Description
This decadent Italian Love Cake is a delicious chocolate and ricotta dessert, making it the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
Water
eggs
and oil needed for cake mix (see package directions)
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (optional)
2 pounds whole-milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip
thawed
1 (3.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions and prepare the cake pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, eggs, oil, and espresso powder (if using), then mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed on the package. Let cool.
- In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the cooled chocolate cake and return it to the oven. Bake until the filling is set, about 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Cool Whip, instant chocolate pudding mix, and cold milk. Mix until smooth and thickened.
- Spread the chocolate pudding topping over the cooled cake, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the ricotta mixture. Ensure the cake cools completely before adding the topping for best results.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, Valentine's Day dessert, chocolate ricotta cake, romantic cake recipe