Heaven on Earth Strawberry Cake (Print Version)

Light angel food cake layered with vanilla pudding and sweet strawberry filling for a refreshing treat.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Layer

01 - 1 (16 oz) prepared angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Strawberry Layer

02 - 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
03 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (optional, for garnish)

→ Cream Layer

04 - 2 cups cold milk
05 - 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Topping

08 - 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
09 - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Arrange half of the angel food cake cubes in an even layer at the bottom of a large trifle dish or 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
02 - Spoon half of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes, ensuring coverage across the entire surface.
03 - Layer the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberries, creating a level surface for the next filling layer.
04 - Spread the remaining strawberry pie filling evenly over the second cake layer.
05 - Whisk together cold milk and vanilla pudding mix in a medium bowl until thickened, approximately 2 minutes. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
06 - Spread the pudding-sour cream mixture evenly over the cake and strawberry layers using a spatula for smooth coverage.
07 - Top with whipped topping, spreading it gently to completely cover the surface without disturbing the layers beneath.
08 - Sprinkle sliced almonds and fresh strawberries on top as desired for presentation.
09 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
10 - Slice into portions and serve chilled.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • No oven required during those sweltering summer months when turning on the heat feels like a punishment
  • The layers look impressive in a glass trifle dish but come together with almost zero effort
02 -
  • The cake will continue softening the longer it sits, so if you prefer some texture, don't make it more than 24 hours ahead
  • Window of serving matters, because once this sits out for more than an hour at room temperature, those perfect layers start sliding into each other
03 -
  • Rinse your knife between slicing fresh strawberries for the garnish so the juices don't bleed into the whipped topping
  • If transporting, place a paper towel over the top before covering to catch any condensation that might drip onto your perfect surface

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