Nothing says romance quite like this creamy, layered Love Cake. With rich chocolate, smooth ricotta, and a dreamy pudding topping, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet celebration. You’ll love how the ricotta sinks and bakes into the cake, creating a beautiful two-tone surprise in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy a stress-free dessert that looks and tastes incredible.
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Why You’ll Love This Love Cake Recipe
A Foolproof Dessert With Impressive Layers
This Love Cake looks bakery-worthy but is surprisingly simple. The magic happens as it bakes — the creamy ricotta layer gently sinks, creating a stunning two-toned effect. Every slice is a soft, creamy, and chocolatey dream that never fails to impress guests.
Ideal for Valentine’s Day and Celebrations
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a cozy date night, this Love Cake fits the mood. Its silky texture and rich flavor feel indulgent without being fussy. Add heart-shaped sprinkles or serve alongside Heart-Shaped Valentine’s Caprese Skewers for the perfect romantic meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly for Stress-Free Serving
Because this cake chills for hours, it’s ideal for planning ahead. You can prepare it the day before and simply frost before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making every bite even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ricotta Layer Ingredients
You’ll need ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. The ricotta gives the cake its signature creamy texture, while the sugar and vanilla add just enough sweetness and aroma.
Chocolate Cake Layer Ingredients
Use a chocolate or Devil’s Food cake mix, oil, water, and eggs. This base bakes up light yet rich, forming the bottom layer that contrasts beautifully with the ricotta filling.
Pudding Frosting Ingredients
Combine instant chocolate pudding, cold milk, and whipped topping. This creates a fluffy, mousse-like frosting that finishes the cake with a light and creamy touch.
How to Make Love Cake Step-by-Step
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the ricotta, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable — this becomes the “love” layer that transforms during baking.
Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs until smooth. The batter should be glossy and lump-free. This is the foundation layer, giving the dessert its deep chocolate flavor.
Layer and Bake the Cake
Pour the chocolate batter into your greased pan. Then gently pour the ricotta mixture over the top — don’t mix! Bake for about 1 hour, or until just set in the center. The ricotta will sink naturally as it bakes, creating those signature layers.
Cool, Frost, and Chill
Let the cake cool completely. Whisk pudding mix with cold milk, let it thicken, and fold in whipped topping. Spread this over the cooled cake and refrigerate at least 4 hours. The result? A creamy, dreamy dessert worth every minute.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Why the Layers Flip as They Bake
The ricotta layer sinks because it’s denser than the chocolate batter. This natural separation creates that beautiful “love” effect — light cake on top, creamy cheese below. Use a cake mix without pudding added for best results.
How to Avoid Overmixing or Disturbing Layers
When pouring the ricotta mixture, pour slowly and evenly over the chocolate batter. Do not stir. Overmixing will ruin the layer separation. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top if needed.
Chilling, Frosting, and Serving Tips
Always frost when the cake is completely cool. Chill for several hours or overnight before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes the texture smooth and firm. Serve directly from the pan for easy cutting.
Recipe Variations to Try
Alternate Cake Mix Flavors
Switch it up with white, lemon, or strawberry cake mixes for a fun twist. Each brings a unique look and flavor that still pairs beautifully with ricotta.
Creative Pudding and Frosting Options
Try cookies and cream or vanilla pudding for a lighter taste. You can even use chocolate mousse for extra richness.
Flavor Add-Ins for the Ricotta Layer
Add citrus zest, almond extract, or a hint of espresso to the ricotta mix. These small changes add depth and balance the sweetness perfectly.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Guide
How Long It Keeps in the Fridge
Store your Love Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing Instructions and Best Practices
Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze before frosting. When ready to serve, frost once thawed for the best texture.
Thawing and Serving Tips
Thaw in the fridge overnight. Serve chilled with a dusting of cocoa or shaved chocolate for an elegant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions to ask for cake?
Ask about texture, flavor, and storage. For example: “How do I make the layers stay separated?” or “Can I freeze it?”
What does “Love Cake” mean?
Love Cake symbolizes layered sweetness — rich, soft, and comforting. It’s named for the magic of its two layers that come together like a love story.
Why do people love cake?
Cake brings joy, comfort, and connection. Its soft texture and sweet flavor remind us of celebration and togetherness — especially with a dessert as beautiful as this.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Mini Red Velvet Cakes for Valentine’s Day
- Strawberry Kiss Cookies – A Valentine’s Classic
- Best Jam Cookies for Valentine’s Day
- Pink Velvet Cupcakes – Perfect Valentine’s Recipe
Conclusion
This Love Cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. The creamy ricotta, soft chocolate layers, and luscious pudding topping make it irresistible. It’s simple enough for beginners but elegant enough for any special occasion. Try it once, and you’ll understand why this cake truly earns its name.
For more dessert inspiration, visit my Pinterest page for easy, romantic ideas you’ll love.
Love Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish For even baking and easy layering.
- electric mixer Helps blend ricotta mixture smoothly.
- Mixing bowls For cake and ricotta batters.
- Whisk For pudding and cake batter.
- Rubber spatula To spread frosting evenly.
Ingredients
- 2 containers (15 oz each) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate or Devil’s Food cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box (5 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk cake mix with oil, water, and eggs until fully combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the pan. Gently pour ricotta mixture over top — do not stir. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes until just set.
- Let the cake cool completely. Mix pudding with milk, let thicken 2–3 minutes, then fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake and refrigerate 4 hours before serving.
