Name: Italian Love Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water); 2 lbs ricotta cheese; 4 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 cup cold milk; 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

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If you crave a truly showstopping dessert that’s equal parts rich, creamy, and delightfully mysterious, you absolutely need to try Italian Love Cake. This classic Italian-American treat features lush layers of chocolate cake, silky sweet ricotta, and a dreamy cloud of pudding frosting. The magic happens in the oven, where the layers switch places as they bake, creating a mesmerizing marbled look that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re baking a special cake for a loved one or just want something extraordinary for your next gathering, Italian Love Cake always steals the spotlight with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of humble ingredients transform into such an impressive dessert! Each item here isn’t just a supporting player; every one brings its own charm, whether that’s richness, creamy texture, or chocolatey depth. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need—and why each piece matters for your Italian Love Cake masterpiece.

Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz box): The foundation of the cake, providing deep, rich chocolate flavor and a tender crumb—choose your favorite brand.
Eggs (for the cake mix and ricotta layer): Essential for structure and for binding both cake and ricotta layers for a perfectly set slice.
Oil and water (as listed on the cake mix): These basic liquids ensure your cake stays moist and bakes up beautifully.
Ricotta cheese (2 lbs): The star of the show, bringing a creamy, slightly tangy layer that sets this dessert apart from your average cake.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the ricotta’s subtle tang.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers warmth and boosts the aroma of both the ricotta and cake.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz box): This is the secret to a luscious, mousse-like frosting that’s irresistible.
Cold milk (1 cup): Helps activate the pudding for that smooth, creamy topping.
Frozen whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Adds a lightness and cloud-like finish to the pudding frosting for the perfect final touch.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. A properly heated oven guarantees your cake rises just right. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to make sure every piece of your Italian Love Cake releases easily after chilling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layer

Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box, mixing in the eggs, oil, and water. Pour that lovely batter into your prepared dish, smoothing it out so it’s perfectly even. This layer will form the rich, chocolatey base (or so it seems… just wait for the oven’s magic!)

Step 3: Create the Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks creamy, smooth, and a bit fluffy. The ricotta layer will add a creamy, almost cheesecake-like bite to your Italian Love Cake.

Step 4: Layer and Bake (The Magic Happens!)

Spoon the ricotta mixture carefully and evenly over the chocolate cake batter. Don’t swirl or mix—just gently lay it on top. As the cake bakes for about 60 minutes, the layers will swap places, creating the signature look and glorious texture Italian Love Cake is famous for. The cake is ready when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Patience is a virtue here! Allow the Italian Love Cake to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial—the layers need to fully set before you add the frosting, ensuring every slice holds up beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Pudding Frosting

While the cake cools, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk in a medium bowl. Let it thicken up—usually about 2 minutes—then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. This creates a silky, mousse-like frosting that takes your cake over the top.

Step 7: Frost and Chill

Once the cake is totally cool, spread the pudding frosting evenly over the surface. Pop the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. Time in the fridge lets all the flavors mingle and the layers firm up to perfection.

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Garnishes

To make your Italian Love Cake extra irresistible, consider a shower of mini chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or delicate chocolate curls on top. Even a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils adds a playful note, making each piece even more inviting.

Side Dishes

While Italian Love Cake absolutely shines on its own, it’s lovely alongside a fresh fruit salad for balance, or served with espresso for a classic Italian finish. If you want to keep things simple, a warm mug of coffee or tea is the perfect partner to a decadent slice.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Italian Love Cake for a party, try cutting it into tidy squares and arranging them on a pretty platter. You could also layer smaller pieces in clear glasses for elegant parfaits, or add a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry for a retro-inspired look. The layered effect always looks stunning—no extra effort needed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Italian Love Cake stays delicious for up to 5 days—if you can resist eating it all before then!

Freezing

Italian Love Cake actually freezes quite well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a chilled, ready-to-eat treat.

Reheating

Since Italian Love Cake is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it a little softer, just let it sit out on the counter for 20 minutes before serving. The flavors are even more pronounced when slightly closer to room temp!

FAQs

Do I need to use boxed cake mix or can I make my own?

While boxed cake mix keeps things simple and consistent, you’re absolutely welcome to use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe instead—just be sure to use enough batter for a 9×13-inch pan for best results in your Italian Love Cake.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Ricotta is key for the flavor and texture of Italian Love Cake, but in a pinch, you could try using well-drained cottage cheese blended until very smooth. The final texture will be a bit different but still tasty!

Can I add other flavors to the ricotta layer?

Definitely! A little orange or lemon zest can brighten things up, or stir in mini chocolate chips for extra decadence. Some people love a splash of almond extract for a nutty note—it’s easy to put your own twist on Italian Love Cake.

Why do the layers switch during baking?

This is the fun science of Italian Love Cake! The lighter ricotta mixture sinks through the denser cake batter as both bake, creating the signature layering effect when you cut into the cake.

Is this cake best served cold or at room temperature?

Italian Love Cake is best served cold or slightly chilled—straight from the fridge is wonderful, as the frosting sets beautifully and the flavors are at their most luscious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about sharing a slice of Italian Love Cake with friends and family. Its unique look, easy preparation, and unforgettable combination of flavors make it a go-to dessert for any celebration—or just because! Why not give it a try and discover the magic for yourself?

Italian Love Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and delightful dessert with this Italian Love Cake recipe. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy ricotta cheese, and a luscious pudding topping come together to create a truly irresistible treat that will win over hearts with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer:

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

Ricotta Layer:

2 lbs ricotta cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pudding Topping:

1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

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Instructions

Prepare Chocolate Cake Layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and pour into the pan.
Make Ricotta Layer: Combine ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Spoon over the chocolate cake batter.
Bake: Bake for 60 minutes until set. Cool the cake.
Prepare Pudding Topping: Whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened. Fold in whipped topping.
Assemble: Spread pudding mixture over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.