Easy Italian Love Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Divide the Batter: Evenly distribute the cake batter between the two prepared 9-inch cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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