Italian Love Cake

This Italian love cake is pure comfort in every bite. Creamy ricotta filling, rich chocolate cake, and a smooth chocolate pudding topping come together in one stunning dessert that’s easier than it looks.

When you need a showstopping dessert for a birthday celebration or family gathering, this layered cake delivers. The ricotta layer is velvety and sweet, the chocolate cake is moist and tender, and that pudding topping? Absolutely irresistible.

Italian Love Cake Ingredients

You’ll need these simple ingredients to create this beautiful layered dessert:

Ricotta Layer:

• 2 (15-ounce) containers ricotta cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)

Chocolate Cake:

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs

Chocolate Pudding Topping:

• 1 (5-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs until the batter is smooth with no lumps.

Step 4: Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 5: Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the chocolate batter. Pour slowly and gently so the layers stay mostly separate. The ricotta will sink to the bottom during baking, creating those beautiful distinct layers.

Step 6: Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until the cake is set. The center will still jiggle slightly. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature.

Step 7: While the cake cools, whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken, then fold in the whipped topping until smooth.

Step 8: Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tips for Perfect Italian Love Cake

Use room temperature eggs for the ricotta layer so everything mixes smoothly. Cold eggs can create lumps in your filling.

Don’t worry when you pour the ricotta over the cake batter. It might look like a mess, but the heavier ricotta layer naturally sinks during baking to create those gorgeous layers.

This cake actually tastes better the next day. The flavors blend together and the layers set up beautifully, so feel free to make it a day ahead.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Italian Love Cake Variations

Try a white cake mix instead of chocolate for a lighter version. Pair it with vanilla pudding for an all-white elegant dessert.

Make a strawberry version by using strawberry cake mix and vanilla pudding. Add fresh strawberries on top before serving.

For lemon lovers, use lemon cake mix with vanilla pudding and add a touch of lemon zest to the ricotta layer.

Cookies and cream pudding makes an amazing topping if you want something different from chocolate. The cookie pieces add great texture.

Sprinkle chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or colorful sprinkles on top for extra flair. If you love rich chocolate desserts, try our brownie bottom cheesecake or cookie dough oreo brownies next.

What to Serve With Italian Love Cake

Fresh berries on the side add a bright contrast to the rich chocolate. Raspberries and strawberries work especially well.

A cup of hot coffee or espresso makes this the perfect after-dinner treat. The coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

For a special occasion, serve with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Looking for more easy desserts? Our easy pecan dump cake is another crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Italian Love Cake

A stunning layered dessert featuring creamy ricotta filling, rich chocolate cake, and smooth chocolate pudding topping. This Italian love cake is easier than it looks and perfect for any celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 425

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 containers ricotta cheese 15-ounce containers
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs room temperature, for ricotta layer
• 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25-ounce box
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs for cake batter
• 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix 5-ounce box
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 container whipped topping 8-ounce container, thawed

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
4. Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into your prepared pan.
5. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the chocolate batter. Pour slowly and gently so the layers stay mostly separate. The ricotta will sink to the bottom during baking.
6. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until the cake is set. The center will still jiggle slightly. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature.
7. While the cake cools, whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken, then fold in the whipped topping until smooth.
8. Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together.

Frequently Asked Questions