Italian Love Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that layers creamy ricotta, moist chocolate cake, and a velvety chocolate pudding frosting. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you crave something sweet, this cake offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- Ricotta Layer
- 2 (15-ounce) containers ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
2. Chocolate Cake
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate or Devil’s Food cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
3. Chocolate Pudding Frosting
- 1 (5-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare Ricotta Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until combined.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together chocolate cake mix, oil, water, and eggs until smooth.
- Layer the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the baking dish, then carefully pour the ricotta mixture over it without mixing.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes until the center is set. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: Whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Fold in whipped topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the pudding frosting over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
The Origin of Italian Love Cake
Despite its name, Italian Love Cake does not have roots in traditional Italian cuisine. Instead, it is an Italian-American creation that takes inspiration from classic Italian ingredients like ricotta cheese. This cake has been passed down through generations of Italian-American families, becoming a beloved dessert at gatherings and celebrations. The name “Love Cake” is derived from the idea that it is a labor of love to make and brings joy to those who eat it. The way the layers switch places during baking adds an element of surprise, making it an exciting dish to prepare and serve.
What Makes Italian Love Cake Unique?
One of the most fascinating aspects of Italian Love Cake is the transformation it undergoes while baking. Unlike most layered desserts that require assembly after baking, this cake naturally forms its own layers in the oven. Initially, the chocolate cake batter is poured into the pan, followed by the ricotta mixture. Due to the difference in density between the two, the ricotta sinks to the bottom while the cake rises to the top, resulting in a striking two-layer effect. The final touch is a chocolate pudding frosting that adds an extra layer of creaminess, complementing the flavors of the cake perfectly.
Why Italian Love Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is an excellent choice for a wide variety of events and celebrations. Its rich texture and flavors make it a great dessert for romantic occasions such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or date nights. It is also a popular choice for holidays, birthdays, and weddings, as it can be made in advance and stored until ready to serve. The simplicity of its preparation makes it a go-to dessert for family dinners, where a homemade sweet treat is always appreciated. Additionally, because it is baked in a large 9×13-inch pan, it is perfect for potlucks and bake sales, making it easy to share with a crowd.
Tips for the Best Italian Love Cake
To ensure that Italian Love Cake turns out perfectly, there are a few key tips to follow. Using full-fat ricotta is essential for achieving the best texture and flavor, as it provides a creamy consistency that blends well with the other ingredients. It is important to avoid overmixing the batter to maintain the distinct layering effect during baking. When pouring the ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake batter, it should be done carefully to preserve the separation of the layers. Allowing the cake to cool and refrigerate for several hours enhances the flavors and firms up the texture, making it easier to slice. This cake is also highly customizable, as different flavors of cake mix and pudding can be used to create variations of the classic recipe.
Variations of Italian Love Cake
There are many ways to personalize this dessert by experimenting with different flavors. A White Chocolate Love Cake can be made by using vanilla or white cake mix and white chocolate pudding instead of the traditional chocolate ingredients. A Strawberry Love Cake can be created by swapping in a strawberry cake mix with vanilla pudding frosting for a fruity twist. For a Cookies and Cream Love Cake, cookies and cream pudding can be used along with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies sprinkled on top. A Lemon Love Cake is a refreshing variation that uses lemon cake mix and vanilla pudding, while a Nutella Love Cake incorporates Nutella into the ricotta mixture for a rich, hazelnut-infused treat.
Storing and Serving Italian Love Cake
Italian Love Cake is best enjoyed chilled, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the textures to set properly. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If a longer storage time is needed, the cake can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, it should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. To achieve clean slices, a sharp knife should be used, and for an elegant touch, the cake can be garnished with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or fresh berries.
Conclusion
Italian Love Cake is a truly special dessert that combines simple ingredients with a sophisticated presentation. Its unique self-layering effect, creamy textures, and deep chocolate flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether prepared for a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration, this cake is sure to impress. The ease of preparation makes it accessible for bakers of all levels, while the stunning results give the impression of a professionally made dessert.