Description
Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert combining a rich chocolate cake base with a creamy ricotta filling, topped with a smooth chocolate pudding and whipped topping frosting. This indulgent cake offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
Ricotta Layer
- 2 pounds ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the chocolate cake batter following the instructions on the box, then pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
- Make the Ricotta Layer: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the cake batter and spread it evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture thickens. Fold in the thawed whipped topping gently until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before spreading the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- You can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping if preferred.
- This cake improves in flavor after refrigeration, so consider making it a few hours ahead of serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
