Italian Love Cake
Italian Love Cake is a delightful dessert featuring rich layers and a creamy texture, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix Use any brand of yellow cake mix.
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs Room temperature for best results.
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with mascarpone.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest Freshly grated for best flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Can substitute with hazelnut or orange extract.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) For a chocolatey twist.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until the batter is smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Filling
- In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and almond extract. Mix until well blended and smooth.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the baking pan.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover.
- If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top.
Baking
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
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Notes
To enhance flavors, allow the cake to chill for a few hours or overnight before serving. Serve with powdered sugar, ice cream, or fresh berries.