Description
An enchanting Italian Love Cake featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy ricotta custard, and a luscious chocolate pudding whipped topping a romantic, make-ahead dessert with irresistible charm.
Ingredients
**Chocolate Cake Layer:**
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients on box: eggs, oil, and water)
**Ricotta Layer:**
2 lbs ricotta cheese
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
**Topping:**
1 (5.1 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the cake batter. Do not mix — it will sink during baking to create layers.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Fold in whipped topping until smooth.
7. Spread the chocolate mousse-like topping over the cooled cake.
8. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
9. Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Notes
During baking, the ricotta layer will naturally sink beneath the cake, creating a beautiful layered effect.
For a mocha twist, add 1 tsp espresso powder to the cake batter.
Store refrigerated for up to 5 days — this cake tastes even better after a day as the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, ricotta chocolate cake, layered dessert, romantic dessert, chocolate pudding cake