Italy is For Lovers

What girl hasn't dreamed of a holiday in Rome, and of being swept off her feet by some strong Italian gentleman on his scooter through the byways and streets of Italy. Well, maybe the fantasy is gone, but that doesn't mean that feeling can't be relived in the flavors of the Italian Love Cake. A decadent treat for the Italian in all of us. Stop by Harter House and Harter House World Flavors to pick up the ingredients for this amazing dessert.

What you will need:

Cake:

Yellow Cake Mix

3 Eggs

Frangelico

1 Cup Water

1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

Filling:

8 Large Eggs

3 Pounds Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, drained

3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon table salt
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch squares, chilled

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the cake ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Now, take the filling ingredients and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Important: DO NOT MIX THESE TOGETHER. In a greased 10X15 glass pan, pour the cake mix into the bottom, and then, pour the ricotta filling ON TOP. DO NOT MIX.

Bake the cake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool.

As the cake cools, make the topping. In a food processor blend 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour the mixture into a bowl and with a pastry cutter, cut in 6 Tablespoons chilled unsalted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Now sprinkle over the cooling cake.

Now, invite your girlfriend's over, pop open the champagne, close your eyes and imagine Fernando feeding you this mouth-watering dessert on a deserted Italian beach. Delizioso!!!