Heaven on Earth Cake

This decadent Heaven on Earth Cake lives up to its heavenly name with layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and a crown of toasted coconut and pecans. This show-stopping dessert combines the best elements of a trifle and layer cake, creating an indulgent treat that’s surprisingly manageable for home bakers. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this Heaven on Earth Cake will become your go-to recipe for special occasions.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 mins
• Servings: 12-16
• Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Pudding Layer:

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 cups whole milk, cold
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Final Toppings:

• 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly, then whisk in buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thin—this is normal and creates a moist cake.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Vanilla Pudding:

7. In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for exactly 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in vanilla extract.
8. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of pudding to prevent skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

9. In a chilled bowl with chilled beaters, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Toast the Toppings:

10. Spread coconut on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
11. Toast pecans on a separate baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Cool and chop if needed.

Assemble the Heaven on Earth Cake:

12. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally using a long serrated knife, creating 4 thin layers total.
13. Place one cake layer in the bottom of a trifle bowl or large glass serving bowl. If using a regular serving plate, place first layer there.
14. Spread one-third of the pudding evenly over the cake layer, reaching to the edges.
15. Add the second cake layer and repeat with another third of pudding.
16. Continue layering with the third cake layer and remaining pudding.
17. Top with the final cake layer, then spread all of the whipped cream evenly over the top and sides if desired.
18. Sprinkle toasted coconut and pecans generously over the whipped cream. Add mini chocolate chips if using.
19. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set properly.

Tips for Success

Cake Moisture: The coffee in this recipe enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist. Don’t skip it, even if you’re not a coffee drinker—the flavor won’t be noticeable in the final cake.

Layer Cutting: For even layers, use toothpicks to mark your cutting line all around the cake before slicing. A long serrated knife works best for clean cuts.

Assembly Order: If your pudding seems too thick after chilling, whisk it briefly to loosen before spreading. This ensures smooth, even layers.

Make-Ahead Magic: This Heaven on Earth Cake actually improves after a day in the refrigerator, as the flavors meld beautifully together.

Recipe Variations

Coconut Cream Version: Replace vanilla pudding with coconut cream pudding and add a layer of coconut flakes between each cake layer.

Berry Bliss: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries between the pudding layers for a fruity twist on this classic.

Salted Caramel Heaven: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers and sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated flavor profile.

Individual Portions: Assemble in individual mason jars for perfect portion control and beautiful presentation.

Storage Instructions

Store your Heaven on Earth Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake layers will continue to soften and absorb flavors, making it even more delicious over time. For best results, add the toasted coconut and pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.

This cake does not freeze well once assembled due to the pudding and whipped cream layers, but individual cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months before assembly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Heaven on Earth Cake chilled in generous slices, accompanied by a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of coffee, creating the perfect end to any meal.

For special occasions, garnish individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a fresh mint sprig. The combination of textures—from the tender cake to the creamy pudding and fluffy whipped cream—creates a truly heavenly dessert experience that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating your family to something special, this Heaven on Earth Cake delivers on its promise of pure indulgence.