If you ever crave a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Spumoni Bars Recipe is the perfect go-to. It captures the classic flavors of spumoni ice cream—the rich chocolate, creamy pistachio, and fruity cherry—all layered into a luscious bar you can slice and share. With its delightful textures and vibrant colors, this dessert is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these bars bring a nostalgic yet fresh twist to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but crucial, coming together to create layers of flavor and texture that define this Spumoni Bars Recipe. Each plays a special role—from the crunchy crust to the silky pistachio filling and the sweet cherry topping.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): The crunchy, buttery base that holds everything together and adds subtle sweetness.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Balances the crust’s flavor and helps it brown perfectly.
- Melted butter (½ cup): Binds the graham cracker crumbs for a firm, flavorful crust.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Adds warm, aromatic notes to both crust and chocolate layers.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): Melted to create a rich and smooth chocolate layer.
- Heavy cream (4 ½ cups total): Used in the chocolate, pistachio pudding, and cherry layers for a creamy, luscious texture.
- Pistachio pudding mix (1 ½ cups, instant): Delivers that signature pistachio flavor and a delightful green hue.
- Milk (½ cup): Helps thicken and lighten the pistachio layer perfectly.
- Maraschino cherries, chopped (1 cup): Add beautiful bursts of color and fruity sweetness in the final layer.
- Powdered sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream topping without graininess.
How to Make Spumoni Bars Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once combined thoroughly, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-by-9-inch baking dish. This crust will be the crunchy backbone of your bars. Baking it for 10 minutes helps set the crust firmly and enhances its nutty flavor. Once baked, let it cool completely before adding the next layers.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Layer
To create the luscious chocolate layer, gently heat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Stir in the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract and then pour this rich chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled crust. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let it set firmly. This chocolate layer provides a decadent base for the pistachio topping.
Step 3: Make the Pistachio Layer
This step is where the green magic happens. In a bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix, 2 cups of heavy cream, and half a cup of milk until it thickens into a fluffy, creamy consistency. Spread this pistachio mixture delicately over the set chocolate layer. The pudding offers a nutty, creamy contrast that’s essential to the Spumoni Bars Recipe experience. Once spread, chill again in the fridge for another 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Layer
Whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form—this creates a light, airy texture that beautifully crowns the bars. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries so they’re evenly distributed without breaking down the cream. Spread this cherry-cherry whipped topping evenly on the pistachio layer. Refrigerate the entire dish for 2 to 3 hours or until fully set. This final layer adds a pop of fruity sweetness and a refreshing finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After the bars have fully set and chilled, slice them into 12 generous squares. Each bite reveals beautifully defined layers of crust, chocolate, pistachio, and cherry cream. These bars are ready to delight family and friends or make a gorgeous homemade gift.
How to Serve Spumoni Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spumoni Bars Recipe even further, try garnishing with a few whole maraschino cherries on top or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for extra crunch and color. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also add a gourmet flair.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small bowl of fresh mixed berries. The creamy coolness of ice cream complements the layers perfectly, while berries add natural tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve your Spumoni Bars Recipe on a decorative platter with colorful paper liners for each square. You can also stack smaller bars on a dessert tower or serve alongside espresso for a sophisticated touch. Adding edible flowers or fresh mint leaves can visually enhance the presentation and make your dessert table stand out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cut, store any leftover Spumoni Bars tightly covered in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deliciously as they rest.
Freezing
These bars freeze exceptionally well. Place the bars on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen bars to defrost slowly in the fridge, and serve cold or at room temperature for the creamiest experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pudding mix for the pistachio layer?
While pistachio pudding mix is traditional and ideal for the authentic flavor, you could experiment with other flavors, but it may change the overall taste profile of the Spumoni Bars Recipe.
Is there a way to make these bars nut-free?
Since pistachio pudding contains nut flavoring, nut-free versions could substitute with vanilla or another flavored instant pudding to maintain texture, but it will alter the classic spumoni taste.
How long do these bars need to chill before serving?
For the best texture, allow the bars to chill fully for at least 2 to 3 hours after the final layer is added, ensuring all layers set properly and slice nicely.
Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for a delicious gluten-free twist on the Spumoni Bars Recipe.
What is the best dish to bake these bars in?
A 9×9-inch square baking dish works perfectly, providing enough depth for all the layers to fit beautifully and set evenly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Spumoni Bars Recipe. It’s a wonderful dessert that combines nostalgia with fresh flavors and is surprisingly easy to put together with a little patience. Whether for a special celebration or a sweet everyday treat, these bars bring a burst of joy to the table that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories!
Print
Spumoni Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these layered Spumoni Bars that combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with rich chocolate, creamy pistachio pudding, and a cherry-studded whipped topping. Perfect for a refreshing and indulgent dessert with the classic spumoni flavors in an easy-to-make bar form.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pistachio Layer
- 1 ½ cups pistachio pudding mix (instant)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
Cherry Layer
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and fully melted. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to let the chocolate layer set.
- Make the Pistachio Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix, 2 cups of heavy cream, and ½ cup of milk. Whisk until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Spread this pistachio pudding evenly over the chilled chocolate layer. Return to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes.
- Prepare Cherry Whipped Topping: In a clean bowl, whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Spread this cherry whipped cream layer smoothly over the pistachio layer. Cover and refrigerate the entire dish for 2 to 3 hours, or until the top layer is fully set.
- Serve: Once fully set, cut the dessert into 12 equal squares and serve chilled. Enjoy these creamy, fruity Spumoni Bars as a delightful treat.
Notes
- Make sure each layer is fully chilled and set before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor in the chocolate layer.
- For easier slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before cutting the bars.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative to make this recipe lactose-free, though it will alter the texture slightly.
