Dessert

Italian Love Cake Recipe

Name: Italian Love Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491239H57M28S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake); 1 cup water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

ByLana Polati December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

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Introduction

Italian Love Cake is a rich and creamy dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with a luscious ricotta layer. Its unique texture and warm cinnamon flavor make it a beloved treat perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The image shows a square-shaped dessert with six clear layers, starting from the bottom with a crumbly light brown layer that looks crunchy. Above it is a thick, smooth white creamy layer, followed by another crumbly light brown layer. Then, another thick white creamy layer sits in the middle, topped with a light brown crumbly layer, and finally, a thick white creamy layer at the top. The top layer is dusted with cocoa powder laid out in a wavy pattern. The dessert is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, mixing in water, vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Pour the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and 1 large egg until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the chocolate batter without stirring. The ricotta will partly sink into the cake while baking, creating a layered effect.
Step 5: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar.
Step 7: Slice into squares and serve to enjoy this rich, creamy dessert.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate cake mix to enhance the chocolate taste.
Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture, but part-skim works if you prefer a lighter cake.
If you like, stir in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the ricotta mixture for added texture.
Dust with cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a deeper chocolate finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer a warm serving, or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

The dessert slice shows three distinct layers stacked evenly; the bottom layer is rich, dark brown with a soft, crumbly texture, the middle layer is thick and fluffy with a bright white cream that looks light and airy, and the top layer is a golden yellow sponge cake with a smooth yet spongy texture, dusted finely with a light brown powder that covers the entire surface. The slice rests clear and sharp on a white marbled surface, showing the contrast of the layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?

Yes, you can substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite homemade chocolate cake batter. Just prepare and bake as directed with the ricotta layer on top.

Why does the ricotta mixture sink into the cake?

The ricotta mixture is denser than the cake batter, so during baking it partially sinks, creating a layered texture that’s characteristic of Italian Love Cake.