This easy Spumoni layers cherry, chocolate (or vanilla), and pistachio ice creams in a loaf pan. Slice into bars for a colorful, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Image of sliced Spumoni on a cake stand

What Is Spumoni?

Spumoni is an Italian dessert that comes from Naples, usually made with layers of ice cream like pistachio, cherry, and chocolate or vanilla, sometimes with candied fruits and nuts. It’s frozen, then cut and served.

The BEST Easy Dessert!

I first tried Spumoni at a local Italian restaurant, and it was love at first bite! The flavor combo is perfect, and I’m excited to share my simple take on it.

No need to make three different ice cream mixtures—just grab cherry, pistachio, and chocolate ice cream, layer them in a bread pan, and you’re done! It’s that easy!

Ingredient shot-- image of the ice cream used in this dish

I like to add a fun touch to my Spumoni with an extra chocolate cookie crust. It adds great crunch and flavor, but the dessert is still delicious without it.

Here are a few tips:

  • Cool or bake: You can either bake the crust for a crispy flavor or cool it in the fridge for a softer texture.
  • Cool before filling: Let the crust cool before adding ice cream to keep it from melting.
  • Choose the right Oreos: Use regular Oreos, not Double Stuff or flavored ones.
  • Crush the Oreos fully: Crush the cookies finely for a sturdy crust; big chunks won’t hold together.
  • Press down hard: Press the mix firmly into the pan with a flat-bottomed cup.
Process shots of Spumoni-- images of the Oreos being crushed and then mixed with salt and butter.

How To Make Spumoni (Tips)

  1. Ice cream: Good-quality ice cream gives richer flavor, creamier texture, and melts slower.
  2. Press ice cream layers: Press hard on each scoop to get smooth, solid slices.
  3. Use parchment: Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and cleaning.
  4. Freeze: Freeze completely before serving for neater slices and better shape.
  5. Slice with a warm knife: Run a knife under hot water, dry it, and slice for neater slices.
Process shots-- images of the crust being layered into a cake pan and then the ice cream being layered in

Optional Spumoni Toppings

For extra flavor and texture, top with chopped pistachios or chocolate curls. For a dessert sauce, try this tart cherry sauce:

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 cups tart cherries (pitted, thawed if frozen)
  • 6 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine cherries and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until thickened.
  3. Strain the sauce through a sieve, pressing with a spoon. Let cool in the fridge.
  4. Drizzle the cooled sauce over Spumoni bars for extra flavor.
Process shots of Spumoni-- images of the pan being filled with ice cream

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to change things up! Pick three, or even just two, of your favorite ice cream flavors to make this recipe your own. There are so many ways to get creative.

Image of the Spumoni ice cream on a plate

Storage

  • Return leftovers to the freezer quickly: Spumoni, like all ice cream desserts, thaws quickly, especially at room temperature. To maintain its texture and quality, be sure to return any leftovers to the freezer promptly.
  • Store the dessert properly: Store any leftover Spumoni in a closed airtight container in your freezer.

More Ice Cream Treats:

5 from 1 vote

Spumoni

This easy Spumoni uses store-bought cherry, chocolate (or vanilla), and pistachio ice creams layered in a loaf pan for a vibrant, delicious dessert. Once frozen, slice into bars for a flavor-packed treat—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with family!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

Optional: Oreo Pie Crust
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 12 Oreo cookies or other chocolate sandwich cookie
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
Spumoni

Instructions 

  • Line a bread pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal; don’t skip this step!
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a blender or food processor, process whole Oreo cookies (no need to separate cookie from cream) until they are fine crumbs. Combine cookie crumbs with the melted butter and a pinch of salt; mix thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly along the bottom of the prepared pan, using the bottom of a flat measuring cup to compress the crumbs into a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven 8 minutes, then set aside to cool completely before adding ice cream.
  • Once the Oreo crust has completely cooled, fill the pan with alternating scoops of cherry, chocolate (or vanilla), and pistachio ice cream. Press each scoop firmly, using the back of the ice cream scooper to ensure the pan is filled evenly. (Optional: add a layer of nuts or dried fruit between each flavor of ice cream.) Level the top, cover tightly, and freeze overnight or until completely solid.
  • Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the frozen dessert from the pan. Slice into bars using a hot knife (see note 3), and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with pistachios and chocolate curls (see note 2) if desired. Promptly return any leftovers (covered tightly) to the freezer.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: High-quality ice cream significantly enhances the flavor and texture of this dessert. Use 14–16 ounces of each flavor, equivalent to approximately 1 pint each—the perfect amount to fill an 8.5×4.5-inch bread pan.
Note 2: To make chocolate curls, unwrap a chocolate bar and use a vegetable peeler to peel the side of the chocolate bar directly over the dessert.
Note 3: Use a hot, sharp knife (run it under hot water, dry with a towel) to make cuts into the pie.
Nutrition Note: Nutrition information includes the cookie crust, but not the optional fruit or nuts. Nutrition will also vary depending on the brand of ice cream used.
Storage: To maintain the texture and quality, return any leftovers to the freezer promptly, using an airtight container. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 177mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 662IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

 

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 1 vote

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3 Comments

  1. Deborah says:

    This is gorgeous!!! And perfect for summer!!

  2. Shawnna Griffin says:

    5 stars
    hey girl- this looks so good!

  3. Angelina says:

    LOVE!!! Now I’m craving pistachio ice cream with tart cherry sauce!!!