Description
Discover the ultimate Italian Love Cake recipe, a moist and rich chocolate delight perfect for any celebration. This classic cake combines cocoa, almond and vanilla extracts, and optional chocolate chips, baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
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
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake layers do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and free from lumps, creating the perfect consistency for baking.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 15 minutes to set. Then transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature before assembling.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one cake layer onto your serving platter. Optionally, spread your choice of frosting or whipped cream on top, then place the second layer over it to build the cake.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a beautiful finishing touch, sift powdered sugar lightly over the top of the assembled cake before serving.
Notes
- The almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cocoa; do not omit for authentic taste.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter mixing and cake texture.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add delightful texture and bursts of chocolate.
- For a richer cake, consider adding a frosting layer between cake layers such as chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds an elegant look if you prefer a simple finish.
