If you’ve never tasted the magic of a real Italian Spumoni Cake, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful layered dessert combines chocolate, pistachio, and cherry flavors into one show-stopping masterpiece. It’s soft, colorful, and bursting with flavor topped with whipped cream, juicy cherries, and chocolate chips. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or summer picnic, this cake is bound to impress your guests with both taste and looks.
Ingredients for Spumoni Cake
Each layer of this cake represents a classic Spumoni flavor. Here’s exactly what you need for each layer and topping:
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or brewed coffee
Cherry Cake Layer
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup (80ml) maraschino cherry juice
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- Red food coloring (optional, for a pink hue)
Pistachio Cake Layer
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4 oz or 96g) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- Green food coloring (optional, to enhance the color)
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- Maraschino cherries (whole)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Crushed pistachios (optional for sides)
Why Spumoni Cake is So Special
Spumoni isn’t just a cake it’s a colorful celebration of Italy’s most nostalgic flavors.
Each layer brings its own unique flavor and color. The chocolate is rich and moist. The cherry is soft, slightly tangy, and dotted with sweet bites of fruit. And the pistachio adds a nutty, light-green twist that ties the trio together. Combined with whipped cream and bright toppings, it’s an irresistible combination.
Step by Step to Make Italian Spumoni Cake
1: Bake the Chocolate Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of one 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in the vanilla. Then alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Add hot water or coffee last and mix gently the batter will be thin.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2: Bake the Cherry Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a second cake pan.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg whites and mix until smooth.
- Stir in cherry juice, milk, almond extract, and optional food coloring for a soft pink color.
- Fold in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in chopped maraschino cherries.
- Pour into the pan and bake 22-26 minutes. Let cool fully before frosting.
3: Bake the Pistachio Layer
- Preheat oven again if needed. Prepare a third cake pan as before.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Add milk and optional green coloring. Mix until smooth, then fold in the dry ingredients.
- Bake 22-28 minutes. Cool completely before assembling.
4: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until firm peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
- Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
How to Assemble a Spumoni Cake
- Place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate or turntable. Add a thick layer of whipped cream.
- Place the cherry cake on top. Spread more whipped cream and gently press a few cherries into this layer.
- Add the pistachio cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly with remaining whipped cream.
To finish, decorate the top with whole maraschino cherries and scatter chocolate chips across the top. Press crushed pistachios along the sides for extra texture if desired. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
“Spumoni Cake is a visual feast and every bite brings chocolate, cherry, and pistachio together in harmony.”
This cake is best enjoyed cold, where the whipped cream is firm, and the layers are clean and moist. You can even freeze slices for a cool summer dessert.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Spumoni Cake
- Use a cake leveler: For perfectly even layers, trim each cake before assembling.
- Chill between layers: After adding each whipped cream layer, chill the cake for 10-15 minutes to prevent sliding.
- Stabilize the cream: If serving in warm weather, add 1 tbsp of instant pudding or cornstarch to the whipped cream to stabilize it.
- Brighten colors naturally: You can use beet powder for pink and spinach powder for green if avoiding food dye.
People Also Ask
What is Spumoni cake made of?
Spumoni cake is made from layers of chocolate, cherry, and pistachio cakes, typically filled and frosted with whipped cream, then topped with cherries and chocolate chips.
Can I make Spumoni cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and cool the layers one day ahead. Wrap them tightly and store at room temperature. Assemble and frost the next day for best results.
What frosting works best for Spumoni cake?
Light, fluffy whipped cream is traditional and pairs beautifully with the fruity and nutty flavors. Buttercream can be used, but it’s heavier.
Is Spumoni cake the same as Spumoni ice cream?
Not exactly. Spumoni ice cream is a frozen dessert with similar flavors usually pistachio, cherry, and chocolate while the cake is a baked layered dessert inspired by those same flavors.
How do I store leftover Spumoni cake?
Cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
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