Italian Love Cake
Italian Love Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the rich flavors of chocolate cake. This cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes with its beautiful layers. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday party, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Italian Love Cake because it is a crowd-pleaser! The unique combination of chocolate and ricotta flavors makes it stand out from other cakes. Plus, it is relatively easy to prepare. With a few simple steps and common ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
How to Make Italian Love Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 15-ounce containers of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 15.25 ounce box of chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 5-ounce box of instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups of milk (cold)
- 1 8-ounce container of whipped topping (thawed)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
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For the ricotta layer, mix together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add in the 4 eggs and mix well.
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Now, prepare the chocolate cake mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, water, and 3 large eggs. Stir until smooth.
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Pour the chocolate cake batter into the greased baking dish and then carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the chocolate batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check if it’s fully baked by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
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Once baked, let the cake cool to room temperature.
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For the chocolate pudding frosting, mix the instant chocolate pudding with cold milk. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken, and then fold in the whipped topping.
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Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
How to Serve Italian Love Cake
Serve Italian Love Cake chilled for the best flavor. You can slice it into squares and place on dessert plates. For extra presentation, add a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh berries on top. It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress!
How to Store Italian Love Cake
To store Italian Love Cake, keep it covered in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to keep it airtight to maintain its freshness.
Tips to Make Italian Love Cake
- Use high-quality ricotta cheese for creamier results.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- If you want a stronger chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate pudding mix.
Variation
You can try different cake mixes such as red velvet for a twist on the classic recipe. Additionally, adding chocolate chips to the ricotta layer can enhance the chocolate flavor!
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular pudding instead of instant pudding?
A: It’s best to use instant pudding for this recipe as it thickens faster and creates a nice frosting.
Q: Can I make this cake a day in advance?
A: Yes, this cake stores well and tastes even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Italian Love Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Now you are ready to make your own delicious Italian Love Cake! Enjoy the process and the sweet rewards!