Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake: A Rich and Decadent Delight

There’s a special charm to baking a dessert that celebrates love, and the Italian Love Cake does just that! With its layers of creamy ricotta, moist chocolate cake, and a luscious chocolate pudding frosting, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a festive celebration. My first encounter with this sumptuous cake was at a friend’s wedding, where it stole the show. The combination of flavors and textures left a lasting impression, and I couldn’t resist bringing this recipe home to share with you!

What Makes This Recipe Special

The Italian Love Cake truly embodies the love and warmth of Italian cooking. One of the reasons I adore this recipe is its simplicity paired with a stunning presentation. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a show-stopping dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and can easily serve a crowd. Ideal for weeknight family dinners or holiday feasts, the versatility of this cake makes it a must-try.

"I made this for my sister’s birthday, and it was a hit! Everyone was asking for seconds and the layers were so impressive!" – Sarah K.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this Italian Love Cake is a delightful journey from beginning to end. You’ll start by crafting a creamy ricotta layer that sets the foundation, followed by a sumptuous chocolate cake that rises beautifully in the oven. Finally, a rich chocolate pudding frosting provides the perfect finishing touch. Here’s a quick overview of how you’ll create this delicious recipe:

1. Prepare the ricotta layer and set it aside.
2. Mix the chocolate cake batter and layer it over the ricotta.
3. Bake in a preheated oven.
4. Cool and add the decadent chocolate pudding frosting.

Let’s dive into the specifics!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Italian Love Cake to life:

• Ricotta Layer:

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

• Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box of 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 of instant chocolate pudding
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8-ounce) container of whipped topping, thawed

Feel free to substitute ingredients where necessary, such as using almond milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free option!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
3. In a medium bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 room-temperature eggs until smooth. Set this aside to create the ricotta layer.
4. In another bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, canola oil, water, and 3 eggs. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the greased baking dish.
6. Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the first layer of batter.
7. Top with the remaining chocolate batter — do not stir or mix.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate pudding frosting by whisking the pudding mix and cold milk together until thickened.
10. Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate pudding mixture over the top, followed by the whipped topping.

Best Way to Serve

To present your Italian Love Cake, slice it into squares and serve on decorative plates. Pair it with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance. This dessert also goes beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for those who crave an indulgent experience. It’s a versatile delight that can adapt to any occasion!

Storage Tips

To keep your Italian Love Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days, but you can freeze slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Always practice safe food handling, especially with dairy-based desserts.

Pro Chef Tips

• If you want an extra touch of richness, consider adding a layer of chocolate chips between the ricotta and cake batter.
• Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the pudding layer; this ensures the textures won’t mix and creates distinct layers.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations on the classic Italian Love Cake:

• Flavored Puddings: Swap the chocolate pudding for vanilla or banana pudding for a new twist on flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in crushed hazelnuts or almond slices into the ricotta layer for added crunch.
• Fruit Layer: Integrate fresh raspberries or strawberries in between the cake and the pudding for a fruity surprise.

Common Questions

How long does it take to make this cake?

The total time for preparation and baking is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your familiarity with the steps. It may take less time if you have everything prepped beforehand.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! The Italian Love Cake actually benefits from sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the fridge until serving.

What is the best way to soften ricotta cheese quickly?

If you forgot to take the ricotta cheese out of the fridge, you can microwave it in small increments of 10 seconds until softened. Just be careful not to overheat!

Now, with this guide, you’re well on your way to impressing your family and friends with this irresistible Italian Love Cake! Happy baking!

Italian Love Cake

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• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and decadent dessert featuring layers of creamy ricotta, moist chocolate cake, and luscious chocolate pudding frosting. Perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Ricotta Layer:
  • 2 (15-ounce) containers of ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• Chocolate Cake:
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box of 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 of instant chocolate pudding
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8-ounce) container of whipped topping, thawed

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
3. In a medium bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 room-temperature eggs until smooth. Set this aside to create the ricotta layer.
4. In another bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, canola oil, water, and 3 eggs. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the greased baking dish.
6. Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the first layer of batter.
7. Top with the remaining chocolate batter — do not stir or mix.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate pudding frosting by whisking the pudding mix and cold milk together until thickened.
10. Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate pudding mixture over the top, followed by the whipped topping.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can freeze slices for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cake, dessert, Italian Love Cake, chocolate cake, ricotta