Description
Italian Love Cake is a rich, multi-layered dessert combining moist chocolate cake, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a smooth sour cream topping enriched with optional espresso powder and mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch. Perfect for gathering family and friends for a luscious homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layer
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required to prepare 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)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, ensuring the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency with no lumps.
- Layer Cream Cheese Mixture: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter in the pan, creating a uniform layer without mixing the two layers together.
- Prepare Sour Cream Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder if using. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Spread this sour cream mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the sour cream topping if desired, adding extra chocolate flavor and texture.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling.
- Espresso powder is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the chocolate layers.
- Make sure to spread each layer gently to maintain defined layers for a beautiful presentation.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness to avoid overbaking and maintain moistness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
