Description
Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring a moist vanilla cake base, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a rich chocolate drizzle topped with chocolate chips. This easy-to-make cake combines classic flavors for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Layer Batter: Pour half of the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter layer in the pan, creating a smooth layer.
- Add Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, avoiding mixing the layers but covering the cream cheese completely.
- Make Chocolate Drizzle: Whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Drizzle this chocolate mixture evenly over the top layer of batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the chocolate drizzle for added texture and chocolate flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to allow the layers to set properly.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier blending.
- Do not overmix the batter once layered to maintain distinct layers.
- Use a toothpick primarily in the cake layers to test doneness, avoiding the cream cheese layer which may remain moist.
- If desired, substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese layer, and consume within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, layered cake recipe, cream cheese cake, chocolate drizzle cake, easy dessert, vanilla cake
