Italian Love Cake

This Italian Love Cake is a unique dessert with a delightful surprise. The cake batter is poured into the pan first, but as it bakes, a rich ricotta cheese filling sinks to the bottom, creating a beautiful and delicious two-layer cake topped with a fluffy chocolate pudding frosting.

Italian Love Cake

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the 1 box of chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs until the batter is smooth. Set this aside.
3. Make the Filling: In another large bowl, mix together the 32 oz ricotta cheese, 4 eggs, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the ricotta cheese filling carefully on top of the cake batter. Don’t worry about it mixing in, as it will sink as the cake bakes.
5. Bake & Cool: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before you prepare the topping.
6. Make the Topping: In a large bowl, add the 1 ½ cups chilled milk and the 1 (5.9 oz) box of instant chocolate pudding mix. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Gently fold in the 1 (16 oz) container of frozen whipped topping just until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
7. Finish & Chill: Spread the chocolate pudding topping evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate the cake until you are ready to serve it.

Enjoy this uniquely layered and decadent dessert!