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This Italian Love Cake starts with a boxed cake mix for an easy dessert recipe that only looks fancy! With chocolate, sweet ricotta and a whipped pudding topping, the layered Italian cake is moist, rich and perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any other special occasion!
I promise, though — you don’t really need an excuse to enjoy this delicious Italian Love Cake recipe! In fact, the boys and I whipped up this treat on a recent snow day — because baking seemed like a cozy thing to do while we were all housebound. No holiday, no birthday, just a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen!
My friend Kristin originally shared this recipe with me, since it’s one of her kids’ favorite cakes. She knew that we would probably love it as much as her crew, and she was right! It’s one of the most moist and flavorful cakes that I’ve ever made!
What is Italian Love Cake?
Like a cross between chocolate cake and cheesecake, this special dessert includes layers of chocolate cake, sweet ricotta, and a creamy chocolate pudding topping.
Why is it called Italian Love Cake?
I don’t know the full history of Italian Love Cake, but from what I’ve read, this special treat is called “Love Cake” because it was traditionally served at weddings.
I can assure you of one thing: if you serve this cake to that special man in your life, he will certainly say, “I do!”Â
How to Make Italian Love Cake:
First, let’s start with the chocolate cake layer! You’ll need a box of chocolate cake mix, as well as the rest of the ingredients called for on the package.
I used this mix, which required 1 1/4 cups water, 1/2 cup oil, and 3 eggs. Check your box, though, to make sure that you’re using the correct additional ingredients for your particular mix.
Prepare the cake batter according to package instructions, and pour it into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Set that aside.
Next, it’s time for the ricotta layer! You’ll need a giant tub (2 lbs.) of ricotta, sugar, 4 eggs, and vanilla extract.
Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until smooth.
Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the cake batter. Spread evenly to cover as much as possible.
It’s like magic! After 1 hour in a 350 degree F oven, the layers will “switch” and the chocolate will be on top!
Once the cake is completely cool, prepare the topping. You’ll need a box of instant chocolate pudding mix, frozen whipped topping that has been thawed in the refrigerator, and cold milk.
Fold the pudding together with the whipped topping and you’ll have a fluffy, chocolatey frosting to finish off the cake!
Finally, I always add sprinkles on top, but that step is totally optional!
Allow the cake to chill for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. Trust me — it’s worth the wait! This cake just gets more moist and rich as it sits…
Does Italian Love Cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes! This cake tastes best after it has been refrigerated overnight. If you have leftovers, you will need to keep the cake refrigerated (or the topping will “melt”).
Can Italian Love Cake be frozen?
I haven’t actually tried freezing this cake, but I do believe that it should keep fine in the freezer. Just make sure that it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and enjoy the cake within 1-2 months.
COOK’S TIPS AND ITALIAN LOVE CAKE VARIATIONS:
- Prepare this cake at least 1-2 days in advance, so that you have plenty of time to allow the cake to cool and chill before frosting and serving. The cake just gets better as it sits in the fridge!
- Check your box of cake mix to see which ingredients are required to prepare the batter. Different brands require different ingredients.
- When adding the whipped topping into the pudding, be sure to carefully fold the ingredients together. You want to preserve as much of the air in the whipped topping as possible, so do not vigorously stir.
- Vanilla Italian Love Cake:Â use a white cake mix. Use a box of vanilla pudding for the topping.
- Lemon Italian Love Cake:Â use a lemon cake mix. Use a box of vanilla pudding for the topping and add plenty of fresh lemon zest to give the topping a bright citrus flavor!
- Strawberry Italian Love Cake:Â use a box of strawberry cake mix. Use a box of vanilla pudding for the topping. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries just before serving.
Other easy birthday dessert ideas or Valentine’s Day desserts that you might enjoy:
- Claudia’s Easy Triple Chocolate Cake
- Champagne Cake Balls
- Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake for Two
- 5-Ingredient, 5-Minute Cherry Dump Cake
- Chi-Chi’s Famous White Texas Sheet Cake
Easy Chocolate Italian Love Cake
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) package chocolate cake mix, PLUS additional ingredients called for on the package (my cake mix package required 1.25 cups water, 1/2 cup oil, and 3 eggs)
For the Filling:
- 2 lbs ricotta cheese
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 16 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together cake batter according to package instructions.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread to fill the pan evenly. Set aside (do NOT bake yet).
Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Carefully pour the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Spread to cover cake as best you can (the layers will switch during baking).
- Bake the cake for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
- To make frosting, whisk together pudding mix and milk until combined and slightly thickened (about 1-2 minutes). Carefully fold the whipped topping into the pudding until combined.
- Spread frosting on top of cooled cake. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving.
Notes
- Prepare this cake at least 1-2 days in advance, so that you have plenty of time to allow the cake to cool and chill before frosting and serving. The cake just gets better as it sits in the fridge!
- Check your box of cake mix to see which ingredients are required to prepare the batter. Different brands require different ingredients.
- When adding the whipped topping into the pudding, be sure to carefully fold the ingredients together. You want to preserve as much of the air in the whipped topping as possible, so do not vigorously stir.
- Vanilla Italian Love Cake:Â use a white cake mix. Use a box of vanilla pudding for the topping.
- Lemon Italian Love Cake:Â use a lemon cake mix. Use a box of vanilla pudding for the topping and add plenty of fresh lemon zest to give the topping a bright citrus flavor!
- Strawberry Italian Love Cake:Â use a box of strawberry cake mix. Use a box of vanilla pudding for the topping. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries just before serving.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in October, 2015. It was updated in January, 2019.
This is some Excellent cake!!
I make it often. So easy and so yum!
Thank you so much, Rosann! We’re so glad you enjoy it!
Can you use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese
Hi Karla,
We haven’t tested this recipe with cottage cheese, but it should work! Just keep in mind that cottage cheese has more water than ricotta. So, you may need to strain it first.
Do you know why the cheese layer may not sink to the bottom? What to do differently??
Hi, Dia! I’ve never had that problem, so I’m honestly not sure what to recommend. Sorry!