Italian Love Cake Recipe

Introduction

Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring a rich ricotta filling, moist chocolate cake, and a creamy chocolate pudding topping. It combines simple ingredients into a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) containers of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs
• 1 (5-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth. Slowly add the 4 eggs, mixing well after each addition.
3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and 3 eggs until the batter is smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the cake batter, spreading it gently to cover the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. The center may still be slightly jiggly.
7. Step 7: Let the cake cool to room temperature completely before frosting.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk together in a bowl until fully combined. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
9. Step 9: Fold the whipped topping gently into the pudding mixture until smooth and well blended.
10. Step 10: Spread the chocolate pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk for the pudding to achieve the creamiest texture.
• Allow the ricotta mixture to come to room temperature for smoother blending.
• For extra richness, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the ricotta layer.
• Try swapping the chocolate cake mix for a white or yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. This dessert is best served chilled. If needed, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Love Cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake improves in flavor after sitting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Can I use a different type of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if preferred. Just be sure it is well chilled when folding into the pudding.

Italian Love Cake Recipe

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Italian Love Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a creamy ricotta mixture and finished with a luscious chocolate pudding frosting. This indulgent treat combines rich textures and flavors, perfect for special occasions or an impressive family dessert.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ricotta Layer

• 2 (15-ounce) containers ricotta cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Chocolate Cake

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs

Chocolate Pudding Frosting

• 1 (5-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
2. Make Ricotta Mixture: Using an electric mixer, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
3. Prepare Cake Batter: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and 3 eggs. Whisk the mixture until completely smooth and free of lumps.
4. Assemble Cake Layers: Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of the chocolate batter, covering it completely.
5. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The cake should be mostly set but might jiggle slightly in the center when done. Confirm doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
6. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature in the pan. This is essential before adding the frosting.
7. Make Chocolate Pudding Frosting: In a bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. Let the pudding rest for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
8. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until smooth and evenly blended.
9. Frost the Cake: Spread the chocolate pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface using a spatula or knife.
10. Chill before Serving: Cover the frosted cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve chilled.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature eggs in both ricotta and cake batter to ensure better mixing and texture.
• You can substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste.
• Check the cake around the 60-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.
• This cake can be made a day ahead for a richer flavor — just ensure it is well covered and refrigerated.
• If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, use devil’s food cake mix instead of standard chocolate cake mix.

Keywords: Italian Love Cake, ricotta cake, chocolate cake dessert, layered cake, chocolate pudding frosting, Italian dessert, creamy cake