Description
Delight in these luscious Spumoni Bars that layer a crunchy graham cracker crust with rich chocolate, creamy pistachio pudding, and a light cherry whipped topping. Perfectly chilled and layered, this no-fuss dessert combines classic spumoni flavors into an easy-to-make bar that’s ideal for gatherings and sweet cravings.
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 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 is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Chocolate Layer: Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and silky. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set.
- Pistachio Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix, 2 cups heavy cream, and ½ cup milk until the mixture thickens. Spread this pistachio pudding mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate layer. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes to help the layer firm up.
- Cherry Layer: Using a mixer, whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream. Spread this cherry cream mixture evenly over the pistachio layer. Refrigerate the assembled bars for 2 to 3 hours or until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once the bars are fully set, slice into 12 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the chocolate layer to prevent melting.
- The pistachio pudding layer can be prepared ahead but should be refrigerated until used.
- Chilling time is essential for layering firmness and clean slicing.
- For best results, use fresh heavy cream instead of stabilized or whipped topping.
- Maraschino cherry juice can be drained well to avoid excess moisture in the topping.
