Ingredients
- 1–2 store-bought angel food cakes (or 1 homemade), cubed
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold whole milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)
- Toasted almond slivers, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cube the cake: Break or cut angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, until thickened.
- Add yogurt: Gently fold in Greek yogurt until smooth and fully combined.
- Layer first half: Spread half the cake cubes in a 9×13-inch dish. Top with ⅔ of the cherry pie filling, spreading evenly.
- Add remaining cake: Layer the rest of the cubed cake over the cherries.
- Pour pudding: Spoon the pudding mixture over the top layer of cake, spreading gently to cover.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over pudding.
- Finish with cherries and almonds: Drizzle remaining cherry pie filling over the top. Sprinkle with toasted almond slivers if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best texture.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy chilled.
You Must Know
- Use cold milk for the pudding — it sets faster and smoother.
- Don’t stir the pudding after adding yogurt — folding preserves fluffiness.
- Let the whipped topping thaw completelybut don’t leave it out too long, or it will deflate.
- Chilling overnight yields cleaner slices and deeper flavor melding.
Storage Tips
- Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze — the texture of the cake and whipped topping will break down.
- If surface dries slightly, lightly press plastic wrap directly onto the top before chilling.
Ingredient Substitutions
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in clear glass dishes to show off the layers.
- Pair with iced tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine.
- For holidays, add a few drops of almond extract to the pudding for warmth.
- Great alongside a cheese platter for contrast.