This Italian Love Cake is a magical dessert where the layers “flip” in the oven. The heavy ricotta mixture sinks to the middle, while the chocolate cake rises to the top, resulting in a moist, creamy, and decadent treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Base
1 box chocolate cake mix (Standard size, approx. 15.25 oz)
Ingredients required by the box (typically water, oil, and eggs)
Ricotta Layer
32 oz (approx. 900g) Ricotta cheese
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting & Topping
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup cold whole milk
8 oz (approx. 225g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or stiffly whipped heavy cream
Chocolate curls or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or a large springform pan. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
In a separate large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the raw chocolate cake batter. Do not mix them. - The Baking Process
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. During this time, the ricotta layer will settle into the center of the cake. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. - Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the color is uniform and the texture is light and fluffy. - Finishing Touches
Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top the cake with a generous amount of chocolate curls or shaved chocolate to match the look in the photo.
Pro Tip: Refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the ricotta layer to set properly, giving it a texture similar to a creamy cheesecake.
