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Italian Love Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 27 reviews
  • Author: Beverly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Italian Love Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, finished with a smooth sour cream topping dusted with powdered sugar and optional espresso and mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor. This crowd-pleaser combines easy-to-use cake mix with luscious homemade layers for a special treat perfect for gatherings or celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Base

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as per package instructions)

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Sour Cream Topping

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix following the instructions on the package. Once ready, pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Then beat in the two large eggs until fully incorporated and mixture is smooth.
  4. Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter layer in the pan, taking care not to mix the two layers together.
  5. Prepare Sour Cream Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Top the Cake: Gently spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Optionally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top for added texture and flavor.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother layer.
  • Optional espresso powder adds a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate but can be omitted for a milder taste.
  • Using mini chocolate chips on top adds pleasant texture and extra chocolate bursts.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before slicing to get clean squares.
  • This cake can be refrigerated if not consumed immediately; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

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Find it online: https://onepotmealideas.com/italian-love-cake-recipe-2/