Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Italian Love Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 80 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Italian Love Cake is a decadent, layered chocolate dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with creamy sweetened cream cheese and sour cream layers, finished with optional espresso and mini chocolate chips for an extra rich flavor. Perfect for gatherings, this 9×13-inch cake combines classic ingredients for an indulgent treat lovers of chocolate and creamy textures will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to make the cake as per package instructions)

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Sour Cream Topping

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for the batter.
  2. Prepare Cake Batter: Make the chocolate cake batter following the instructions on the cake mix box. Once ready, pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, without lumps.
  4. Layer Cream Cheese: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate batter in the pan, creating an even layer without mixing the two layers together.
  5. Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder if using. Mix until the mixture is smooth and uniform, then gently spread this over the cream cheese layer.
  6. Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top layer to add texture and bursts of chocolate flavor.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth mixture without lumps.
  • Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor wonderfully.
  • Let the cake cool fully before cutting to prevent the layers from mixing or becoming too soft.
  • You can substitute mini chocolate chips with nuts or omit them for a simpler finish.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to keep the layers fresh and creamy.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://kellyedylene.com/italian-love-cake-recipe/