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Italian Love Cake Recipe Easy Make-Ahead Family Dessert

Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert with a surprising twist — the layers magically switch while baking! Rich chocolate cake meets creamy ricotta and silky chocolate pudding frosting for a show-stopping treat that’s both elegant and comforting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 30 oz (two 15 oz containers) Ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 15.25 oz box Chocolate cake mix
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 5 oz box Instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups Cold milk
  • 8 oz container Whipped topping (thawed)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the box instructions using the listed oil, water, and eggs.
  4. Step 4: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, then carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the top.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Fold in the thawed whipped topping.
  7. Step 7: Spread the pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

During baking, the ricotta layer sinks to the bottom and the chocolate cake rises to the top, creating the 'magical' layered effect. For an extra touch, dust the top with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings before serving.