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Italian Love Cake Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

Italian Love Cake is a rich and luscious dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base layered with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and topped with a smooth chocolate pudding frosting. This indulgent treat combines classic Italian flavors with a decadent chocolate twist, perfect for sharing at gatherings or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Ricotta Layer

  • 2 (15-ounce) containers of ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 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 with cooking spray and set aside to prepare your layers.
  2. Make Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Using an electric mixer, blend for a few minutes until the mixture becomes smooth. Gradually add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated.
  3. Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and 3 eggs until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  4. Assemble Cake Layers: Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the top of the cake batter, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
  5. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cake should be set but may be slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  6. Prepare Chocolate Pudding Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. Let the pudding mixture rest for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
  7. Frost and Chill: Spread the chocolate pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better blending and texture.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • For added texture, sprinkle chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top before chilling.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American