Name: Heaven on Earth Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup milk, or more as needed; 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup heavy cream; Chocolate shavings; Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries); Chocolate curls

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Heaven on Earth Cake: just the name alone conjures images of fluffy clouds and divine sweetness, doesn’t it? Well, prepare to have your expectations not only met but exceeded! This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, a journey for your taste buds that will leave you craving more. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of moist cake, creamy pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping pure bliss in every bite.

While the exact origins of Heaven on Earth Cake are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, likely born from the era’s love of convenient and delicious desserts. Think potlucks, family gatherings, and church socials this cake was a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It embodies the spirit of sharing and simple pleasures, a comforting reminder of home-baked goodness.

What makes this cake so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and flavors! The tender cake base provides a sturdy foundation for the luscious pudding layer, which adds a creamy, decadent touch. And then, there’s the whipped topping light, airy, and perfectly sweet. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, let’s get baking and create a little slice of heaven right here on Earth!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk, or more as needed

For the Chocolate Ganache Drip:

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

Optional Decorations:

Chocolate shavings
Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries)
Chocolate curls

Preparing the Cake Layers:

Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it it makes life so much easier! You can also line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper circles for extra insurance against sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed you don’t want any pockets of baking soda!
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Add Boiling Water: This is the secret ingredient! Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be very thin don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal. The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder and creates a super moist cake.
Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly. Make sure they are completely cool before frosting!

Making the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a lump-free frosting! Make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened not melted.
Add Powdered Sugar and Cocoa: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the creamed mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Start with a low speed to avoid a powdered sugar explosion!
Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Whip Until Fluffy: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the frosting, making it even more delicious.

Preparing the Chocolate Ganache Drip:

Heat the Cream: Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until it’s hot but not boiling. You can also heat it in a saucepan over medium heat.
Pour Over Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.
Let it Sit: Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If there are any stubborn chocolate pieces, you can microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Cool Slightly: Let the ganache cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before using it. This will help it thicken slightly and prevent it from running down the cake too quickly.

Assembling the Heaven on Earth Cake:

Level the Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them. This will ensure that your cake is stable and looks professional.
Place First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Add Frosting: Spread a generous layer of chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the first cake layer.
Place Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the remaining chocolate cream cheese frosting. You can create a smooth finish or a textured finish, depending on your preference. I personally love a rustic, slightly textured look!
Drip the Ganache: Once the frosting is done, it’s time for the ganache drip! Spoon the slightly cooled ganache around the edge of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
Fill the Top: Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake and spread it evenly.
Decorate (Optional): Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or chocolate curls. Get creative and have fun!
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set and the flavors to meld. This will also make it easier to slice.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Heaven on Earth Cake! Prepare for rave reviews this cake is seriously irresistible.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Heaven on Earth Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of cake that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. The layers of creamy, dreamy goodness, combined with the light and airy cake, create a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves to bake or simply enjoys a truly exceptional dessert.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the layered look intimidate you. Each component is straightforward, and the final assembly is actually quite fun. Plus, the wow factor is off the charts! Imagine presenting this beauty at your next gathering. You’ll be the star of the show, guaranteed!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a more decadent experience, try drizzling some melted dark chocolate over each slice. Or, if you’re a fruit lover, add a layer of fresh berries between the cake and the cream cheese mixture. Raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced strawberries would be absolutely divine.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon delight.

Variations to Explore:

Chocolate Heaven: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Coffee Infusion: Brush the cake layers with a coffee liqueur for a richer flavor.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) between the layers.
Citrus Burst: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty kick.

I’m so excited for you to try this Heaven on Earth Cake! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of heaven. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own. Baking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you can share with the people you love.

So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get baking! I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to see your creations and learn from your baking adventures. Happy baking, and may your Heaven on Earth Cake be a resounding success!

Remember to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your beautiful cakes! I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a showstopper, and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious. Now, go spread some joy, one slice of Heaven on Earth Cake at a time!