A Decadent Dessert with a Magical Twist Recipe
Italian Love Cake is a luscious and decadent dessert combining a rich chocolate cake base with a creamy ricotta cheese layer and topped with a smooth chocolate pudding frosting. This cake is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a magical twist on traditional cake recipes. Ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in a romantic treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ricotta Layer
- 2 (15 oz) containers ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
Chocolate Cake
- 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
Pudding Frosting
- 1 (5 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Ricotta Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter: Follow the directions on the chocolate cake mix box, mixing the cake mix with vegetable oil, water, and eggs until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer the Batters: Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the top of the chocolate batter, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Pudding Frosting: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to set the frosting and enhance flavors before serving.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled to enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavors.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with fresh whipped cream for a homemade frosting.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother ricotta layer.
- Use a 9×13 inch pan specifically for the best layering and baking results.
- Chocolate cake mix can be homemade if preferred, following a standard chocolate cake recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, ricotta cake, chocolate ricotta cake, layered cake, pudding frosting, decadent dessert, romantic dessert
