If you have a soft spot for classic Italian flavors wrapped up in a delightful layered treat, you’re going to fall in love with this Spumoni Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the nutty crunch of pistachios, the sweet pop of maraschino cherries, and the rich goodness of chocolate chips, all nestled in a buttery, tender base. Perfect for a festive gathering or an everyday indulgence, this recipe captures the essence of spumoni ice cream in a portable, sliceable form that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spumoni Bars Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing flavor, texture, and color to create bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From the rich butter providing a tender crumb to the vibrant cherries and pistachios that add bursts of color and distinct tastes, simplicity meets sophistication here.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation for a moist, tender texture and rich buttery flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the structure of the dough.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Contributes to a delicate crumb and subtle sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the bars their body.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry): A classic spumoni ingredient, offering bright bursts of flavor and that signature red color.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios: Provides a nutty crunch and vibrant green color.
- Red and green food coloring (optional): Used to tint the dough layers, making the bars visually pop like traditional spumoni.
How to Make Spumoni Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This step sets you up for easy removal of those dreamy layered bars once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aeration is key to giving your bars that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well-emulsified. Finish this step by stirring in the vanilla extract, which will round out the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any uneven bites in your spumoni bars.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet butter and sugar mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender dough, not tough bars.
Step 6: Divide and Color Your Dough
Split the dough into three equal portions. Fold chopped maraschino cherries into one portion, adding red food coloring lightly if you want that classic spumoni hue. Mix mini chocolate chips into the second, and finally, stir chopped pistachios and green food coloring into the third portion.
Step 7: Layer the Dough in the Pan
Press the pistachio dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Gently spread the chocolate chip dough over the pistachio layer without mixing the two. Finish by pressing the cherry dough on top and flattening it gently to create neat, distinct layers.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still moist. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares, revealing those beautiful spumoni layers.
How to Serve Spumoni Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your spumoni bars by garnishing with additional chopped pistachios or whole maraschino cherries for a festive touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation, creating a delicate snow-like effect.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a heartier dessert. For an adult twist, serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of espresso to complement the nutty and fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Spumoni Bars Recipe into bite-sized squares for party platters or layering them in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream for a stunning visual effect. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes charming gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover spumoni bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful while maintaining the beautiful layers.
Freezing
This Spumoni Bars Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Simply wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This gently warms the chocolate chips and softens the bars without losing their layered integrity.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pistachios with another nut?
Absolutely! While pistachios bring the classic spumoni color and flavor, chopped almonds or walnuts can be used as substitutes, though they will alter the traditional taste slightly.
Why do I need to dry the maraschino cherries?
Removing excess moisture from the cherries prevents their color from bleeding into the dough layers, which keeps your spumoni bars visually distinct and prevents sogginess.
Is this Spumoni Bars Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or gelatin. Just ensure your food colorings and cherries are vegetarian if that is a concern.
Can I make mini Spumoni bars for parties?
Definitely! The dough can be baked in smaller pans or cut into smaller pieces after baking, making them perfect bite-sized treats for gatherings.
What’s the best way to prevent the layers from mixing?
Press each dough layer gently but firmly and spread carefully without swirling. This preserves the distinct layers and keeps the classic spumoni look intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Spumoni Bars Recipe — it’s like capturing a slice of Italian-American heritage with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or a casual treat, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightful slice of layered bliss. You won’t regret it!
Print
Spumoni Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spumoni Bars are a delightful layered dessert inspired by the classic Italian spumoni ice cream. These bars feature three distinct layers: a cherry-studded red dough, a chocolate chip middle, and a pistachio green layer, creating a colorful and flavorful treat perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cherry Layer
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- Red food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Layer
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Pistachio Layer
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- Green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to impart flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough evenly into three parts. To the first portion, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and add red food coloring lightly if desired to enhance the cherry hue.
- Prepare Chocolate and Pistachio Layers: Add mini chocolate chips to the second portion of dough. For the third portion, mix in chopped pistachios and green food coloring if using for a vibrant pistachio layer.
- Layer the Dough: Press the pistachio dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Gently spread the chocolate chip dough over the pistachio layer without mixing the layers. Finally, top with the cherry dough, pressing lightly to flatten and create an even top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the edges of the bars turn golden and the center sets completely.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack to firm up before slicing into 24 bars for serving.
Notes
- To prevent the cherry layer from bleeding color into other layers, ensure the cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry before adding.
- Store the spumoni bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, these bars freeze well and can be thawed before serving.
