Italian Love Cake (Print Version)

Decadent layers of chocolate cake, creamy ricotta, and whipped chocolate pudding create an unforgettable treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Ricotta Layer

01 - 850 grams full-fat ricotta cheese
02 - 200 grams granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature

→ Chocolate Cake

05 - 430 grams boxed chocolate cake mix
06 - 120 millilitres vegetable oil
07 - 240 millilitres water
08 - 3 large eggs

→ Pudding Frosting

09 - 140 grams instant chocolate pudding mix
10 - 720 millilitres cold milk
11 - 225 grams whipped topping, thawed

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish to ensure easy removal after baking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely incorporated. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition for a smooth texture.
03 - In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to package instructions, blending cake mix with vegetable oil, water, and eggs until smooth.
04 - Spread the chocolate cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the batter, gently smoothing to cover the surface in a defined layer without mixing the two.
05 - Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the centre is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
06 - Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to stabilize layers before frosting.
07 - In a medium bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined and smooth.
08 - Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the pudding frosting evenly over the top using a spatula for a smooth finish.
09 - Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow layers to set. Slice and serve chilled.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses convenient boxed cake and instant pudding so it is easy for any skill level
  • Feeds a crowd which makes it perfect for potlucks or celebrations
  • Layers flip as it bakes so you get a surprise presentation without extra work
  • Can be made ahead so your dessert is chilled and ready to serve
02 -
  • Perfect for making ahead and travels well to parties
  • Both creamy and chocolatey but not overly sweet
  • Stores in the fridge for up to four days and tastes even better on day two
03 -
  • Let the cake chill at least four hours but overnight is even better for clean slices and flavor
  • Room temperature eggs and dairy make mixing the ricotta layer much easier and creamier
  • Do not skip greasing your baking dish or you risk sticking and losing those beautiful layers

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