Description
Italian Love Cake is a decadent layered dessert combining moist vanilla cake, a rich cream cheese filling, and a luscious cocoa drizzle topped with chocolate chips. This indulgent treat blends classic flavors and textures—perfect for special occasions or satisfying your chocolate cravings.
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 Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cocoa Drizzle & Topping
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 g)
- 1 cup milk (240 mL)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (90 g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it gently.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the first cake batter layer in the pan.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, trying to cover it as much as possible for even baking.
- Make Cocoa Drizzle: In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk until fully combined to create a smooth drizzle.
- Drizzle Cocoa and Add Chocolate Chips: Pour the cocoa mixture evenly over the top of the batter layers, then sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving to let the layers set perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use a toothpick test to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
- For more chocolate flavor, substitute the chocolate chips with chunks or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This cake can be served chilled or at room temperature based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian Love Cake, cream cheese cake, chocolate cake, layered cake, dessert recipe, homemade cake
