Creating Italian Love Cake can be straightforward if you follow these easy-to-understand steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until there are no lumps and the batter is smooth.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: If desired, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an additional flavor boost.
6. Divide Batter: Pour the batter equally into the prepared cake pans for even baking.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
8. Cool: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 15 minutes. Carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
9. Assemble the Cake: When both layers are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Add your choice of frosting or whipped cream on top, then position the second layer over it.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish, dust the top layer with powdered sugar just before serving.

Following these instructions will lead to a successful and delightful creation of Italian Love Cake that will impress anyone you serve!