Description
Decadent Italian Love Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, creamy ricotta, and whipped cream, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the ricotta layer)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for the whipped cream)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin). Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate batter in the baking pan. Do not mix; it will sink during baking.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake is cool, spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
- Slice and serve. For best flavor, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add fresh berries on top of the whipped cream before serving.
- Substitute the ricotta cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg