If you’re searching for a decadent, old-school dessert that’s equal parts impressive and irresistible, look no further than the iconic Italian Love Cake. This crowd-pleasing, family favorite features dreamy layers of luscious ricotta filling and rich chocolate cake, all topped with a silky-smooth chocolate pudding frosting. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, with each layer working its magic as it bakes. The result is a showstopping treat perfect for potlucks, birthdays, holidays, or just a well-deserved weeknight surprise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Italian Love Cake lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s the creamy texture from ricotta, the deep chocolatey flavor, or the sweet, cloud-like topping. Gather up these essentials and you’ll be in dessert heaven in no time!

Chocolate Cake Mix: The backbone of this cake, providing a rich, moist base with zero fuss.
Eggs, Oil, and Water: Classic cake mix “extras” that help build the structure and guarantee a tender crumb.
Ricotta Cheese (2 lbs): The star of the show—this adds creaminess and that signature Italian flavor.
Large Eggs (4): Essential for binding the ricotta layer and making it light and custardy.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the ricotta blend without overpowering it.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Lends subtle warmth and depth to the cheesy layer.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix (5.1 oz box): Delivers a silky, chocolatey finish on top—so easy!
Cold Milk (1½ cups): Whips the pudding into thick, spoonable perfection.
Frozen Whipped Topping (8 oz tub, thawed): Gives the chocolate layer its light, mousse-like texture—no effort required.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing. This ensures your Italian Love Cake slides out beautifully after cooling. Prepping everything up front keeps the process smooth and the results flawless!

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Base

Mix up your chocolate cake batter just as the box instructs (usually combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water). Pour it evenly into your prepared baking dish. This layer starts on the bottom but, thanks to some baking magic, will end up as the topping later on—one of this dessert’s happiest surprises!

Step 3: Create the Ricotta Layer

In a separate bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, four large eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Gently spoon this mixture over your cake batter, smoothing it out so it covers the surface. The key here: don’t stir or swirl! The layers will magically switch places in the oven.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for one hour. The Italian Love Cake will puff up and set—the toothpick test (inserted near the center) should come out mostly clean. The ricotta layer will have nestled down, and the chocolate cake will have risen to the top. Let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Whip Up the Pudding Frosting

In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk together for about two minutes, until it thickens. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the frosting is silky and uniform. This topping is what makes Italian Love Cake so decadent and special—delicately chocolatey, ultra light, and sure to steal the show.

Step 6: Frost and Chill

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate pudding frosting over the top with a spatula, swooping it all the way to the edges. For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least four hours, or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and each layer to set up perfectly—so don’t rush this step!

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Italian Love Cake with shavings of chocolate, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of colored nonpareils. A few fresh raspberries or mint leaves make each slice look extra festive. The goal is to enhance—not overwhelm—the gorgeous layers.

Side Dishes

This cake is quite rich, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides: a fresh fruit salad, bold espresso, or a scoop of vanilla gelato. Offer a few Italian cookies for extra fun if you’re serving a crowd. These light accompaniments balance the dessert’s decadent flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut your cake into squares and serve them on a platter lined with paper doilies. Or, use a round biscuit cutter for elegant, individual portions. Tiny cups filled with layered cake, whipped topping, and fresh fruit create adorable, make-ahead parfaits inspired by Italian Love Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Love Cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices into an airtight container. The texture and flavor actually improve as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat.

Freezing

Need to save some for later? You can freeze Italian Love Cake, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to one month. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The ricotta and pudding layers will stay creamy if you avoid storing it for much longer.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you prefer a softer texture, let individual slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. There’s no need to reheat, and doing so could compromise those lovely layers.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake works wonderfully here if you have a favorite recipe. Just make sure to use enough batter to fill a 9×13-inch dish and follow the layering instructions so you get the classic effect.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta?

You can, but be sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and creamy!

Does Italian Love Cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, refrigeration is essential! The creamy ricotta and pudding layers need to stay chilled for both texture and food safety. Plus, the flavor improves significantly after a few hours in the fridge.

What can I use if I can’t find instant pudding mix?

If instant pudding isn’t available, try making a quick chocolate ganache or a classic chocolate buttercream frosting. You could also experiment with custard or a layer of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix in place of the regular one. Double-check all other packaged ingredients for hidden gluten, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

From its magical layers to the creamy, old-fashioned flavors, Italian Love Cake is the ultimate “wow” dessert that anyone can master. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—it’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. I can’t wait for you to share a slice with the people you love!

Italian Love Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Italian Love Cake is a decadent dessert that features layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and a luscious chocolate pudding topping. This indulgent treat is a favorite for special occasions or any time you want to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer:

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)

Ricotta Filling:

2 lbs ricotta cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Pudding Topping:

1 (5.1 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
1½ cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions and pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Mix together the ricotta filling until smooth, then spoon it over the cake batter without mixing.
Bake for 1 hour until set, then let it cool completely.
Prepare the chocolate pudding topping by mixing chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, then fold in whipped topping.
Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

The layers magically flip during baking, creating a creamy ricotta base and rich cake topping.
For a flavor twist, try using vanilla or cheesecake pudding instead of chocolate.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American