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The Best Magical Layered Italian Love Cake with Ricotta and Chocolate

A decadent slice of layered Italian love cake featuring chocolate cake, mousse, cream, and topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
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You will love this decadent Italian Love Cake featuring a moist chocolate base, a creamy ricotta layer that bakes itself into place, and a smooth chocolate pudding topping. This is the ultimate easy, layered dessert for special occasions or date nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 container (15 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk (for pudding)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, flour, 1 cup sugar, and baking powder. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup water, oil, and 4 egg yolks until combined. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. In a clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup milk. Mix until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the chocolate batter. Do not spread.
  6. Sprinkle the dry instant pudding mix evenly over the top of the batter and ricotta mixture.
  7. Carefully pour 1 cup of cold water over the entire surface of the batter. Do not stir.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cake layers will form magically during baking: a cake layer on the bottom, a creamy ricotta layer in the middle, and a pudding layer on top. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time is important for the layers to set.
  10. While the cake cools, prepare the topping: Beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  11. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the pudding layer.
  12. Garnish with chocolate shavings before slicing and serving. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture.

Notes

  • This cake is excellent when made ahead of time; chilling helps the layers firm up nicely.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute the water in the cake batter with cold brewed coffee.
  • If you prefer a chocolate frosting, you can use a chocolate instant pudding mix instead of vanilla for the top layer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bringdish.com/italian-love-cake-recipe-magic-layers/