Easy Italian Love Cake
A delightful and creamy cake combining the richness of ricotta with a fluffy cake and chocolate, perfect for any gathering or quiet moment at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box 15.25-ounce box vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix Provides structure and sweetness
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola) Contributes moisture
- 1 cup water Helps with batter consistency
For the Ricotta Mixture
- 2 containers 15-ounce containers full-fat ricotta cheese Adds richness and moisture
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cake
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature Acts as a binder
For the Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate Adds richness and texture
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess
- 1 to 1.5 cups fresh raspberries Brings a fresh, tart contrast
- powdered sugar for dusting Adds a touch of sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth with no lumps.
- Add the four large eggs one at a time, beating each into the mixture fully before adding the next.
- In another bowl, mix the cake mix, neutral oil, and water until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cake batter into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to form the base.
- Spoon the ricotta mixture over the cake layer; it's fine if it's not perfectly smooth.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the ricotta layer, allowing some to sink in slightly.
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean, about 40-45 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Topping
- While cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Let the cake cool completely before adding cream or powdered sugar. Adjust chocolate chip quantity based on preference for sweetness.