Your New Favorite No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake

If you’ve been craving a chill, crowd-pleasing treat, let me introduce you to the bliss that is this heaven on earth cake. It’s truly the summer no-bake darling you’ll want to make for every picnic, backyard BBQ, or “just because” moment. All you do is layer pillowy cubes of angel food cake with luscious cherry pie filling and dreamy vanilla pudding, then crown it all with fluffy whipped topping and a cascade of more cherries. You literally only need 8 simple ingredients—how’s that for magical?

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of everyday items come together to create this irresistible 8. Each ingredient brings something vital—airy cake, fruity bursts, creamy pudding richness, tangy depth, and irresistible fluff.

• Angel Food Cake: For the best texture, use a premade angel food cake and cut it into even 1-inch cubes so every bite is pillowy soft.
• Cherry Pie Filling: You’ll need one can; its syrupy sweetness and vibrant color really pops against the creamy layers and gives that signature 8 touch.
• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: The kind made for “instant” prep; it thickens quickly and becomes the dreamy glue that holds this all together.
• Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: This ensures your pudding layer is silky-smooth and luxuriously creamy; if you want it extra rich, go for half-and-half!
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang that keeps each forkful from being too sweet—honestly, this is the secret 8 ingredient.
• Frozen Whipped Topping (thawed): Instant cloud-like goodness; go ahead and buy the tub for convenience.
• Sliced Almonds (optional): A sprinkle on top gives a little crunch and visual panache to finish your 8 with flair.

How to Make No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake

Step 1: Build the First Cake Layer

Start by arranging half of your angel food cake cubes evenly in the bottom of a deep 8-x-8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Don’t pack them too tight—you want some room for the creamy fillings to sneak into every nook and cranny!

Step 2: Infuse with Cherry Delight

Spoon out 1 cup of the cherry pie filling and gently spread it over the cake cubes. That ruby-red layer not only gives this 8 a burst of fruit, but it also soaks right into the cake for extra flavor.

Step 3: Stack on More Angel Food Cake

Scatter the remaining cake cubes evenly over that cherry layer. The double cakes keep things light and give you more of that fabulous, airy bite in your finished 8.

Step 4: Whip Up the Pudding Mixture

In a big mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla instant pudding mix with your milk (or half-and-half) and sour cream. Just one minute of whisking turns everything thick and satiny. This silky pudding will soak into the cake and make it ridiculously moist and decadent.

Step 5: Layer and Spread

Pour the luscious pudding mixture right over your cake layers. Use a spatula to spread it from edge to edge, tucking it between every piece of cake so each bite of 8 is as creamy as possible.

Step 6: Top with Fluffy Goodness and Swirl the Cherries

Spread the thawed whipped topping all over the pudding layer until it’s a snowy, even blanket. Then, dollop the remaining cup of cherry pie filling on top and use a toothpick or a spoon to swirl those cherries into the whipped topping. These pretty swoops make your 8 especially dazzling.

Step 7: Chill the No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake

Pop your masterpiece in the fridge for at least 8 hours (overnight is perfect!). This helps the flavors meld, the cake to soak up all that goodness, and makes slicing a breeze. If you have some patience, the waiting makes all the difference.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle with sliced almonds if you like a little crunch. It’s the perfect finishing touch for your 8, both in looks and texture!

How to Serve No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake

Garnishes

This cake shines all by itself, but a little flair never hurts! Scatter sliced almonds for crunch, dust with powdered sugar, or even zest a hint of lemon over the top for brightness. Cherries on each serving can bring an extra special flourish to your No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake.

Side Dishes

This no-bake wonder pairs so well with fresh summer fruit—think sliced strawberries or a juicy melon salad. You could also offer a tangy lemon sorbet on the side or serve it with a piping hot mug of coffee for a lovely contrast. Since 8 is on the sweeter side, something light and fruity is always a win.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try assembling 8 in individual mason jars or clear cups so everyone gets a perfect trifle. Or, if you’re serving a crowd, present it in a glass trifle bowl—those gorgeous layers are so show-stopping! You can even create tiny 8 parfaits, alternating cake, pudding, and cherries for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover heaven on earth cake stays dreamy for up to 2 days in the fridge. Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. The cake may get softer as it sits, but that makes the 8 even more melt-in-your-mouth.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze the cake (tightly wrapped), but be aware the textures may change, especially the whipped topping. If you do freeze, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. For best flavor and that perfect creamy consistency, enjoying your 8 fresh is ideal!

Reheating

Good news: there’s no need to reheat 8. Just slice and serve it chilled, straight from the fridge! If you’re pulling from the freezer, let it sit covered in the fridge until thawed and ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use pound cake instead of angel food cake?

You can swap in pound cake for a denser, richer result, but you’ll lose some of that signature lightness that makes 8 so irresistible. Angel food cake gives it that classic, airy bite!

What other fruit fillings work in No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake?

While cherries are a classic, you can get creative! Try blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, or even peach pie filling for a new twist—just make sure the fruit layer is juicy and jammy for the best 8.

Can I make 8 ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead is best. The 8 needs time in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb all the creamy goodness. It holds up beautifully for up to two days.

Is there a homemade whipped topping alternative?

Absolutely! If you prefer, whip about 1 1/2 cups heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy, and use this instead of a store-bought tub. It makes your 8 extra-luxurious!

Can I make an 8 gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free angel food cake and double-check that all your packaged ingredients (like the pudding mix and pie filling) are labeled gluten-free. Your gluten-free friends will adore this sunny dessert!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this dreamy heaven on earth cake earns a spot in your summer dessert rotation. With those No-Bake Cherry Dream Cake easy layers, unfussy assembly, and no baking required, it’s pure joy for both the maker and the lucky folks you share it with. Give it a try—you’ll be asked for the recipe every time!

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