Italian Love Cake
A classic Italian-inspired treat, this cake features a decadent ricotta cheese filling layered between a moist chocolate cake and topped with a creamy chocolate frosting.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- 9x13 Inch Baking Pan
- Whisk
- Large Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 (15.25 oz) package chocolate cake mix (plus additional ingredients called for on the package)
- 1 ¼ cups water (as per cake mix instructions)
- ½ cup oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Ricotta Filling
- 2 pounds (32 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 16 ounces frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed in the refrigerator
Optional Garnish
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Next, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix package. Typically, this will involve mixing the cake mix with 1 ¼ cups of water, ½ cup of oil, and 3 large eggs. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.Once mixed, pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter gently to fill the pan completely, ensuring that it's smooth on top. Set the cake batter aside for now, but do NOT bake it yet. The magic happens in the next few steps!
- In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, 4 large eggs, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed until the filling becomes smooth and creamy. The texture should be slightly thick but spreadable.Carefully pour the ricotta filling over the top of the unbaked cake batter. Don’t worry if the filling doesn’t cover the entire surface at first; it will spread out and settle as it bakes. Use a spatula to gently spread the ricotta mixture as evenly as possible, ensuring that it covers most of the batter.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the cake is fully set and the top is golden brown. You’ll notice the ricotta filling may rise to the top during baking, forming a distinct layer above the chocolate cake. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely. This step is essential because it allows the layers to firm up and be easier to frost later.
Frosting and Decoration
- While the cake cools, you can prepare the luscious chocolate frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 cup of cold milk. Mix the ingredients until the pudding begins to thicken, which should take about 1-2 minutes.Once the pudding has thickened, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip) until fully combined. Be careful not to stir too vigorously; you want to preserve the light and airy texture of the whipped topping. The frosting should be smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading over the cooled cake.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, it's time to frost! Using a spatula, spread the creamy chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Try to cover the entire surface, smoothing the frosting so that it creates a beautiful finish. The frosting will complement the rich ricotta filling and add a smooth, creamy contrast to the chocolate cake.
- For a fun, festive touch, you can add sprinkles on top of the frosting. This is entirely optional but can give the cake a delightful pop of color and a little extra sweetness. You could also experiment with other garnishes like chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate if you want to make the cake even more indulgent.
- For the best results, cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the cake allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the texture is perfect when you slice it. The cake will set nicely, and the layers will become even more defined.