Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake Recipe - Authentic Taste Straight from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 75-90 minutes | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Italian Love Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that combines layers of moist cake, creamy ricotta cheese, and rich chocolate pudding. This dessert is sure to impress your loved ones and is perfect for special occasions or just as a sweet treat.

History

Italian Love Cake is a popular dessert that has been enjoyed by many for generations. The exact origins of the recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have Italian roots. This dessert has become a favorite in many households and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 (18.5 oz (524 g)) package chocolate cake mix
2 pt (946 ml) part-skim ricotta cheese
0.75 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 (3 oz (85 g)) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 (12 oz (340 g)) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

How to prepare

Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 x 2 inches baking dish. Set it aside.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix well.
Evenly spread the mixture over the top of the cake batter.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75 minutes if using a glass baking dish, or 90 minutes if using a metal pan.
In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened.
Add the whipped topping and blend it in.
Spread the mixture over the cooled cake.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by using different flavors of cake mix or pudding mix. Try using lemon cake mix with vanilla pudding for a refreshing twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to follow the instructions on the cake mix box for best results.

- Be sure to spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the chocolate pudding mixture.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the chocolate pudding mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Italian Love Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the cake until it is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cream cheese as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Love Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Italian Love Cake with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat.

Summary

Italian Love Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

Summary

Italian Love Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for special occasions or just as a sweet treat. With layers of moist cake, creamy ricotta cheese, and rich chocolate pudding, this dessert is sure to impress your loved ones. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was given to me by my dear friend Maria, who had learned it from her Italian grandmother. The name alone, Italian Love Cake, sparked my curiosity and I knew I had to give it a try.

Maria had raved about how delicious and decadent the cake was, and I couldn't wait to taste it for myself. She explained that it was a rich and creamy dessert, made with layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and a sweet chocolate ganache topping. It sounded like the perfect treat to share with my family.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed the cake batter, the sweet aroma of chocolate filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. The ricotta cheese filling was light and fluffy, adding a creamy texture to the cake that I knew would be simply irresistible.

After baking the cake and letting it cool, I carefully layered on the ricotta cheese filling and spread it evenly across the top. The final touch was the rich chocolate ganache, which I drizzled over the top of the cake, creating a beautiful marble effect.

As I took my first bite of the Italian Love Cake, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The rich chocolate cake combined with the creamy ricotta cheese filling was a match made in heaven. Each bite was a decadent delight, and I knew that this recipe would become a family favorite for years to come.

Over the years, I have made this Italian Love Cake countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my family's tastes. I have added a sprinkle of cinnamon to the ricotta cheese filling, giving it a warm and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate cake. I have also experimented with different types of chocolate for the ganache, from dark and bittersweet to rich and creamy milk chocolate.

One of my fondest memories of making this cake was when my grandchildren came to visit. They had heard me talking about the Italian Love Cake and begged me to teach them how to make it. I happily agreed, and we spent a wonderful afternoon in the kitchen, laughing and bonding over our shared love of baking.

As we worked together to create the cake, I shared stories of my own grandmother, who had passed down her recipes to me with love and care. I told them how cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and keep my family's traditions alive.

When the cake was finally finished, we sat down to enjoy it together, savoring each bite and relishing in the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. My grandchildren declared the Italian Love Cake to be their new favorite dessert, and I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had passed down this recipe to the next generation.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover the Italian Love Cake, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. From my friend Maria to my own grandmother, each person has played a part in inspiring me to create and share delicious meals with those I hold dear.

And so, as I continue to bake and cook, I carry with me the memories and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Italian Love Cake will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food, love, and laughter with those we cherish the most.