Description
Italian Love Cake is a luscious layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a smooth sour cream topping. This indulgent treat is enhanced with optional espresso powder and mini chocolate chips, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it ideal for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent homemade cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients 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)
Optional Garnish
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter: Follow the package instructions on the chocolate cake mix to prepare the batter. Once ready, pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Mix Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Layer Cream Cheese Over Cake Batter: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the pan, creating an even layer to cover the chocolate base completely.
- Prepare Sour Cream Topping: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder (if using). Mix well until smooth and uniform. Spread this sour cream mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
- Add Optional Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the sour cream layer for extra texture and chocolate flavor, if desired.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating to prevent lumps.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor for a richer taste.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped nuts or omit them entirely if preferred.
- Make sure to let the cake cool fully to allow layers to set and achieve cleaner slices.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
