Italian Love Cake - Simple science Old-world flavor Timeless appeal.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Layer

• 1 box (15.25 oz) premium chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients required on box (usually eggs, oil, water)

Ricotta Layer

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Pudding Topping

• 2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold whole milk

Finish

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1️ Prepare the Base

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to package directions.
Pour evenly into the prepared pan.

2️ Ricotta Layer

In a large bowl, beat ricotta, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate batter.
Do not mix.
(As it bakes, the layers will magically switch.)

3️ Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until center is set.
Cool completely at room temperature.

4️ Pudding Topping

Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Spread evenly over cooled cake.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

5️ Finish

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Chef Tips 👨🍳

• Use whole milk ricotta for a richer texture.
• Chill overnight for clean, bakery-style slices.
• Garnish with shaved chocolate or fresh berries for presentation.
• For an ultra-smooth ricotta layer, strain ricotta 30 minutes before mixing.