Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines layers of rich chocolate cake, a creamy ricotta filling, and a luscious chocolate pudding frosting. This irresistible treat is perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy a sweet craving. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a family gathering, this cake will add a touch of love and indulgence to your table.

Emily

Italian Love Cake

A delightful dessert combining layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy ricotta filling, and luscious chocolate pudding frosting, perfect for special occasions or sweet cravings.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake ingredients

• 2 15-ounce containers ricotta cheese Room temperature
• 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 For pudding layer
• 1 5-ounce box instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 8-ounce container whipped topping Thawed

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs until smooth.
4. In another bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, canola oil, and water until combined.
5. Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake mixture. Do not mix.
7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely after baking.
9. For the frosting, in a large bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk. Beat until thickened.
10. Spread the pudding mix over the cooled cake, then top with thawed whipped topping.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can be frozen before adding the pudding and whipped topping.

Why Make This Recipe

What makes Italian Love Cake so special? It’s not just the incredible flavors that weave together like a love story; it’s also the ease of preparation that appeals to both novice and seasoned bakers. This cake is rich, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a go-to for everything from potlucks to romantic dinners. Plus, with its multi-layer approach, you’ll impress your guests with minimal effort.

“I had no idea a cake could be this decadent and easy to make! Everyone loved it, and I can’t wait to make it again!”

With layers of creamy ricotta, fluffy chocolate cake, and velvety chocolate pudding, you’ll find every bite packed with flavors that resonate nostalgia and warmth. Each slice is a celebration, making it an ideal dessert for special moments around birthdays or holidays.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Making this Italian Love Cake requires a few simple steps that result in a stunning and delicious dessert. You’ll start by creating a base layer of moist chocolate cake, followed by a creamy ricotta mixture that adds richness. Top it off with a smooth chocolate pudding frosting for a dessert that truly impresses.

Let’s walk through the preparation process step by step to ensure your cake comes out perfectly!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible Italian Love Cake:

• 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 canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup of water
• 3 large eggs (for pudding layer)
• 1 5-ounce box of instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups of cold milk
• 1 8-ounce container of whipped topping (thawed)

This combination of ingredients creates a dreamy balance of flavors and textures, making the Italian Love Cake a truly special dessert.

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs until smooth.
4. In another bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, canola oil, and water until combined.
5. Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake mixture. Do not mix.
7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely after baking.
9. For the frosting, in a large bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk. Beat until thickened.
10. Spread the pudding mix over the cooled cake, then top with thawed whipped topping.

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Serving Italian Love Cake is just as delightful as making it! Slice into this masterpiece and share it with friends and family. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a creative twist, consider drizzling chocolate syrup over the top or adding fresh berries for a touch of color and freshness. Your guests will appreciate both the flavor and the presentation.

How to Store

To keep your Italian Love Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically last up to 3-4 days, although we doubt it will last that long! If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cake before adding the pudding and whipped topping. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil; this helps retain its moisture. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator and then add the toppings.

Tips to Make

1. Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
2. Mixing Techniques: When layering the ricotta mixture, spoon it carefully over the cake batter to maintain distinct layers.
3. Don’t Over-Bake: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to prevent drying out.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a hint of almond extract to the ricotta for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations

While the classic Italian Love Cake is certainly a showstopper, consider mixing things up in some delightful ways:

• Try a vanilla cake mix for a lighter version.
• Incorporate cherries or strawberries in the ricotta layer for a fruity touch.
• Substitute the chocolate pudding for vanilla for a different flavor profile.
• Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder over the whipped topping for added flair.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Italian Love Cake?
Preparation time is about 20-30 minutes, and baking time is roughly 50-60 minutes. Keep in mind that letting it cool completely is essential to achieve the right texture before frosting.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
While ricotta is traditional, mascarpone offers a luxurious alternative. Just be aware that this will slightly change the flavor.

Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! The cake holds well for a few days. Just store it properly, and frost it just before serving for fresh texture.

For More Recipe Inspiration

Explore more delightful creations: Protein Muffins and Bento Cake Recipe.

We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious Italian Love Cake with your loved ones. For more cozy recipes and cake inspirations, don’t forget to visit our social pages on Pinterest and Facebook.

Meta Description: Delight in Italian Love Cake, a rich treat with layers of chocolate and creamy ricotta. Ideal for celebrations or a sweet indulgence!