Description
Italian Love Cake is a luscious dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy ricotta cheese layer, baked to perfection and finished with a fluffy chocolate pudding frosting. This decadent treat is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with an indulgent homemade cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 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 according to the instructions on the box and pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Ricotta Layer: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spoon this ricotta mixture gently over the chocolate cake batter and spread it evenly to cover the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix together with the cold milk until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; keep tightly covered.
- For added texture, sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top before serving.
