Whipped Chocolate Ricotta Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Rich, velvety chocolate ricotta cake brings unexpected magic to your dessert table.

Creamy ricotta creates a dreamy texture in this decadent chocolate delight.

The cake promises a tender crumb that melts softly with each bite.

Professional bakers and home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Its Italian-inspired roots shine through with elegant simplicity.

Subtle ricotta notes complement deep chocolate flavors, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and luxurious.

You’ll fall in love with every single slice of this irresistible cake.

Why Chocolate Ricotta Cake Belongs on Your Table

• Indulge in a dessert that beautifully combines rich chocolate cake with creamy ricotta for a luxurious taste experience that feels like a gourmet treat.
• Utilize a convenient cake mix base and simple ingredients that come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal complexity.
• Create a showstopping cake that works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend celebrations where everyone craves a delicious chocolate dessert.
• Prepare this cake in advance and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to develop and making it an ideal dessert for busy hosts who want to plan ahead without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients That Make Chocolate Ricotta Cake Irresistible

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich chocolate flavor and structure to the dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the cake layers and add moisture to the batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Water: Helps to create a smooth cake batter consistency.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds richness and a smooth texture to the cake layer.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to the ricotta mixture.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the ricotta layer.
• Eggs: Help to set and stabilize the ricotta mixture.

• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix, Cold Milk: Creates a rich and creamy chocolate topping with a smooth consistency.
• Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and extra creaminess to the frosting.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the cake from sticking to the baking dish.

Tools to Create the Perfect Chocolate Ricotta Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating ricotta mixture smooth and creamy.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta, sugar, and vanilla.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing chocolate cake batter ingredients.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Key for layering and baking the entire cake.
• Whisk: Helpful for blending cake mix and pudding ingredients smoothly.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures cake doesn't stick to the baking dish.
• Plastic Wrap: Needed for covering cake during chilling.
• Clean Bowl: Required for preparing chocolate pudding frosting.

Easy Steps for Baking Chocolate Ricotta Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous spritz of cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Set this ready pan to the side.

Step 2: Whip the Ricotta Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla

Grab an electric mixer and beat until silky smooth.

Drop in eggs one by one, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Base

• Chocolate cake mix
• Oil
• Water
• Eggs

Whisk until the batter looks completely smooth.

Pour this chocolatey goodness into your prepared pan.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Gently cascade the ricotta mixture over the chocolate base, spreading evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

The center might wiggle slightly when done – that’s totally fine!

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Pudding Frosting

• Instant chocolate pudding mix
• Cold milk

Whisk energetically until well blended.

Let sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Fold in thawed whipped topping until perfectly combined.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Once cooled, slather the chocolate pudding frosting across the top.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to let flavors mingle and cake set perfectly.

Helpful Advice for Rich Chocolate Ricotta Cake Results

• Ensure ricotta is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to avoid lumps, creating a silky smooth layer that blends perfectly with the chocolate cake base.
• Don't overbake the cake; a slight jiggle in the center means it will continue cooking as it cools, keeping the texture moist and tender.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate cake mix to intensify the chocolate taste without making it bitter.
• Use full-fat milk when mixing the pudding to achieve a richer, more stable frosting that holds its shape beautifully.
• Swap the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free alternative and use certified gluten-free ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Ways to Experiment with Chocolate Ricotta Cake Flavors

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Ricotta Cake: Swap the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a certified gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to create a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Ricotta Cake: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free instant pudding mix and a low-sugar whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute ricotta with coconut cream or cashew cheese. Use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. Select a dairy-free whipped topping to create a lactose-free dessert option.

Serving Chocolate Ricotta Cake for Maximum Enjoyment

• Sweet Chocolate Drizzle: Create elegant chocolate swirls on top using melted dark or white chocolate, adding visual appeal and extra indulgence.
• Whipped Cream Clouds: Pipe delicate whipped cream rosettes around cake edges, garnishing with chocolate shavings for a professional bakery-style presentation.
• Berry Bliss Topping: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberry slices strategically across the cake surface, providing tangy contrast to rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Crunch Accent: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or hazelnuts around cake perimeter, introducing delightful textural dimension and subtle nuttiness.

How to Store Chocolate Ricotta Cake the Right Way

• Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal carefully to prevent moisture loss and keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Remove cake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. Slice and enjoy at cool room temperature for best taste experience.
• Move frozen cake slices to refrigerator overnight for gradual, safe thawing. Allow 2-3 hours at room temperature before serving to restore soft, creamy texture.

FAQs

• Is this cake difficult to make?

No, it’s super easy! This recipe uses convenient ingredients like cake mix and instant pudding, making it simple for bakers of all skill levels. You just need basic mixing skills and follow the step-by-step instructions.

• Can I use low-fat ingredients for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute low-fat ricotta, skim milk, and reduced-fat whipped topping without significantly changing the cake’s texture or taste. The recipe is quite forgiving with ingredient swaps.

• What type of chocolate cake mix works best?

Any standard chocolate cake mix will work perfectly. Whether you choose devil’s food, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate mix, the recipe will turn out delicious. Just ensure it’s a standard box mix for consistent results.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Check for a set edge with a slightly jiggly center.

Chocolate Ricotta Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate ricotta cake from Italy delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy texture and deep cocoa flavor. Sophisticated ingredients and simple preparation make this classic treat perfect for home bakers seeking an authentic Mediterranean dessert experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Layer:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) chocolate or devil’s food cake mix
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 3 large eggs

Ricotta Layer:

• 2 containers (15-ounces / 425 grams each) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 box (5-ounces / 142 grams) instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) cold milk
• 1 container (8-ounces / 227 grams) whipped topping, thawed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure smooth cake release.
2. Create ricotta mixture by blending ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Prepare chocolate cake base by whisking chocolate cake mix with oil, water, and eggs until achieving a uniform, lump-free batter.
4. Gently distribute chocolate batter across the prepared baking dish, then delicately layer the ricotta mixture on top, ensuring even coverage.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes until cake appears set but maintains a slight center wobble. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature.
6. Craft chocolate pudding frosting by vigorously mixing instant pudding mix with cold milk. Allow mixture to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
7. Fold whipped topping into pudding mixture until fully integrated and smooth.
8. Spread pudding frosting evenly across cooled cake surface. Seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor melding and texture.

Notes

• Smooth Ricotta Mixing Ensure ricotta is at room temperature for a silkier, lump-free texture when beating with sugar and eggs.
• Cake Mix Flexibility Swap chocolate cake mix with gluten-free or low-sugar alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Temperature Control Allow cake to cool gradually to prevent cracking and maintain a moist, tender crumb.
• Frosting Consistency Chill pudding mix and milk briefly before adding whipped topping for a firmer, more stable frosting that spreads easily.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 224 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg