Ah, the Heaven on Earth Cake—a classic Southern dessert that lives up to its name! It’s rich, moist, and loaded with sweet, nutty, and coconut flavors, usually featuring a yellow cake layered with coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting. Here’s a full recipe:
🍰 Heaven on Earth Cake
Serves: 12 | Prep & Bake: 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
Cake
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup buttermilk
Filling & Topping
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix in vanilla.
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Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry.
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Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 25–30 min or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until creamy.
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Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Cake
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Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting.
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Sprinkle half of the coconut and pecans over the frosting.
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Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides.
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Sprinkle remaining coconut and pecans over the cake.
Tips for Perfection
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Extra moist: Brush cake layers with a little sweetened condensed milk before frosting.
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Toasting: Toast pecans lightly for deeper flavor.
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Make ahead: Cake tastes even better after chilling a few hours.
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Variation: Add crushed pineapple to the filling for a tropical twist.
This cake is sweet, nutty, and creamy—a true “heaven on earth.” It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you need a decadent dessert.
I can also give a “dump cake” shortcut version that’s almost as heavenly but much quicker if you want.