Heartfelt Italian Dream Cake
A delightful and healthier Italian-inspired cake with distinct layers of creamy ricotta and rich chocolate, topped with a light and fluffy pudding frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Electric Mixer
- Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
Ricotta Layer
- Two 15-ounce containers (about 3 cups) part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit blend
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
Healthier Chocolate Cake
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar alternative
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or your preferred milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Healthy Pudding Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar alternative
- 3 cups cold unsweetened almond milk or your preferred milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chilled full-fat coconut cream from 2 cans refrigerated coconut milk, or homemade stabilized whipped cream with less sugar
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks.
- Whip Up Ricotta Bliss: In a large bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese, your chosen sugar alternative, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients for a few minutes until they're smooth and creamy. Then, gently mix in the eggs one at a time until they're just combined – no need to overmix!
- Mix the Healthier Chocolate Cake: Grab a separate medium bowl and whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the second portion of sugar alternative, almond milk, eggs, applesauce (or oil), and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until your batter is just smooth. Again, avoid overmixing!
- Layer with Love: Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Now, here's the magic: carefully pour the ricotta mixture right over the chocolate cake batter. Don't fret, the heavier ricotta will naturally sink to the bottom during baking, creating those beautiful, distinct layers.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the jiggly center, which is normal for this cake) comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely at room temperature.
- Craft the Healthy Pudding Frosting: While the cake cools, combine cocoa powder, cornstarch, and the final portion of sugar alternative in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cold almond milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook this over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a delightful pudding consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool slightly.
- Fold in Creaminess: Once your pudding has cooled down, gently fold in the chilled coconut cream (or your homemade whipped cream). Mix until it's light, fluffy, and evenly combined.
- Frost and Chill: Spread this delicious, lighter frosting evenly over your completely cooled cake. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is key to let the layers set perfectly and for all the wonderful flavors to meld. Slice and serve your heartfelt creation!
Notes
Nutrition Information per Serving:
* Calories: 280
* Total Carbohydrates: 25g
* Net Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fat: 12g
* Protein: 10g When layering, don't worry about the ricotta sinking; it's designed to create distinct layers during baking. Feel free to customize with your preferred sugar alternatives and milk options.
* Calories: 280
* Total Carbohydrates: 25g
* Net Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fat: 12g
* Protein: 10g When layering, don't worry about the ricotta sinking; it's designed to create distinct layers during baking. Feel free to customize with your preferred sugar alternatives and milk options.
