Description
Heaven on Earth No-Bake Cherry Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a gift from above—no oven required, just layers of dreamy sweetness that come together in the most magical way. With tender pieces of cake, velvety custard, tart cherries, and a cloud of whipped topping, this dessert truly lives up to its heavenly name.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Layer:
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- 1 (9 oz) package of ladyfingers or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
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- ½ cup milk (for soaking)
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- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Custard Layer:
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- 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
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- 1 ½ cups cold milk
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- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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- 1 cup powdered sugar
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- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
For the Cherry Layer:
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- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
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- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
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- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
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- ½ tsp vanilla extract
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- Fresh cherries & mint (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
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- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a springform pan for cleaner slices.
2. Soak the Cake Layer
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- Dip ladyfingers or sponge cake lightly in milk mixed with vanilla (don’t oversoak—just a quick dip to soften).
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- Arrange in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
3. Make the Custard Filling
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- In a bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened.
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- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
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- Fold in the whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream).
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- Spread this creamy mixture over the cake layer.
4. Add the Cherry Layer
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- Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the custard.
5. Top with Whipped Cream
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- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
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- Spread over the cherries.
6. Chill & Serve
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- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
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- Garnish with fresh cherries and mint before serving.
Notes
Serving Ideas & Variations
Elegant Presentation:
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- Serve in individual glasses for a parfait-style dessert.
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- Dust with chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for extra texture.
Fun Variations:
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- Chocolate Cherry Delight – Add a layer of chocolate ganache.
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- Berry Bliss – Swap cherries for strawberries or mixed berries.
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- Lemon Twist – Add lemon zest to the custard for a bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Category: Cake
- Method: Fridge
- Cuisine: American