Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try Recipe

Get ready to swoon over layers of chocolate, creamy ricotta, and silky pudding in this Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try! This beloved Italian-American classic brings together a simple chocolate cake, velvety ricotta cheesecake, and fluffy chocolate pudding topping, creating a showstopping dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating with family or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe truly lives up to its romantic name—one bite and you’ll see why generations keep coming back to it.

Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This indulgent dessert is made with everyday supermarket staples, yet each ingredient plays a starring role in building the irresistible texture and flavor of the Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try. Choose good-quality ricotta and your favorite cake mix to take it over the top!

  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the fudgy, tender base layer. Choose your favorite boxed mix for ease and consistent results.
  • Eggs: Both for the cake and ricotta layers, they create structure, richness, and a perfectly set custard texture.
  • Oil and Water (for cake mix): These keep the cake moist and luscious as it bakes beneath those dreamy layers.
  • Ricotta Cheese (2 lbs): The heart of this cake! Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, smoothest cheesecake layer that magically rises as it bakes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ricotta layer just right, balancing the tangy cheese and rich chocolate flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and rounds out the flavors in the ricotta layer.
  • Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix (5.1 oz box): The secret to a fudgy, mousse-like top when mixed with milk and whipped topping.
  • Cold Milk (1 1/2 cups): Whisks into the pudding, making it thick and dreamy.
  • Whipped Topping (8 oz tub): Folds into the pudding for an ultra-light, cloud-like finish—don’t skip this!

How to Make Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and liberally grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your layers don’t stick and makes slicing and serving a total breeze later on.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

Prepare the chocolate cake batter following the instructions on your box (usually adding eggs, oil, and water). Spread the prepared batter evenly in your greased dish—this will become the delicious base of the Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 4 eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it looks a little liquid; it sets perfectly as it bakes, rising to create the most luscious cheesecake layer right in the middle of the cake!

Step 4: Layer the Ricotta Mixture

Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the unbaked chocolate cake batter. It might feel strange, but trust the process—while baking, the layers magically invert, and the ricotta settles into its dreamy spot. No swirling or mixing needed!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake for 1 hour, or until the center is firmly set and the edges are gently golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely—patience is key here, so the layers set perfectly for slicing.

Step 6: Prepare the Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and airy. This super-fluffy, chocolatey topping is what turns your cake into the Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try!

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the pudding mixture evenly over the entire surface. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time allows the flavors to marry and makes for seamless slicing later.

How to Serve Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try

Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dress up your cake slices with a dusting of cocoa powder, dark chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for extra texture and visual appeal. A few fresh berries on the side aren’t traditional, but they add a beautiful pop of color and complement the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try is the star at any gathering, so keep side dishes simple. It pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of espresso or a little glass of dessert wine. If you want to add a creamy contrast, serve with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the pan! For a special occasion, cut the cake into individual squares and serve on elegant dessert plates topped with chocolate curls. Or, use a round cookie cutter to create petite, bakery-worthy circles. Serve in tall glasses layered with extra pudding for a playful parfait twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, and a quick slice is a treat for whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

Freezing

Want to make this dessert in advance? You can freeze the fully assembled (but un-topped) cake tightly wrapped for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the pudding topping, and chill for a few hours before slicing.

Reheating

This cake is definitely best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat! In fact, a cold slice straight from the fridge is positively dreamy. If the cake is frozen, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before assembling with the pudding topping and serving.

FAQs

What makes the layers of the Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try switch during baking?

The magic lies in the different densities: as it bakes, the ricotta mixture is heavier and sinks, while the cake portion rises, resulting in beautifully defined, unexpected layers.

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe, go for it. Just make enough batter to fill a 9×13-inch pan and follow the same layering technique.

Is it possible to use low-fat ricotta cheese?

You can use low-fat ricotta, but for the creamiest, richest texture, whole milk ricotta is preferred. Low-fat versions may make the layer a bit more watery and less luscious.

How far in advance can I make the Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try?

This cake actually improves with a little time, so feel free to bake and chill it up to two days ahead. Just add the pudding topping the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste and look.

Can I use other flavors of pudding for the topping?

Definitely! While chocolate is classic, try vanilla, pistachio, or even a swirl of mocha pudding for a fun twist. Just make sure to keep that irresistible whipped topping for the signature fluffy finish.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to travel to an Italian bakery to enjoy a slice of decadent, multi-layered delight—just make the Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try right in your own kitchen! With its showstopping looks and irresistible flavors, it’s the perfect dessert for celebrating love of all kinds. Give it a try and share the sweetness with your friends and family—they’ll be swooning for seconds!

Print

Authentic Italian Love Cake Recipe You Must Try Recipe

Indulge in the decadent layers of this Authentic Italian Love Cake, a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy ricotta, and a luscious chocolate pudding topping. This recipe is a must-try for any sweet tooth!

  • Author: Douaa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)

For the Ricotta Layer:

  • 2 lbs ricotta cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pudding Layer (Topping):

  • 1 (5.1 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the unbaked chocolate cake batter — it will sink while baking (this is expected).
  5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the center is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cake. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Italian Love Cake, Chocolate, Ricotta, Pudding, Dessert, Sweet, Decadent

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