For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) Devil’s Food or Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
• Ingredients as per cake mix box instructions (typically: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs)

For the Ricotta Cheese Filling:

• 32 oz (approx. 900g or 4 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese, preferably drained if very watery
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 small box (3.4 oz / 96g or 3.9 oz / 110g) instant chocolate pudding mix (dry, do not prepare)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional Garnish: Chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder