Italian Love Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)

Rich chocolate cake layered with creamy ricotta and topped with silky chocolate pudding cream.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 - Water, eggs, and oil as required by cake mix package
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (optional)
04 - 2 pounds whole-milk ricotta cheese
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Topping

10 - 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
11 - 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
12 - 2 cups cold whole milk

→ Miscellaneous

13 - Cooking spray
14 - Parchment paper

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and two long sides with parchment paper.
02 - Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package directions using water, eggs, and oil. Stir in instant espresso powder if using. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface.
03 - Process ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour evenly over cake batter, covering it completely.
04 - Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes until cake rises to top and a tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cracks or ricotta streaks on surface are normal. Transfer to wire rack; cool completely, about 2 1/2 hours.
05 - Whisk instant chocolate pudding mix and cold whole milk until dissolved and thickened, about 2 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Fold in thawed Cool Whip until fully combined.
06 - Spread topping evenly over cooled cake. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Ricotta mixture can be prepared with an electric mixer but will be less smooth than when processed.
02 - Substitute 8 ounces Cool Whip with 3 cups sweetened whipped cream if desired.
03 - Store leftovers refrigerated in pan or airtight container up to 4 days.

Back