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Italian Love Cake Recipe

4.7 from 102 reviews

Italian Love Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base layered with creamy ricotta cheese filling and topped with a smooth pudding frosting. This decadent treat combines rich chocolate flavor with a velvety texture, making it perfect for special occasions or a comforting sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water

Ricotta Layer

  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pudding Frosting

  • 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  2. Pour Batter and Add Ricotta Layer: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this ricotta mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
  3. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, or until the ricotta layer is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  4. Prepare Pudding Frosting: While the cake is baking, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk in a mixing bowl. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  5. Frost and Chill: Remove the baked cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Spread the pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or until the frosting is set and the cake is chilled before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before spreading the pudding frosting to prevent it from melting.
  • You can substitute homemade chocolate pudding for the instant mix if preferred.
  • This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a stronger ricotta flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
  • Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries before serving for added presentation.

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