Description
Italian Love Cake is a rich, layered Italian-American dessert made with a chocolate cake base, a creamy sweetened ricotta layer, and a silky chocolate pudding topping. As it bakes, the layers magically flip, creating a stunning and indulgent cake that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or romantic occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
- 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional)
- Ricotta Layer
- 2 lb whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Topping
- 1 (5.1 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 8 oz sour cream or whipped topping
- Optional garnish: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to package directions, adding espresso powder if using. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the cake batter. Do not mix.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool completely.
- Whisk pudding mix with milk until thick, then fold in sour cream or whipped topping.
- Spread pudding topping evenly over cooled cake.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Do not swirl the layers—this allows the cake to form properly.
- Chilling overnight improves flavor and slicing.
- For a tangy twist, substitute a cream cheese frosting for the pudding topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, Chocolate Ricotta Cake, Italian Dessert, Love Cake Recipe, Layered Chocolate Cake