Italian Love Cake: A Decadent Delight!
Italian Love Cake Recipe: A Heavenly Delight
If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and a showstopper at any gathering, the Italian Love Cake is your answer. This multi-layered cake combines creamy ricotta cheese with decadent chocolate cake, topped off with a luscious chocolate pudding frosting. A true celebration of flavors, this cake is not just a sweet treat; it’s a delightful experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe?
The Italian Love Cake is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a treat for yourself! Here are a few reasons to whip up this delicious dish:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and ricotta creates a rich and moist cake that’s hard to resist.
- Beautiful Presentation: This cake looks stunning when served, making it ideal for special celebrations.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
How to Make Italian Love Cake
This step-by-step guide will help you create a show-stopping dessert that tastes as heavenly as it looks.
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce containers of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 15.25-ounce box of chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- 3 large eggs (additional for pudding)
- 1 5-ounce box of instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups of cold milk
- 1 8-ounce container of whipped topping, thawed
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. This will typically require you to add the oil and water.
- Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the top of the chocolate cake batter. Do not mix; the ricotta will sink into the batter during baking.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and cold milk in a bowl. Let it set for about 5 minutes.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the top.
- Finally, top the cake with whipped topping, smoothing it out to cover the pudding layer.
How to Serve Italian Love Cake
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. To present, slice into squares and garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an elegant touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a classic dessert pairing.
How to Store Italian Love Cake
To keep the Italian Love Cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 4-5 days, but you’ll likely finish it off long before then!
Tips to Make Italian Love Cake
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso to the ricotta mixture.
- Make sure to use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Variations
- Fruit Layer: Add fresh fruit between layers for a fruity twist.
- Different Puddings: Substitute chocolate pudding with vanilla or caramel pudding for a unique flavor profile.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat ricotta cheese and sugar substitutes to create a lighter version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: Yes! Any chocolate or devil’s food cake mix works well in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze Italian Love Cake?
A: Yes, the cake can be frozen. However, it’s best to freeze it without the whipped topping.
Q: How long does it take to make this cake?
A: Prep and baking time are around 1.5 hours, plus additional time for cooling and chilling before serving.
Try making this delightful Italian Love Cake for your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time! Enjoy the layers of flavor and the smiles it brings!
Italian Love Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 15-ounce containers ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 15.25-ounce box chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
For the frosting
- 3 large eggs (additional for pudding)
- 1 5-ounce box instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 8-ounce container whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. This will typically require you to add the oil and water.
- Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the top of the chocolate cake batter. Do not mix; the ricotta will sink into the batter during baking.
Baking
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Frosting
- While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and cold milk in a bowl. Let it set for about 5 minutes.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the top.
- Finally, top the cake with whipped topping, smoothing it out to cover the pudding layer.
