Italian Love Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s equal parts impressive and irresistibly delicious, look no further than Italian Love Cake. This classic Italian-American creation surprises guests with its indulgent layers, where chocolate cake and sweet ricotta mysteriously swap places during baking, then the whole thing gets topped with a dreamy, chocolatey pudding frosting. With every bite, you get creamy, fluffy, and chocolatey goodness—pure magic in a pan that always wins hearts at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Italian Love Cake lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are easy to find, but each one plays a crucial role in the mesmerizing flavor, texture, and distinct look of the finished cake. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:

• Ricotta cheese (2 x 15-ounce containers): The base of that unmistakable creamy layer, delivering rich, velvety texture and classic ricotta flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the ricotta mixture, making it taste like cannoli filling.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and balance to the creamy layer.
• Large eggs (4 for ricotta, plus 3 for cake batter): Essential for binding both cake and ricotta layers, helping everything set up perfectly.
• Chocolate or Devil’s Food cake mix (15.25-ounce box): The shortcut to deep, decadent chocolate flavor. Choose your favorite brand.
• Canola or vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist.
• Water (1 cup): Brings the cake batter together while keeping it light.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix (5-ounce box): The secret to a thick, lush frosting layer with fast, fuss-free prep.
• Cold milk (3 cups): Whisks with the pudding mix to achieve the perfect frosting texture—make sure it’s cold!
• Whipped topping (8-ounce container): Gently folded into the pudding for an airy, mousse-like finish—don’t skip thawing first.
• Cooking spray: To keep your cake from sticking and allow for easy slicing.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray. This ensures your layers won’t cling to the pan, making serving a breeze (and your cake slices picture-perfect!).

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until wonderfully smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The better you blend, the silkier your ricotta layer will be in the finished Italian Love Cake.

Step 3: Combine the Chocolate Cake Batter

Grab another bowl and whisk together the chocolate cake mix, oil, water, and three eggs. Stir everything together just until the batter is smooth—no need to over-mix. This layer will bake up moist and rich, serving as the cake’s chocolatey foundation.

Step 4: Layer It All Together

Pour the chocolate cake batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Next, gently pour the ricotta mixture over the cake batter. Take your time and pour slowly—don’t mix! During baking, the layers will magically switch places, giving Italian Love Cake its signature look.

Step 5: Bake

Carefully slide the pan into your oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set (a little jiggle is okay, but it shouldn’t be liquid). Cool the cake completely at room temperature so the layers can settle and set.

Step 6: Whip Up the Chocolate Pudding Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, whisk your instant pudding mix with the cold milk for 2–3 minutes, until it thickens up nicely. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping—you want a light, fluffy texture here. This dreamy chocolate mousse-like frosting will be the finishing touch on your Italian Love Cake.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the chocolate pudding frosting generously over the top. Pop the entire cake into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). Chilling allows the flavors and layers to meld together, making every bite pure perfection.

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little cocoa powder, shave some chocolate curls, or scatter mini chocolate chips on top for extra pizzazz. You can also add fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish that makes each square of Italian Love Cake look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

This cake is incredibly rich, so pair it with something light: a small scoop of vanilla gelato, a bowl of fresh mixed berries, or a simple espresso. These lighter sides refresh your palate and let the Italian Love Cake’s flavors shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Italian Love Cake in neat squares on a platter, stack it in clear parfait glasses for layered visual drama, or cut it into hearts for romantic occasions. For a family celebration, try adding a colorful sprinkle mix to the top and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep leftovers in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh and luscious for up to 5 days. The chilled layers even taste better as they settle and mingle!

Freezing

Italian Love Cake freezes beautifully. Cut into squares and wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. If you’d like to soften it slightly, let a slice sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture of the creamy ricotta and frosting layers.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Love Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing Italian Love Cake the day before you plan to serve it makes the layers even more flavorful and firm. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and share.

Can I use a homemade cake batter or pudding?

Definitely! While using boxed mixes makes the process incredibly easy, you can substitute your favorite homemade chocolate cake and pudding recipes for a from-scratch twist on classic Italian Love Cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes—just swap the chocolate cake mix for your preferred gluten-free variety. As always, double-check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free before assembling.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The center should be just set with a slight jiggle but shouldn’t appear wet or liquid. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted into the edge should come out clean. Let it cool fully to give those magic layers time to reveal themselves!

Why do the layers switch places in Italian Love Cake?

It’s all about science and density—the ricotta mixture is heavier than the cake batter, so it gently sinks to the bottom while the lighter chocolate cake rises, creating that signature wow factor after baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing Italian Love Cake—whether for a celebration or just because. It’s irresistibly easy, always crowd-pleasing, and just a little bit magical. Whip up a batch and discover why this beloved dessert truly lives up to its name!

Print