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
Scale
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.
