Easy Chocolate Italian Love Cake Recipe

Imagine this: with each bite you get to taste the base, which consists of a rich and moist chocolate cake while on top of that a creamy, sweet ricotta cheese layer. This interplay of dense cake and smooth cheese is like a dance of two lovers, perfectly in sync. As you delve deeper, you notice a silky layer of chocolate pudding and a cloud-like whipped cream. Each layer is distinct yet complementing each other – just perfect for Valentine’s Day.

You know why it’s an amazing Valentine dessert? Because sharing this cake isn’t just an indulgence but also an invitation for an experience of shared intimate moments. 

Best part? It’s super easy to make and perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers.

How to Make a Chocolate Italian Love Cake for Valentines Day

Here’s what you need for this great dessert:

For this delicious cake, you can use either 1 box of chocolate cake mix with any of the ingredients described on the package, or you can make the cake from scratch using these ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Ingredients for the cheese layer:

• 2 lbs (32 oz) ricotta cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the frosting:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 box of instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or equivalent homemade whipped cream

Note: If you want to make the chocolate pudding mix from scratch, here’s what you need:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups of milk

Alternative Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – Gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour (note: may change texture)
• Granulated Sugar – Coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Dutch-processed cocoa (for a smoother flavor), carob powder (for a caffeine-free option)
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder – Gluten-free versions if needed
• Eggs – Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg), commercial egg replacer
• Whole Milk – Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk
• Vegetable Oil – Coconut oil, melted butter
• Vanilla Extract – Almond extract, orange extract
• Ricotta Cheese – Cottage cheese, vegan ricotta
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Homemade chocolate pudding mix (cocoa, sugar, cornstarch)
• Whipped Topping – Homemade whipped cream, coconut whipped cream (for dairy-free)
• Toppings – Chocolate chips, cocoa powder

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking pan by greasing it using either nonstick spray or butter, then lightly flour it – use a 9×13 inch pan here.

Note: If you’re using box cake to make the chocolate cake, skip step 2.

Step 2: Take a large bowl and add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to it, mix it. 

Step 3: Use a medium bowl and add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Start adding the wed ingredients from step 3 to the dry ingredients from step 2 as you’re mixing it until it becomes smooth – use a hand mixer or food processor to make mixing easier.

Step 5: Boil the water and add 1 cup of it to the chocolate cake batter (yes, the batter will be thin, but that’s ok!) – then pour everything into the prepared pan and set aside.

Step 6: To prepare the creamy ricotta cheese mixture use a separate bowl and mix together ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s well mixed and smooth.

Step 7: Pour the ricotta mixture carefully on top of the cake batter from step 5 and spread it evenly – then bake it for 60 minutes or until the center is set.

Step 8: For the frosting use a medium bowl and mix the instant pudding mix and milk until thickened, then fold in the whipped topping or homemade whipped cream and spread it over the cooled cake.

Step 8.2 (Optional): If you want to make the creamy chocolate pudding topping from scratch, mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Add 2 cups of milk and 1.5 cups of the pudding mixture to a saucepan and whisk it over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and continue to whisk for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove it from the heat and let it cool off at room temperature before pouring it over the pan with the cake batter and cheese layer. 

Step 9: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or even better, overnight. 

Lastly, slice it and enjoy it chilled – you could even garnish it with  chocolate shavings or a bit of cocoa powder.

Expert Tips

• Don’t be shocked when you see the chocolate cake layer and the ricotta layer invert – that’s normal and due to density differences – it will flip back once you start baking it (a cool magic trick for kids!)
• If you prepare the pudding mixture from scratch for the frosting, cover the bowl with plastic wrap directly on the surface, so it won’t form a skin. 
• To make homemade whipped cream, whip together 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until it gets stiff.
• While chocolate is traditional, experiment with the frosting flavor. You can try flavors like  espresso powder, a splash of liqueur, or using a vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a different twist.

What to Serve Italian Love Cake With

Here are a few options to make the experience even better:

Beverages

• Coffee
• Dessert Wine
• Milk
• Limoncello or Amaretto (for after)

Sides or Garnishes

• Fresh Berries
• Citrus Segments
• Sauces and Syrups
• Raspberry Coulis
• Chocolate Ganache
• Caramel Sauce
• Whipped Cream 
• Ice Cream
• Whipped Cream
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Toasted Nuts
• Mascarpone or Cream Cheese

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers, if you don’t see something feel free to ask below!

What is a Chocolate Italian Love Cake?

Chocolate Italian Love Cake is a dessert that has layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and a smooth chocolate pudding frosting on top. 

What are some variations of Chocolate Italian Love Cake?

You can find different variations of the Chocolate Italian Love cake with flavors of vanilla, red velvet, espresso, liqueur to the batter. Alternatively, you can also find variations with toppings, like caramel sauce or fresh berries

Can you freeze Chocolate Italian Love Cake?

Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply leave it in the fridge overnight to defrost.

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