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The Best Italian Love Cake

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The Best Italian Love Cake is a magical, layered dessert with rich chocolate cake, a sweet ricotta layer, and a creamy pudding topping. As it bakes, the layers flip—creating a stunning and delicious result with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare: eggs, oil, water)
  • 2 lbs whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box (5.1 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk (for pudding)
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the cake batter. Do not stir.
  5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cake cool completely.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Fold in whipped topping until smooth.
  7. Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use different cake flavors like vanilla or red velvet for variety.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the ricotta layer for extra richness.
  • Swap in vanilla or cheesecake pudding for a lighter topping flavor.
  • Add espresso powder or amaretto for an Italian-inspired twist.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/the-best-italian-love-cake/