Description

Italian Love Cake is a rich layered dessert made with creamy ricotta, moist chocolate cake, and a fluffy chocolate pudding topping. This chilled cake is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and make-ahead family desserts.

Ingredients

2 (15-ounce) containers ricotta cheese

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 large eggs, room temperature

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

1 (5-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding

3 cups cold milk

1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the 4 eggs gradually and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and 3 eggs until smooth.
Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture evenly over the top.
Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until the cake is set and only slightly jiggly in the center.
Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding with cold milk until combined. Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
Spread the pudding topping evenly over the cooled cake.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use devil’s food cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Vanilla pudding can be substituted for chocolate pudding for a lighter topping.

Top with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or cocoa powder for extra presentation.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

Making the cake a day ahead improves the texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 474 kcal
Sugar: 36 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg