Italian Love Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Pour Batter Base: Pour half of the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan, creating the first layer.
- 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.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter layer in the pan.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining vanilla cake batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it as well as possible.
- Make Cocoa Drizzle: Whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk in a small bowl until fully combined, forming a smooth drizzle.
- Drizzle Cocoa and Add Chocolate Chips: Pour the cocoa mixture evenly over the batter, then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, cream cheese cake, layered cake, chocolate drizzle, vanilla cake, chocolate chips dessert