Italian Love Cake Decadence (Print-Friendly Format)

Chocolate, ricotta, and pudding meet for a decadent layered dessert that chills to perfect flavor and texture.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Ricotta Layer

01 - 850 grams ricotta cheese (2 × 425 g containers, full-fat recommended)
02 - 200 grams granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 4 large eggs, room temperature

→ Chocolate Cake

05 - 430 grams boxed chocolate cake mix (1 standard box)
06 - 120 millilitres vegetable oil
07 - 240 millilitres water
08 - 3 large eggs

→ Pudding Frosting

09 - 142 grams instant chocolate pudding mix (1 × 142 g box)
10 - 720 millilitres cold milk
11 - 225 grams whipped topping, thawed

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease a 23×33 centimetre baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
03 - In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions, using vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Ensure the batter is well blended.
04 - Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter into the greased baking dish. Carefully pour the ricotta mixture evenly over the cake batter, ensuring an even layer.
05 - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the centre is set and a tester comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
06 - In a mixing bowl, whisk instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined.
07 - Spread the pudding frosting over the cooled cake, smoothing evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavours to meld and the dessert to set before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use full-fat ricotta for optimal creaminess.
02 - Thorough chilling is essential for the best flavour and texture.
03 - Customise by experimenting with other cake and pudding flavours.