Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake is a creamy, chocolate-layered dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. It pairs a ricotta layer with a boxed chocolate cake mix and a cool pudding frosting. People love it for its soft texture and simple method. Make it for family dinners, potlucks, or a sweet weeknight treat. If you enjoy layered, cozy sweets, you may also like the easy bakery-style coffee cake muffins for breakfast or snacks.

Why make this recipe

This cake uses simple ingredients anyone can find. It mixes pantry staples with a few fresh items. The steps are kind to beginners. You do not need special tools. It saves time compared to a from-scratch cake. Kids and adults both enjoy the flavors. It also makes a lot, so it works for family meals or gatherings. For more party-style dessert ideas, see this fun birthday cake pop recipe.

What makes Italian Love Cake special

The ricotta layer makes this cake unique. It keeps the cake moist and adds a light, tangy bite. The boxed cake mix gives a rich chocolate base with little work. The instant pudding frosting adds creamy texture without heavy whipping. Together the layers balance creaminess and cake. This dessert stands out because it feels homemade but comes together quickly. If you like mixing cake with fresh ingredients, try the simple breakfast veggie crinkle cake for another homemade treat.

Is Italian Love Cake healthy

This dessert is rich and meant as an occasional treat. It uses real ricotta, which adds protein and a creamy texture. It also uses a boxed mix and pudding, which are higher in sugar. Homemade versions let you control portions. Serving smaller slices makes it easier to enjoy without overdoing it. This is not medical advice—just a simple note on balance.

How to make Italian Love Cake

The process is simple and forgiving. You make a ricotta layer first, then a chocolate batter, and finally a pudding frosting. The cake bakes in one 9×13 pan, so cleanup is easy. Skill level: beginner. Time: about 20–30 minutes of prep and baking plus chilling time. The steps flow naturally and do not require special techniques. You can relax as the oven does most of the work.

Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) containers ricotta cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature (for the ricotta layer)
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs (for the cake batter)
• 1 (5-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk (for the pudding)
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

For a celebratory touch, this recipe pairs well with a light champagne cake like this champagne cake recipe.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Make the ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 4 room-temperature eggs. Mix until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Make the chocolate cake batter: In a separate bowl, mix the boxed chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup water, and 3 eggs. Beat until well combined.
4. Pour the chocolate batter over the ricotta layer. Try to pour evenly so the batter covers the ricotta.
5. Bake the layered cake until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool to room temperature.
6. Make the pudding frosting: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk until it thickens. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth.
7. Spread the pudding frosting over the cooled cake. Chill before serving so the frosting firms.

How to serve Italian Love Cake

Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled for the best texture. You can plate slices with a dusting of cocoa or a few fresh berries. It pairs well with coffee, milk, or a light dessert wine. Serve it for after-dinner dessert, at brunch, or as a sweet snack with tea. For casual serving, place the pan on the table and let guests help themselves.

Best occasions to make Italian Love Cake

• Family dinners and Sunday suppers.
• Potlucks and office parties.
• Birthday gatherings when you want a simple, layered cake.
• Holiday tables where you need a make-ahead dessert.
• Weeknight treats when you crave something special but quick.

This cake also fits any time you want a rich chocolate treat that still feels homey and comforting. For a classic chocolate option, consider pairing ideas from a simple chocolate cake guide.

How to store Italian Love Cake

Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container or cover the pan with plastic wrap. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours because of the pudding and ricotta. You can freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then wrap them airtight; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can you make Italian Love Cake ahead of time

Yes. Make the cake and chilling steps a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge. The flavors meld and the texture improves after a few hours. Assemble the pudding frosting the same day you plan to serve if you prefer it very fresh. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Tips to make Italian Love Cake

• Use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Spread the ricotta layer evenly to keep the cake balanced.
• Pour the cake batter gently to avoid mixing layers too much.
• Chill the cake before cutting for clean slices.
• Do not overmix the pudding after adding whipped topping to keep it light.

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Variation

• Use vanilla pudding for a different frosting flavor.
• Swap the boxed chocolate mix for a fudge or dark chocolate mix for a deeper taste.
• Try part-skim ricotta to reduce fat while keeping texture.
• Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for intense chocolate notes.
• Top with toasted nuts or shaved chocolate for crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

A: Cottage cheese has a different texture. You can blend it first to smooth it. The final cake will be slightly different.

Q: How long does Italian Love Cake need to chill before serving?

A: Chill at least 2 hours so the pudding frosting firms and slices hold.

Q: Can I use sugar substitute or low-sugar pudding for Italian Love Cake?

A: Yes. You can swap sugar and choose a low-sugar instant pudding. The texture may change slightly.