Spumoni Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s eye-catching, crave-worthy, and impossibly easy to pull off, these Spumoni Bars are about to become your new obsession. Inspired by the classic Italian ice cream, this recipe layers maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, and crunchy pistachios into a buttery bar cookie that’s as joyful to eat as it is to serve. Every bite is packed with contrasting flavors and textures, making these bars perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime your sweet tooth calls for something just a little bit extra. Whether you grew up with spumoni or you’re meeting it for the first time, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Spumoni Bars is all about embracing a handful of classic, vibrant ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each element plays its own delicious role—from creaminess and richness to pops of color and crunch—so don’t be tempted to skimp or substitute! Here’s what you’ll need for the most irresistible batch.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the bars a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create the light crumb everyone loves.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture for bars that don’t dry out.
- Large Eggs (2): Hold everything together and add a little lift to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a cozy, fragrant note.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of the bars, giving structure without making them dense.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures lift and a tender bite—don’t skip it for fluffy bars!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and brings out the flavors in every ingredient.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries (1/2 cup, drained and patted dry): Bring that signature vibrant red and fruity pop reminiscent of traditional spumoni.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Scatter bittersweet richness through every bite without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Chopped Pistachios (1/2 cup, shelled and unsalted): Add classic green color and a satisfying crunch in every bar.
How to Make Spumoni Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or generously grease it—this step makes removing your Spumoni Bars a breeze and ensures beautiful, clean edges after slicing. A little prep now saves cleanup later!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. This creates that irresistible tender texture, so don’t rush—spend a good two or three minutes creaming everything together.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, mix in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and depth of flavor that ties everything together. Your mixture should look creamy and smooth at this point.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures they’re evenly distributed and prevents any clumping in your batter. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, and stir gently—just until combined, to keep your bars tender.
Step 5: Fold in Spumoni Add-Ins
Now for the fun! Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios. Each one adds color, flavor, and texture—making these Spumoni Bars as beautiful as they are delicious. Don’t overmix; you want swirls of goodies throughout.
Step 6: Bake
Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and spread it evenly—it’ll be thick, so a spatula or your fingertips come in handy here. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden top, set edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This gives them time to firm up for perfect slicing. Once cool, use the parchment to lift them out and cut into 24 neat squares. Each bar will be a jewel-toned delight!
How to Serve Spumoni Bars
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios or a small handful of mini chocolate chips over the top before baking for a festive, bakery-worthy finish. For an even more stunning presentation, lightly dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or drizzle a thin line of melted chocolate across each piece.
Side Dishes
Pair your Spumoni Bars with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat. A robust espresso or after-dinner coffee brings out the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully for an authentically Italian-inspired dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Spumoni Bars into a show-stopping dessert platter by lining them up with fresh berries, candied citrus peel, or chocolate-dipped pistachios for a colorful display. You could also wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with string for adorable party favors or holiday gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store your Spumoni Bars in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Place a piece of wax paper or parchment between layers if stacking, to keep their tops and edges pristine.
Freezing
Spumoni Bars freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead during the busy holiday season, or whenever you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
Reheating
If you love a warm dessert, pop a Spumoni Bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving. Just a short burst brings back that fresh-baked softness and gently revives the chocolate chips. For larger batches, a few minutes in a low oven does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! While maraschino cherries bring their classic flavor and vivid color, chopped fresh or frozen cherries (thawed and patted dry) work well, too. Keep in mind fresh cherries add a bit more natural tartness and moisture, so blotting them well is key.
Can I substitute a different nut for pistachios?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts if pistachios aren’t your favorite. Just make sure any nut you use is unsalted and chopped to a similar size for even distribution and texture.
What’s the best way to cut clean, neat bar squares?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for the neatest edges. For ultra-precise lines, chill the pan in the fridge first, then slice with a long, serrated knife.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans, or use a larger sheet pan. Watch the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick, since a larger batch may take a few extra minutes.
Are Spumoni Bars gluten-free or vegan?
This recipe as written is not gluten-free or vegan, but you can experiment with 1:1 gluten-free flour blends and vegan butter substitutes. Swap in flax eggs for the eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based variation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little color, joy, and deliciously nostalgic flavor into your kitchen, making a batch of Spumoni Bars is a must. These bars are perfect for sharing and guaranteed to win smiles wherever they go—so bake a batch soon, and enjoy every colorful, chewy, decadent bite!
Print
Spumoni Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Spumoni Bars that combine the flavors of maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, and pistachios in a chewy cookie bar. Perfect for a sweet treat or holiday dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (shelled and unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in cherries, chocolate chips, and pistachios. Spread dough in pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before cutting.
Notes
- Blot cherries well to prevent extra moisture in the batter.
- For a festive look, sprinkle extra chopped pistachios or chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
