Name: Italian Love Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix; 1 cup water (240 mL); 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 mL); 3 large eggs; 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g); 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 g); 1 cup milk (240 mL); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (90 g)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the Italian Love Cake—rich, luscious, and bursting with layers of flavor that feel like a warm embrace. This dessert combines the moist texture of vanilla cake with the irresistible tang of cream cheese and the deep, velvety touch of cocoa, all coming together in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a slice of something extraordinary, the Italian Love Cake is your new go-to treat that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make all the difference in creating this enchanting cake. Each component plays a unique role, adding moisture, flavor, or texture to make the Italian Love Cake truly unforgettable.

Vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz): Provides a fluffy, tender base that’s deliciously easy to work with.
Water (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and ensures the batter blends smoothly.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and keeps every bite soft and tender.
Large eggs (3): Help bind everything together while boosting the cake’s structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Brings a deep chocolate flavor and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Makes the layers irresistibly creamy with a touch of tanginess.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors with a subtle warmth.
Milk (1 cup): Blends beautifully with cocoa powder to create a luscious drizzle for the top.
Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Sprinkle on top for delightful pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan so the cake won’t stick. Then, mix the vanilla cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl until you have a smooth batter that’s ready for layering.

Step 2: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create the first layer. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and smooth. Spread this creamy layer over the batter in the pan, making sure it covers evenly — this is where the “love” really comes through.

Step 3: Top with Remaining Batter and Cocoa Mixture

Now, spoon the remaining half of the cake batter over the cream cheese layer, trying to cover as much as possible. In another small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and milk until fully combined, then drizzle this rich chocolate drizzle across the top of your layered batter for that final decadent touch.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake

Scatter the chocolate chips evenly over the top to give bursts of melty sweetness. Place the pan in your oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into its beautiful layers.

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Garnishes

Fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream take this cake to the next level, adding brightness and extra sweetness that complement the rich layers perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pairing Italian Love Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of espresso creates an elegant dessert experience. A simple cup of coffee or tea also balances the cake’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or arrange mini portions in individual dessert glasses layered with whipped cream for a stunning presentation that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Italian Love Cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain its moist texture and creamy layers. It stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge for delicious results.

Reheating

Warm your slice gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that soft, freshly-baked feel. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese layer luscious and perfect.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! While vanilla cake mix provides a neutral base that lets the layers shine, you could try chocolate or even almond cake mixes for a fun twist on the Italian Love Cake.

Is it necessary to use vegetable oil?

Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender, but you can substitute with melted butter or a neutral oil if preferred, though the texture might be slightly richer with butter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same for that classic flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This means the cake is perfectly baked without being overcooked.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of dried cherries added to the batter or sprinkled on top can give your Italian Love Cake a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself and those you love to something genuinely special, the Italian Love Cake is an absolute must-try. Its beautiful layers and fabulous flavors make every bite feel like a celebration. I can’t wait for you to taste this gem of a dessert and discover why it’s become a timeless favorite in so many kitchens!

Italian Love Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert combining moist vanilla cake, a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a rich cocoa drizzle topped with chocolate chips. This delightful cake offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent homemade dessert.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
Layer Half the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it carefully to cover the bottom.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of cake batter in the pan, ensuring full coverage.
Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining half of the cake batter gently over the cream cheese layer, trying to cover it as uniformly as possible.
Make Cocoa Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk until combined into a smooth liquid. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top layer of batter.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the cocoa drizzle and batter surface for added texture and chocolate flavor.
Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
Do not overmix the batter once the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute with a milk alternative if preferred.
Chocolate chips can be substituted with mini chocolate chunks or chopped nuts for added texture.
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American