A slice of Italian Love Cake topped with powdered sugar and berries.

Italian Love Cake

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Why Make This Recipe

Italian Love Cake is a delicious dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy, sweet ricotta cheese. This cake is perfect for special occasions or just a treat after dinner. Its unique combination of flavors makes it a favorite among chocolate lovers and those who enjoy a touch of Italian cuisine. Plus, the cake’s appealing layers make it look beautiful on any dessert table.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Making Italian Love Cake is simple and rewarding. With just a few steps and some basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

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

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. This usually involves combining the cake mix with water and oil, along with the 3 additional large eggs.
  4. Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Carefully spoon the ricotta layer over the chocolate cake, spreading it evenly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions, using 3 cups of cold milk.
  8. Once the cake is cool, spread the chocolate pudding over the top.
  9. Finally, add the whipped topping to finish off the cake.

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake can be served cold or at room temperature. Slice the cake into squares and serve it on plates. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an extra touch. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or dessert wines.

How to Store Italian Love Cake

To store Italian Love Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Frozen slices can last up to three months.

Tips to Make Italian Love Cake

  • Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a better texture in the ricotta layer.
  • Take your time when layering the ricotta over the chocolate cake to keep the layers separate.
  • For a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the ricotta mixture.

Variation

You can switch it up by using different flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or red velvet, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe. Additionally, fresh fruit can be added for a fresh taste, such as strawberries or raspberries layered with the pudding.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese if you prefer a lighter version of this cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is great for making a day in advance, as it helps the flavors to meld together.

What if I don’t have instant pudding?

If you don’t have instant pudding, you can make a regular chocolate pudding and allow it to cool before spreading it on the cake, but it may change the texture slightly.

Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake is a delicious dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy, sweet ricotta cheese, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat after dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ricotta Layer
  • 2 15-ounce containers ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature) Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better texture.
For the 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
For the Pudding Layer
  • 1 5-ounce box instant chocolate pudding
  • 3 cups milk (cold)
For the Topping
  • 1 8-ounce container whipped topping, thawed

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, combining the cake mix with water, oil, and 3 additional large eggs.
  4. Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Carefully spoon the ricotta layer over the chocolate cake, spreading it evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
  1. While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using 3 cups of cold milk.
  2. Once the cake is cool, spread the chocolate pudding over the top.
  3. Finally, add the whipped topping to finish off the cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25g

Notes

Cake can be served cold or at room temperature. Garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to three months.

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