Description
Delight in these luscious Spumoni Bars, layered with a crunchy graham cracker crust, rich chocolate, creamy pistachio pudding, and a whipped cherry topping. This no-bake inspired treat brings the classic Italian spumoni flavor together in easy-to-serve bars 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 instant pistachio pudding mix
- 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 firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely to form a sturdy base layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips until completely smooth and glossy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this ganache evenly over the cooled crust and spread with a spatula. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to set firmly.
- Make the Pistachio Layer: In a mixing bowl, blend instant pistachio pudding mix with 2 cups heavy cream and ½ cup milk. Whisk until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Spread the pistachio pudding evenly over the set chocolate layer. Return the dish to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to chill and set.
- Prepare the Cherry Layer: 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 evenly distribute without deflating the whipped cream. Spread this cherry cream mixture over the pistachio layer and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once the bars have fully set, slice into 12 equal squares. Serve chilled for a refreshing, multi-layered dessert experience that captures the classic flavors of spumoni in bar form.
Notes
- Be sure to let the crust cool completely before adding chocolate to prevent melting and mixing layers.
- For best texture, use instant pistachio pudding mix for the middle layer to ensure quick thickening.
- Chilling times are important for layers to properly set; do not skip refrigeration between steps.
- Chopped maraschino cherries add sweetness and a pop of color but drain excess syrup for less sogginess.
- These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
