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The Best Italian Love Cake Recipe: Magical Layered Ricotta Dessert

Close-up of a moist slice of Italian love cake showing a dark chocolate base, creamy white layer, and thick chocolate frosting.
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Make this decadent Italian Love Cake featuring a moist chocolate base, a creamy ricotta layer that sets itself, and a rich chocolate pudding frosting. This easy, make-ahead dessert is perfect for special occasions or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 container (15 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla or chocolate pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup cold milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Whisk these dry ingredients together.
  3. Add the water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs to the dry mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes until the batter is smooth. Pour this batter into the prepared baking pan.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese until smooth. Add the instant pudding mix and 1/2 cup cold milk. Beat until combined.
  5. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the chocolate batter in the pan. Do not stir them together.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set. During baking, the ricotta layer will sink, creating a magical layered effect with a light cake base and a creamy layer above it.
  7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare the chocolate frosting: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the cocoa powder, hot water, and almond extract until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  9. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped almonds if you are using them.
  10. Chill the cake for at least two hours before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to fully set.

Notes

  • For an extra citrus note, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture.
  • This is a great make-ahead cake; it tastes even better the next day after the layers have fully settled in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor in the frosting, substitute instant chocolate pudding mix for the vanilla pudding mix.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/italian-love-cake-recipe-magic-layer/