Description
Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake topped with a creamy, sweet ricotta layer infused with cinnamon and vanilla. This classic Italian-inspired treat is baked to perfection, resulting in a moist, indulgent cake with a smooth, velvety topping and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Ricotta Layer:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix following the package instructions, combining the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Ricotta Layer: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and one large egg. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Ricotta on Cake: Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish. Avoid mixing; the ricotta will naturally sink into the cake as it bakes, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve this rich, creamy dessert to delight friends and family at any gathering.
Notes
- Using a homemade chocolate cake batter instead of boxed mix is perfectly fine if preferred.
- The ricotta layer should not be stirred into the cake batter; letting it sink naturally enhances the texture.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a twist, sprinkle chocolate chips or nuts over the ricotta layer before baking.
