “And if you want to keep it budget-friendly, store-brand works just fine.”
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box angel food cake (store-bought or baked ahead)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 ½ cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 2 cups frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional, but highly recommended)
Let’s Layer This Baby Up
Lina: “Samad, remember when we tried to do this without chilling it first? Instant regret.”
Samad: “Yep. Patience is a virtue with this one.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cube your angel food cake into bite-size chunks. Toss ’em into a big mixing bowl if you want to sneak a bite first.
- Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Fold in the sour cream to the pudding. You want it silky but not runny.
- In a 9×13 dish, layer half the cake cubes, then spoon half the pudding mixture on top.
- Spread half the strawberry pie filling next. Don’t worry if it swirls into the pudding it’s part of the charm.
- Repeat the layers: cake, pudding, pie filling.
- Finish with a cloud of whipped topping spread evenly over the top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long.
- Top with sliced fresh strawberries before serving for that extra wow factor.
Want another creamy strawberry treat? Don’t miss our strawberry cheesecake Blizzard recipe for a frozen twist.
Tips from Our Cozy Kitchen
Samad: “Pro tip: Chill your pudding mix before folding in the sour cream helps everything stay thick and fluffy.”
Lina: “Also, if you’ve got leftover pound cake, you can totally use that instead of angel food.”
- Want to make it ahead? This cake is even better the next day.
- No sour cream? Sub Greek yogurt or even vanilla yogurt for a lighter taste.
- For a festive look, add blueberries and make it a red, white, and blue 4th of July cake.
FAQs About Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake
Lina: “Okay, Samad, rapid fire what are people asking about this cake?”
Samad: “Let’s knock out the big ones!”
Q: Can I use canned strawberries instead of pie filling?
Lina: Yep! But you might want to thicken them with a little cornstarch on the stove first so it’s not too runny.
Q: Is it okay to freeze this cake?
Samad: We don’t recommend it. The whipped topping and pudding layer can get weird when thawed. Best to store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Lina: Totally! Just use a gluten-free angel food cake (they sell ’em at most big grocery stores now).
Q: Can I switch up the flavor?
Samad: Oh yeah! Try cherry pie filling or even blueberry. Or go tropical with pineapple and coconut pudding.
Q: What if I don’t like sour cream?
Lina: Use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. Adds creaminess without the tang.
Q: Can I make this in individual cups instead of a big dish?
Lina: Oh absolutely! Use clear plastic cups or mini mason jars for personal servings perfect for parties, picnics, or kids’ birthdays.
Samad: Plus, everyone gets their own little dessert, which somehow makes it feel fancier.
Q: What brand of angel food cake works best?
Samad: Honestly, any store-bought one works great Walmart, Target, Kroger, they all carry solid options.
Lina: If you’ve got time, a homemade one adds that bakery-fresh vibe, but no shame in keeping it simple!
Q: Can I use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping?
Lina: Yep, we’ve tried that and it still tastes amazing. It’s a nice lighter version for folks watching sugar intake.
Samad: Just double-check the pie filling label some have added sugar too.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Samad: You can! Use a dairy-free pudding (like almond or coconut milk-based), and a whipped topping like So Delicious Cocowhip.
Lina: Just skip the sour cream or sub in a plant-based yogurt. It’ll still be creamy and dreamy.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Lina: Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 3 days.
Samad: But honestly… it probably won’t last that long!
Final Thoughts from Samad & Lina
Lina: “We hope this Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake made your day a little sweeter.”
Samad: “And don’t forget good food is better shared. Especially when it’s this easy and this delicious.”
Strawberry Heaven on Earth Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 box angel food cake cubed
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 ½ cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 2 cups whipped topping thawed
- fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut angel food cake into bite-size cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it thicken for 5 minutes.
- Fold sour cream into the pudding mixture.
- Layer half the cake cubes in a 9×13 dish.
- Spread half the pudding mixture over the cake.
- Add half the strawberry pie filling.
- Repeat layers: cake, pudding, strawberry.
- Top with whipped topping and spread evenly.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
– Store covered in fridge for up to 3 days
– Not recommended for freezing
– Try different pie fillings for variety
