Spumoni

This easy version of a popular Italian dessert is made with store bought ice cream to save time. A layered ice cream dessert made with chocolate, cherry, and pistachio ice cream, and topping with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this Italian spumoni ice cream recipe will be a family favorite.

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What is spumoni?

Originating from Italy, spumoni is named after the signature layers that makeup this dish. 3 distinct layers of ice cream are formed into a load and topped with whipped cream, nuts, and chopped fruit. It is often thought that the colored layers of ice cream are meant to resemble the colors on the Italian flag.

Traditional spumoni is made from cherry, pistachio, and vanilla gelato, however today it is very common for it to be made from ice cream with different flavors. What makes it different from regular ice cream is the different layers of flavors that come together for an absolutely delicious ice cream dessert.

This easy recipe for homemade spumoni uses store bought ice cream which is quicker and just as delicious!

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What is in Spumoni Ice Cream?

This easy version of spumoni consists for three even layers of ice cream, chocolate, cherry, and pistachio.

The toppings are optional but highly recommended as they add a ton of flavour and texture to this dessert.

It’s common for spumoni to contain chopped nuts like pistachios as well as whipped cream and chopped cherries. You can however use any toppings and flavors you like for your homemade spumoni.

Variations to Recipe

There are near endless ways to put your own spin on spumoni from changing the flavour of ice cream, to adding a variety of toppings. You can also add chopped fruit and nuts right into the ice cream layers for added texture. Below are some popular flavor combinations for spumoni as well as a list of fun toppings you can add.

• The classic – The classic spumoni is made with layers of chocolate or vanilla ice cream, cherry and pistachio.
• Neopolitan – A popular variation of spumoni resembles the childhood favorite neapolitan ice cream and uses chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavored ice cream. This version is topped with glazed strawberries, and chopped peanuts.
• Berry – Using fruit flavored ice creams like strawberry, raspberry and blueberry can make your spumoni perfect for hot summer days.

Toppings

• Chopped peanuts
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Chocolate shavings
• Sprinkles
• Strawberries
• Banana
• Carmel
• Whipped cream

Tips for homemade Spumoni

• Using store-bought ice cream instead of homemade ice cream saves lots of time and it’s still delicious.
• Let the ice cream thaw slightly so it’s soft enough to spread before making spumoni. The best way to thaw is to let it sit out at room temperature for around 15 minutes.
• Use an offset spatula to evenly spread each layer of ice cream before moving on to the next layer.
• To keep the layers from blending together, place the pan in the freezer for 10-15 minutes after each layer is added to firm it up.
• For perfect slices run the knife under warm water between each slice. This will make slicing easier, and prevent ice cream from sticking to the knife.
• Serve spumoni with extra toppings for everyone to add to their slices.

Best way to Store Spumoni

The best way to store spumoni is in the freezer. Keeping it in the fridge will make it too soft to slice and serve.

Frozen desserts like spumoni are great to prepare ahead of time and pull out when you need them. If you want to make this Italian dessert for an event or party, seal it in an airtight container or cover the pan with plastic wrap and in the freezer for up to 3 months when using store bought ice cream.

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Spumoni

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Spumoni is a layered ice cream dessert from Italy made from chocolate, cherry, and pistachio ice cream. These layers are formed into a loaf that is sliced and served with optional toppings like whipped cream, nuts, and chopped cherries. This simple recipe uses store bought ice cream which is quicker than making your own.

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Ingredients 

• 3 cups chocolate ice cream, softened
• 3 cups cherry ice cream, softened
• 3 cups pistachio ice cream, softened

Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Chopped nuts
• Cherries

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Instructions

• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent the spumoni from sticking to the bottom and sides.
• Add an even layer of softened chocolate ice cream to the bottom of the lined loaf pan. Followed by a layer of cherry ice cream, and lastly a layer of pistachio ice cream. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top of each layer of ice cream before adding the next.
• Decorate the top with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries if desired. Place the loaf pan in the freezer for 8 hours to harden.
• Before serving, run a knife carefully around the edges of the pan to separate the parchment paper from the sides.
• Carefully remove the spumoni from the pan using the parchment paper and a spatula and place on a cutting board.
• Slice the spumoni into thick slices (approx. 1 ½ inches thick) and serve immediately with additional toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 796kcal | Carbohydrates: 136g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 714mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 276mg | Iron: 2mg