The Old-Fashioned Strawberry No-Bake Dessert That Deserves A Revival

No-bake desserts are the best of both worlds: You get a sweet indulgence, and you don't even have to turn on the oven. This is especially appealing in the hot months of summer, but the ease and convenience is pretty irresistible all year round, especially when you're preparing dessert for a number of guests when entertaining. 

Of all the best no-bake dessert recipes, there's one that takes the cake — pun intended. It's called "heaven on earth" cake, boasting tart, bright strawberries; sweet, rich vanilla pudding; airy whipped cream; and moist yet cloud-like angel food cake. The old-fashioned heaven on earth cake recipe can call for either strawberry or cherry pie filling, which gives it a little more seasonal versatility. To capture an end-of-summer flavor experience, strawberry pie filling is the way to go; you can even use fresh strawberries. 

This recipe is a classic Midwestern staple for gatherings and church functions because it's as easy as it is delicious. You can grab a few store-bought ingredients and layer them in a way that looks homemade and tastes like a dream. For that reason, it's time to bring this dessert back to go-to status.

All you have to do is cut pre-made angel food cake into rough cubes and toss them into a casserole dish. Then layer on strawberry pie filling, or a mixture you can quickly cook with sliced fresh strawberries, water, maybe a little sugar, and lemon juice, thickened with cornstarch. Then comes a layer of whipped cream cheese and vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and once it's all chilled together, fresh strawberries on top.

Heaven on earth cake provides plenty of options at each step. Make the angel food cake if you want, or keep this recipe simple, quick, and no-bake by nabbing some from the grocery. Use store-bought strawberry pie filling, the mixture of sliced and blended fresh strawberries, or even fresh strawberries soaked with a flavored homemade simple syrup — just heat equal parts water and sugar with strawberries. You can whip cream cheese or even use Greek yogurt; you can use ready-made vanilla pudding or make instant pudding; and you can whip your own cream or even employ Cool Whip. For a larger party, try doubling your layers: cake, strawberries, pudding, cream, cake, berries, pudding, cream. The whole cake can basically be as fast as you want. If you're looking for tasty strawberry recipes to sweeten your day or next party, it doesn't get easier than heaven on earth cake.

This means there's room to play with the recipe and get creative, too. There are no rules — who says you can't use both strawberry and cherry pie fillings, or fresh strawberries with cherry pie filling? You can mix in blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries, or canned peaches. Sprinkle on shaved almonds or pistachios, and finish with fresh lemon zest or white chocolate curls. You can even double up on creaminess and add some more refreshing coolness with scoops of vanilla and strawberry ice cream.