Name: Italian Love Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
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

If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and show-stopping, look no further than Italian Love Cake. This delightfully layered creation boasts a moist vanilla cake, creamy cheesecake-style middle, and a rich, chocolatey crown, making every forkful a little love story of its own. Each bite delivers contrasting textures and flavors that perfectly blend, ensuring that your family—or any lucky guest—will always ask for second helpings. It’s my go-to for gatherings, celebrations, or anytime I want to bring a burst of joy to the dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Italian Love Cake lies in its surprisingly simple ingredients, each lending a necessary note to the dessert’s melody of tastes. Gather these basics, and you’re well on your way to a celebration-worthy treat.

Vanilla cake mix: The base of our cake, providing a moist and fluffy foundation with minimal fuss.
Water: Adds the moisture needed to bring the cake mix together and achieve the perfect crumb.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out.
Eggs: Bind the cake and add rich flavor and structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, chocolatey intensity to the top layer.
Cream cheese: Softened to create a dreamy, creamy filling reminiscent of cheesecake.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just enough, giving it that signature tangy–sweet contrast.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the layers with a warm, aromatic depth.
Milk: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder for an ultra-smooth and pourable chocolate topping.
Chocolate chips: Melts into delightful bursts of chocolate atop every slice.

How to Make Italian Love Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly—don’t skimp here! A well-prepped pan ensures your Italian Love Cake not only bakes evenly but also releases those beautiful layers with ease when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Whip Up the Vanilla Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl for this step. Combine your vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs all at once. Stir until you achieve a lump-free, velvety batter—smoothness is key for that signature soft cake texture. Think of this as the pillow that will cradle all the delicious layers to come!

Step 3: Layer the First Half of Batter

Pour exactly half of your freshly mixed batter into your prepared pan. Give it a gentle jiggle and a smooth with your spatula so you have an even base. This first layer is where the flavor journey of Italian Love Cake begins.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This layer is the heart of the cake, providing a luscious, rich contrast to the cake and cocoa above and below.

Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese Layer

Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the vanilla batter in your pan. Spread it out gently to form an even, creamy blanket. Don’t press too hard—you want to keep those pretty layers distinct, which is what makes Italian Love Cake so gorgeous to slice.

Step 6: Cover with Remaining Batter

Now, gently dollop the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer. With a spatula or the back of a spoon, coax the batter over as much of the cream cheese layer as you can. It may not cover it completely, but that’s perfectly fine—the marbled look is part of this cake’s charm.

Step 7: Mix and Drizzle the Cocoa Layer

In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder and milk together until well combined and smooth—no dry specks allowed! Drizzle this chocolatey goodness evenly all over the batter. The cocoa layer seeps down during baking, enriching every bite with bold chocolate flavor.

Step 8: Add a Shower of Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the entire top of your cake. They’ll melt and puddle just enough in the oven, turning each piece into a delightful chocolate adventure.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide your cake into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the most irresistible aroma—trust me, the hardest part is waiting!

Step 10: Cool Completely Before Slicing

Let your Italian Love Cake cool completely in the pan. This ensures the layers set up beautifully and the inside stays creamy and tender. Once cool, slice into squares and prepare for sweet applause.

How to Serve Italian Love Cake

Garnishes

Top your Italian Love Cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a generous dollop of whipped cream. For an extra flourish, add some fresh berries or a few elegant chocolate shavings—the contrast between colors makes every serving pop.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a small scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato for an authentic Italian twist. A steaming cup of espresso, or even a sweet dessert wine like Moscato, takes the experience of Italian Love Cake to dreamy new heights.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really dazzle, serve Italian Love Cake cut into mini cubes on a dessert platter alongside other Italian treats like biscotti or cannoli. Or, layer cubes of the cake in individual glass jars with extra whipped cream for a modern, portable trifle. Either way, you’ll have guests swooning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Love Cake keeps beautifully! Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 5 days and the flavors just keep getting better, making this cake an excellent make-ahead option.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Label and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—your future self will thank you the next time a craving strikes!

Reheating

Italian Love Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This will gently soften the chocolate chips on top and make each bite ultra comforting.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla?

While classic Italian Love Cake relies on vanilla cake mix for that striking contrast with the cream cheese and cocoa layers, you can absolutely experiment! Swapping in a chocolate mix creates a more intensely chocolatey version—delicious, even if it changes the original look.

What’s the story behind the name “Italian Love Cake”?

This sweet treat is believed to have Sicilian-American roots, with the “love” referencing both its decadent, layered flavors and the joy it brings to those who make and share it. Its simple preparation makes it a staple at celebrations and family gatherings, where love is always the main ingredient.

Can I make Italian Love Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Italian Love Cake actually benefits from a night in the fridge, as it gives the layers time to settle together for maximum flavor and an irresistibly creamy bite. Just cover tightly and chill until you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when it’s baked through?

The best indicator is the trusted toothpick test—insert it into the center of your cake and if it comes out clean (a crumb or two is fine), your cake is ready. The top will look set and lightly golden, with melty chocolate chips crowning your creation.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Italian Love Cake gluten-free by simply substituting the standard cake mix for your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone at your table can enjoy a piece!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned kitchen pro, Italian Love Cake is pure magic in a pan. Each layer adds its own touch of personality, and the result is so festive and satisfying, it’s bound to become your signature dessert. Go ahead, surprise your loved ones—they just might fall in love at first bite!

Italian Love Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible layers of sweetness with this decadent Italian Love Cake recipe. A perfect blend of vanilla cake, creamy cheese, and rich chocolate that will melt in your mouth with every bite.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs, then mix until smooth.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Spoon the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it as much as possible.
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and milk until combined, then drizzle this over the batter.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Italian Love Cake, dessert, cake recipe, cream cheese, chocolate cake