Print

Italian Love Cake Recipe

Italian Love Cake Recipe

5.1 from 8 reviews

Italian Love Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist vanilla cake batter, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, rich cocoa drizzle, and melty chocolate chips, all baked together into a luscious treat perfect for celebrations or a special indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
  • 1 cup water (240 mL)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 mL)
  • 3 large eggs

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cocoa Drizzle and Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 g)
  • 1 cup milk (240 mL)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (90 g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Pour Batter Base: Pour half of the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan, creating the first layer.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter layer in the pan.
  6. Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining vanilla cake batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it as well as possible.
  7. Make Cocoa Drizzle: Whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk in a small bowl until fully combined, forming a smooth drizzle.
  8. Drizzle Cocoa and Add Chocolate Chips: Pour the cocoa mixture evenly over the batter, then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
  9. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving to ensure clean slices and optimal flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother layer.
  • You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but results may vary.
  • Chocolate chips can be semisweet or dark depending on your preference.
  • For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts on top before baking.
  • This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days and can be warmed slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Love Cake, cream cheese cake, layered cake, chocolate drizzle, vanilla cake, chocolate chips dessert