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Decadent Chocolate Italian Love Cake with Magical Ricotta Layer

Close-up of a decadent slice of chocolate Italian love cake with white cream filling layers.
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Bake this decadent Italian Love Cake for a rich, moist dessert that impresses every time. This recipe features a chocolate base and a creamy ricotta layer that sets magically during baking, topped with chocolate pudding frosting. It is an easy Italian dessert perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 large eggs (for cake batter)
  • 2 (15-ounce) containers whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs (for ricotta layer)
  • 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the chocolate cake batter: In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and 3 large eggs according to the cake mix directions. Pour this batter into the prepared baking pan.
  3. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining 4 large eggs. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gently pour the ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the pan. Do not stir; the layers will switch during baking.
  5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the ricotta layer is set. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare the chocolate pudding topping: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups of cold milk until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let it set slightly.
  8. Prepare the whipped topping: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the set chocolate pudding into the whipped cream.
  9. Spread the chocolate pudding topping evenly over the cooled cake.
  10. Chill the Italian Love Cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This layered dessert is best served cold; chilling allows the ricotta layer to firm up properly.
  • You can use a cream cheese frosting instead of the pudding topping if you prefer a tangier finish.
  • This make ahead dessert is excellent for potlucks because it travels well when chilled.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/italian-love-cake-recipe-easy-chocolate-ricotta/