Chocolate Ricotta Cake

A Luxurious Twist on Chocolate Cake

Transform your dessert game with this stunning Chocolate Ricotta Cake. Featuring a unique three-layer composition, this cake combines a rich chocolate base, a creamy ricotta layer, and a light, dreamy chocolate pudding frosting. The magic happens in the oven as the ricotta layer sinks beneath the chocolate cake, creating a cheesecake-like texture that perfectly complements the moist chocolate base. Finished with a cloudlike pudding frosting, this cake is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Magical Layers: The cake bakes into distinct layers, creating a stunning visual and textural contrast.
Perfect Flavor Balance: Combines creamy cheesecake richness with decadent chocolate.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

This cake became a family favorite after I made it for my husband’s birthday. His Italian grandmother had mentioned it was a childhood favorite he hadn’t tasted in years. Watching him take that first nostalgic bite was priceless, and now it’s a staple for our celebrations.

Essential Ingredients

Ricotta Cheese: For the signature creamy layer.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the rich chocolate flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm aromatic notes to the ricotta layer.
Large Eggs: Bind and provide structure.
Devil’s Food Cake Mix: Offers convenience and rich chocolate flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and richness.
Water: Ensures proper batter consistency.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Forms the base of the frosting.
Cold Milk: Activates the pudding for perfect frosting consistency.
Whipped Topping: Lightens the frosting for a mousse-like finish.

Baking Instructions

Ricotta Mixture Preparation:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.

Cake Batter Creation:

In a separate bowl, mix cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Beat until smooth.

Layering Technique:

Pour the chocolate cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Carefully pour the ricotta mixture over the cake batter, ensuring full coverage.

Proper Baking:

Bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes until set. Avoid opening the oven door in the first 45 minutes.

Cooling Phase:

Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Refrigerate for one hour for best results.

Frosting Creation:

Whisk together instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Let sit for 2–3 minutes.
Fold in whipped topping until fully combined.

Final Assembly:

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

You Must Know

Layer Magic: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for proper layering.
Baking Time: Watch for visual cues of doneness rather than strict timing.
Chilling Time: Patience yields the best flavor and texture.

My family loves this cake even more the day after it’s made. My husband prefers a thicker ricotta layer, so sometimes I use a slightly smaller baking dish. My children enjoy decorating the frosting, making each cake unique.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with espresso panna cotta, amaretti cookies, and fresh berries macerated in amaretto for an elegant Italian dessert table.

Creative Variations

Coffee-Infused: Add espresso powder to both cake batter and frosting.
Raspberry Love Cake: Include fresh raspberries in the ricotta mixture and use white chocolate pudding frosting.
Festive Peppermint: Add peppermint extract and crushed candies to the frosting.

Storage Guidelines

Refrigeration: Store covered for up to five days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to three months.

Helpful Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for perfect layers.
Gently pour the ricotta mixture for best results.
Allow ample cooling time before frosting for ideal texture.

After years of making traditional chocolate cakes, discovering this Italian Love Cake brought new excitement to our celebrations. The combination of creamy ricotta and rich chocolate creates a luxurious dessert that’s simple to prepare. Sharing this cake with family and friends makes any occasion memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it’s best made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
How long will it stay fresh? Up to 5 days in the refrigerator, covered.
Can I freeze it? Yes, freeze without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw before adding frosting.
What if I don’t have whipped topping? Substitute with freshly whipped cream.
Why is my ricotta layer sinking? Ensure the ricotta mixture isn’t too thin; drain excess liquid if needed.

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 70 Minutes
Total Time: 95 Minutes

Ingredients:

Ricotta Layer
- 2 containers (15-ounce each) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 ounce) chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
Chocolate Pudding Frosting
- 1 box (5-ounce) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8-ounce) whipped topping, thawed

Enjoy creating this bakery-worthy masterpiece and watch as it becomes a favorite at every celebration!