Description
Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer and a smooth sour cream topping. This delightful cake is finished with optional mini chocolate chips and a hint of espresso powder for added depth, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 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)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- 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 cake batter.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the package instructions to prepare the chocolate cake mix. Once mixed, pour the batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Layer Cream Cheese Mixture: Carefully and gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter layer in the pan, ensuring it covers the batter evenly.
- Prepare Sour Cream Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder (if using). Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Finish Topping: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth layer.
- Espresso powder is optional but recommended to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips add texture and sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to prevent layers from mixing.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
