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Italian Love Cake

This Italian Love Cake merges rich chocolate flavor with a creamy ricotta layer and a delightful chocolate pudding frosting, creating a dessert experience filled with nostalgia and love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ricotta Layer
  • 2 15-ounce containers ricotta cheese Look for whole milk for the creamiest texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs Room temperature helps them blend better.
For the Chocolate Cake Layer
  • 1 15.25-ounce box chocolate or devil’s food cake mix Ensure it's fresh—check expiration dates.
  • 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 large eggs Also room temperature.
For the Chocolate Pudding Frosting
  • 1 5-ounce box instant chocolate pudding
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 8-ounce container whipped topping Thawed.

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Create the Ricotta Layer
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat together until smooth.
  2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully blended.
Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, canola oil, water, and eggs. Mix until combined, but avoid overmixing.
  2. Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared baking dish, then gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the top.
Bake
  1. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Create the Chocolate Pudding Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding powder with cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
  2. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
Final Assembly
  1. After the cake has completely cooled, spread the chocolate pudding frosting generously over the top.

Notes

Leftover cake can be stored in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. You can prepare the layers in advance and freeze them as well.