Italian Love Cake

Note from Cheri: This recipe is a creation of my friend Mary Ann Ross, one of the party divas at ThePartyWorks.com. Be sure to visit for party ideas and supplies as well as for all your cake decorating needs. A combination marble cake and cheese cake with a creamy chocolate topping, this recipe has all the goodness of a chocolate éclair.

1 box fudge chocolate cake mix (and ingredients necessary to prepare the cake) 2 pounds ricotta cheese 1 cup sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 box (3 3/4 oz.) instant chocolate pudding 1 cup milk 8 ounces non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

Serves 12 Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare cake batter as directed on box and pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. In separate bowl, combine ricotta, sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix well. Spoon over unbaked cake batter. Bake for 1 hour. Cool completely. To make icing, mix instant pudding with milk; fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake, decorate with cherries and candy sprinkles; refrigerate util ready to serve.