Description
Italian Love Cake is a rich, layered dessert made with chocolate cake, creamy ricotta filling, and a silky chocolate pudding topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 pounds ricotta cheese (full-fat)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (5.1 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy but not overmixed.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the batter and spread it carefully across the top.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk. Fold in mascarpone cheese if using.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cake evenly.
- Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Let the cake chill overnight for best results and easier slicing.
- Use full-fat ricotta for a richer texture and flavor.
- For a decorative touch, dust the top with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, chocolate ricotta cake, layered chocolate dessert, pudding cake, easy Italian cake