If you love desserts that are both beautiful and bursting with flavor, Spumoni Bars will absolutely steal your heart. Inspired by the classic Italian spumoni ice cream, these bars layer together the irresistible trifecta of cherries, pistachios, and chocolate in a buttery blondie base. With pops of color and a medley of textures, every bite feels like an instant party. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just a special treat at home, Spumoni Bars offer a touch of nostalgia and pure joy in every slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can create such a vibrant, sophisticated dessert. Each item in this lineup brings its own unique flair—texture, color, richness, or sweetness—giving Spumoni Bars their signature look and irresistible bite.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth base.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds the right touch of sweetness and a fine crumb texture.
Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Gives a hint of caramel flavor and extra softness.
Large eggs (2): Help bind the bars and add richness; bring to room temperature for best results.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and adds lovely aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural backbone that holds all the goodness together.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): A gentle lift for the perfectly tender bite.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Brightens all of the flavors—don’t skip it!
Chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (1/2 cup): Classic spumoni color and a pop of fruity sweetness—drying keeps the bars from getting soggy.
Chopped pistachios (1/2 cup): Distinctive green color, crunch, and a touch of nutty elegance.
Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Brings those beloved chocolatey pockets throughout every bite.

How to Make Spumoni Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of overhang for easy removal later. This simple prep step is key to ensure the Spumoni Bars come out perfect—no sticking, no crumbling.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. This will take a couple of minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Creaming aerates the butter, setting the stage for a tender, luxurious crumb in your bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract—the aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling amazing. This combination keeps the mix silky and brings in that signature warmth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, which is important for even baking and taste. You want every inch of your Spumoni Bars to be as delightful as the last!

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet, Then Fold in Goodies

Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing here can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle. Next, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, pistachios, and mini chocolate chips—watch how the batter transforms into a colorful, chunk-studded masterpiece.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is gently golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps them set up for perfect squares.

How to Serve Spumoni Bars

Garnishes

The prettiest finishing touches often come from the simplest ingredients. Sprinkle Spumoni Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect, or drizzle with a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for subtle sweetness and sheen. A few additional chopped pistachios or halved cherries on top take presentation over the top!

Side Dishes

Pair Spumoni Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato for an ultra-decadent dessert plate. They also shine next to fresh berries or a light espresso, which highlights their Italian roots and balances the sweetness with a little sophistication.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Spumoni Bars in a tiered pattern on a decorative platter for a centerpiece-worthy display, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for festive gifts. For a fun party twist, cut them into smaller bite-size squares and serve on a colorful tray with toothpicks—guaranteed hits at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Spumoni Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The bars stay moist and flavorful, and actually develop even more depth as the cherries and pistachios mingle with the buttery base.

Freezing

Spumoni Bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap the cooled, cut bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when a craving strikes.

Reheating

While Spumoni Bars are delicious straight from the container, you can gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the chocolate chips and perks up their just-baked aroma—a real treat with your afternoon coffee!

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios?

Absolutely! While pistachios are traditional for that classic spumoni flair, you can use almonds, walnuts, or even pecans if you prefer. Each type Dessert.

What’s the best way to dry maraschino cherries?

After draining, lay the cherries out on a few layers of paper towels, then gently pat the tops until no excess moisture remains. This extra step prevents the bars from becoming soggy and helps the colors stay vibrant.

Do Spumoni Bars work with gluten-free flour?

You can successfully swap the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The bars will be a touch more delicate, but still absolutely delicious and colorful.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two separate pans for best results. Keep an eye on the baking time, as a larger pan may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

How do I know when Spumoni Bars are fully baked?

The top should be golden and set, and an inserted toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars continue to firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

Baking Spumoni Bars is a joyful, colorful adventure that just begs to be shared. If you’re searching for a truly crowd-pleasing treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and novel, this recipe never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Spumoni Bars—let these vibrant, chewy desserts become a new favorite in your kitchen!