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Easy Italian Love Cake Recipe

4.8 from 108 reviews

This Easy Italian Love Cake is a moist and tender chocolate cake made with simple ingredients like cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of almond extract. Perfectly balanced with semi-sweet chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is an irresistible treat that’s straightforward to bake and ideal for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a smooth batter.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully blended and smooth.
  4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips: If you desire an extra chocolatey flavor and texture, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully to maintain an even distribution.
  6. Divide the Batter: Evenly distribute the cake batter between the two prepared 9-inch cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
  7. Bake: Place the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
  8. Cool: After baking, allow the cakes to rest in their pans for approximately 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Add frosting or whipped cream if desired. Then carefully stack the second layer on top to complete the cake.
  10. Final Touch: Dust the top of the assembled cake lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, simple finish just before serving.

Notes

  • Greasing and flouring the pans properly helps prevent the cake from sticking.
  • For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
  • The almond extract is optional but adds a subtle, unique flavor that complements the chocolate.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the frosting or whipped cream.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: Italian Love Cake, Easy Chocolate Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake, Homemade Cake, Simple Cake Recipe