Description
Italian Love Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy ricotta cheese layer, finished with a luscious chocolate pudding and whipped topping frosting. This delicious treat combines classic Italian ingredients like ricotta cheese with familiar favorites such as chocolate cake and pudding, making it perfect for special occasions or comforting desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Ricotta Layer
- 2 pounds ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the box, mixing the specified ingredients until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps. Gently spoon this ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens, typically in about 2 minutes. Fold in the thawed whipped topping gently until the frosting is smooth and light.
- Frost and Chill: Evenly spread the prepared chocolate pudding frosting over the cooled cake surface. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the ricotta cheese is well drained for the best texture in the ricotta layer.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the frosting to prevent melting.
- The longer refrigeration time enhances the flavors and helps the cake slice cleanly.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste if desired.
- Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
