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!
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 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.