Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F if using a metal pan and 325 degrees F if using a 9x13 inch glass baking dish. I used 325 and a 9x13 inch glass baking dish. Grease bottom of the pan (or dish). UPDATE: So far I have only ever baked this in glass dishes and used the 325 temp. The old recipe does say 350, but I think 325 is a safer temp. My latest cake, a half batch, was done in 45 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix as directed on package. In this case that would be Betty Crocker Super Moist, so you mix the mix, water, eggs and oil and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into the baking pan.
In another bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Spoon or pour the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
Bake the cake at 350 for 1 hour or 325 for 1 hour and 5 minutes(if using a glass dish) or until the cake seems firm to touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
To make the topping, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding, then spread all over the cake. Cover and chill overnight (or for at least 4 hours minimum).