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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure smooth cake release.
- 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.
- Prepare chocolate cake base by whisking chocolate cake mix with oil, water, and eggs until achieving a uniform, lump-free batter.
- Gently distribute chocolate batter across the prepared baking dish, then delicately layer the ricotta mixture on top, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until cake appears set but maintains a slight center wobble. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Craft chocolate pudding frosting by vigorously mixing instant pudding mix with cold milk. Allow mixture to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Fold whipped topping into pudding mixture until fully integrated and smooth.
- 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