Sicilian Chocolate Love Cake

Sometimes all you need is love . . . love cake, that is.

1box chocolate cake mix, plus the ingredients called for in its directions

Canola oil, for preparing the pan

Mascarpone-Ricotta Filling

28ounces ricotta cheese (3½ cups)

4ounces mascarpone (½ cup)

3large eggs

¾cup sugar

teaspoon kosher salt

Cocoa-Mascarpone Frosting

10ounces mascarpone (1¼ cups)

1cup whole milk

13.9-ounce box instant chocolate pudding mix

1tablespoon sugar

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix directions. Coat a 9-by-13-inch pan with canola oil. Prepare the cake batter according to the cake mix directions, pour into the prepared pan, and set aside.

To make the filling: Combine the ricotta, mascarpone, eggs, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk until smooth. Gently pour the filling onto the cake pan of chocolate batter so the top is completely white. Bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the chocolate layer has risen to the top, about 40 minutes. Let the cake cool completely.

To make the frosting: Just before serving, blend together the mascarpone, milk, chocolate pudding mix, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth. Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the cake and serve.