Why Make This Recipe
Italian Love Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate and creamy ricotta in a way that warms the heart. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. The layers create a unique taste that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, which is always a bonus!
How to Make Italian Love Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package instant pudding mix (vanilla or chocolate)
- 2 cups milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions, adding the eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and remaining eggs until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the chocolate cake batter.
- In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened. Spread the pudding over the ricotta layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven according to the chocolate cake mix instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy your Italian Love Cake!
How to Serve Italian Love Cake
Serve Italian Love Cake in squares. You can enjoy it plain, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a little extra flair. A side of fresh berries can also complement this delicious dessert beautifully.
How to Store Italian Love Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn!
Tips to Make Italian Love Cake
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients; this helps everything blend better.
- Don’t overmix the ricotta mixture; a few lumps are okay.
- Check the cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with flavors! You can use a vanilla cake mix instead of chocolate for a different twist. Adding chocolate chips to the ricotta layer also gives an added crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and serve when you’re ready.
2. What should I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute with mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture or cottage cheese for a lighter option.
3. Is it okay to use low-fat products?
Yes, using low-fat ricotta and milk will work well, but it may alter the texture slightly. The cake will still be tasty!
Italian Love Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions, adding 3 eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and remaining 2 eggs until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the chocolate cake batter.
- In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and 2 cups milk until thickened. Spread the pudding over the ricotta layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven according to the chocolate cake mix instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.