These cheesy mushroom tartlets are the perfect appetizer for holiday parties made with onions mushrooms and cheese on top of a buttery flaky mini pastry and in the same familiar rhythm Italian Love Cake carries that sense of layered comfort and shared tables through every step and every slice because it is built to be simple yet memorable and easy to bring together with familiar pantry ingredients while still feeling special enough for gatherings and celebrations.

Italian Love Cake is known for its unique layered structure where a chocolate cake base meets a creamy ricotta layer and finishes with a smooth chocolate topping which makes it stand out from standard sheet cakes and gives it a clear identity as a dessert meant to be sliced shared and remembered long after it is served.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe and each ingredient plays a clear role in creating the layers you see in Italian Love Cake.

Chocolate cake mix: This forms the sturdy yet tender base layer that supports the creamy and whipped toppings.
Eggs: They help bind both the cake and ricotta layers while adding structure and richness.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the chocolate cake layer moist and soft after baking.
Water: It activates the cake mix and helps achieve the correct batter consistency.
Ricotta cheese: This is the signature ingredient that creates the creamy middle layer and balances the chocolate.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens the ricotta layer without overpowering it.
Vanilla extract: This adds depth and rounds out the flavor of the ricotta layer.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: This thickens the topping and gives it a smooth chocolate finish.
Milk: It blends with the pudding mix to create a spreadable topping.
Whipped topping: This lightens the pudding layer and creates a soft final texture.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls: These are essential for keeping each layer separate and smooth before assembly.
Whisk: I use this to fully combine batters and eliminate lumps in the ricotta and pudding mixtures.
Rubber spatula: This helps gently spread layers evenly without mixing them together.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy here keeps each layer balanced.
9×13 baking dish: This size allows the cake to bake evenly and creates clean slices.
Oven: A steady baking temperature ensures the layers set properly.

Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish so the cake releases easily later. In a large bowl I combine the chocolate cake mix eggs oil and water then whisk until the batter is smooth and uniform with no dry pockets remaining. I pour this batter evenly into the prepared dish and gently tap it on the counter to level it.

Step 2 Make the Ricotta Layer

In a separate bowl I add the ricotta cheese granulated sugar eggs and vanilla extract then whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth. I take my time here because a smooth ricotta layer is what gives Italian Love Cake its signature texture once baked.

Step 3 Layer the Cake

I carefully spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate batter without stirring or swirling it in. As it bakes the ricotta naturally sinks and creates the layered effect so I simply spread it gently and evenly across the surface.

Step 4 Bake the Cake

I place the dish in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes until the center is set and the edges are lightly firm. Once done I remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before adding the topping which is important for clean layers.

Step 5 Prepare the Chocolate Topping

In a bowl I whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens. I then fold in the whipped topping slowly until the mixture is light and smooth. This topping should be spreadable but stable.

Step 6 Finish and Chill

I spread the chocolate topping evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula then refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours so the layers fully set. Chilling makes slicing much easier and improves the overall texture.

Tips

I always recommend using whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture and draining it briefly if it seems watery because excess moisture can affect the layers. I have found that letting the cake chill overnight gives the cleanest slices and the most developed flavor which makes Italian Love Cake even better the next day. If you want a slightly richer topping I sometimes use chocolate fudge pudding instead of regular chocolate pudding for a deeper flavor.

Ways to Serve

I like serving Italian Love Cake well chilled and sliced into neat squares because the layers are most visible that way. It works beautifully for potlucks birthdays and holiday dessert tables since it can be made ahead and transported easily. I often pair it with coffee or espresso for a balanced finish and it also works well served with fresh berries on the side for contrast.

Storage Instructions

I store Italian Love Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator where it keeps well for up to four days without losing its structure. For longer storage I cut the cake into individual portions wrap them securely and freeze them then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving which keeps the layers intact and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Italian Love Cake be made ahead of time?

Yes Italian Love Cake is actually best when made a day in advance because chilling allows the layers to fully set and improves slicing.

Why does the ricotta layer sink in Italian Love Cake?

The ricotta layer naturally sinks during baking which creates the classic layered look and this is exactly how Italian Love Cake is meant to form.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping in Italian Love Cake?

You can but I recommend stabilizing it with a bit of powdered sugar to ensure the topping holds its shape.

Is Italian Love Cake served warm or cold?

Italian Love Cake is always best served cold so the layers stay firm and distinct.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Italian Love Cake a try and enjoy how simple it is to make while still feeling special enough for sharing. If you make it save the recipe and let me know how it turns out because it is always fun to see how it becomes part of someone else’s table and traditions.

Happy Cooking!