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A delectable slice of Traditional Italian Love Cake on a white plate.

Classic Traditional Italian Love Cake

This Classic Traditional Italian Love Cake features a rich devil's food cake base topped with a creamy, dreamy blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and whipped topping. It's a delightful dessert that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) devil's food cake mix
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

Equipment

  • oven
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • large bowls
  • electric mixer
  • wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
  2. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl, then beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
  3. Press the thick cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Creating the Filling
  1. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually beat in the milk, then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light, airy, and free of streaks.
Baking and Chilling
  1. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chocolate cake base, ensuring not to stir the layers.
  2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and set; a toothpick inserted into the custardy layer should come out mostly clean.
  3. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Chilling the cake is crucial for the best texture and flavor! Be sure to allow ample time for refrigeration, preferably overnight. This cake is quite rich, so smaller slices are recommended for serving.