Description
These decadent Spumoni Bars are a delightful layered dessert inspired by the classic Italian spumoni ice cream. Featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy chocolate, pistachio pudding, and a cherry-studded whipped cream topping, these bars combine rich flavors and textures to create an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, then pour this chocolate mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the chocolate layer.
- Make Pistachio Layer: In a bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix with 2 cups of heavy cream and ½ cup milk. Continue to mix until the pudding thickens. Spread this thick pistachio mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate layer. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Prepare Cherry Topping: Using a mixer, whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries to distribute them evenly without deflating the whipped cream. Spread this cherry cream layer carefully over the pistachio layer. Refrigerate the entire dessert for 2 to 3 hours or until it is fully set.
- Serve: Once fully chilled and set, slice the bars into 12 squares and enjoy this luscious, multi-layered treat!
Notes
- Use a greased or parchment-lined baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make sure each layer is fully chilled before adding the next for best layering results.
- For a firmer cherry topping, chill the whipped cream longer before folding in the cherries.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pistachio pudding with another flavor of instant pudding.
