Description
Italian Vanilla Raspberry Love Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich ricotta cream, light vanilla cake, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping, garnished with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes this cake a true celebration of love and indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Ricotta Cream Layer
- 2 (15-ounce) containers full-fat ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
Vanilla Cake Layer
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 to 1.5 cups fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, but adds freshness and color)
Garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ricotta Layer – Combine ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Do not overbeat.
- Prepare the Vanilla Cake Batter – Combine cake mix, oil, water, and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Layer the Cake – Pour cake batter into dish, then spoon ricotta mixture over it. Do not stir.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache – Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, and whisk until smooth. Cool slightly and pour over cake.
- Garnish & Chill – Top with raspberries, mint leaves, dust with powdered sugar, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and Serve – Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for a creamy texture.
- Do not overmix the ricotta layer.
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before adding ganache.
- For best flavor, chill the cake overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Italian, Vanilla, Raspberry, Love Cake, Dessert, Ricotta, Chocolate Ganache
