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The Ultimate Layered Chocolate Italian Love Cake with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Close-up of a decadent slice of Italian love cake featuring dark chocolate cake layers and a creamy white filling.
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Make this decadent Italian Love Cake featuring a moist chocolate base, a creamy ricotta layer that bakes itself into position, and a rich chocolate pudding frosting. This layered ricotta cake is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 box (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk (for pudding)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, and baking soda. Mix well.
  3. Add the cold water, vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup whole milk, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
  6. Pour the ricotta mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter. Do not stir.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The layers will form during baking.
  8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the chocolate pudding: In a bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  10. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  11. Gently fold the prepared chocolate pudding into the whipped cream until just combined to create the frosting.
  12. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the best layering effect, ensure the ricotta mixture is poured gently over the batter without mixing.
  • Chill time is important; it allows the layers to set properly for clean slices.
  • You can substitute the chocolate pudding frosting with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/italian-love-cake-recipe-chocolate-ricotta/