Looking for a sweet, no-fuss treat to make your St. Patrick’s Day extra special? Easy Grasshopper Bars for St are the answer to your dessert dreams! These bars combine a crisp, buttery Oreo crust with a fluffy, cool peppermint filling that’s tinted the perfect shade of green—then crowned with creamy white chocolate and mini chocolate chips for a decadent finish. Every bite channels festive flavors and a playful color that just shouts celebration. If you want to wow your friends or family without turning on the oven, this is the treat for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Easy Grasshopper Bars for St are all about using simple, trusty ingredients that each play a delicious role. If you want irresistible layers and that classic cool mint taste, every single item below is key!
- Oreo cookies (16 oz, crushed): The dark cookie base gives the bars their signature crunch and chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): This binds the crust and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Smooth and tangy, cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy filling.
- Whipped topping (8 oz): Lightens the filling and keeps it airy—look for Cool Whip or a similar brand.
- Peppermint extract (1 tsp): Adds that fresh, lively mint flavor—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste if you like it extra minty!
- Green food coloring (a few drops): Brings the iconic green hue to your bars and makes them holiday-perfect.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup, melted): Folded into the filling for rich sweetness and a creamy, smooth bite.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Sprinkle on top for a playful chocolate crunch and a pretty finish.
How to Make Easy Grasshopper Bars for St
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust
Start by crushing your Oreo cookies into fine crumbs—either by using a food processor or sealing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until evenly combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan to create a sturdy, chocolatey base. Don’t rush this step—pressing it down tightly helps the crust hold together when you cut the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mint Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. Add the whipped topping, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. Beat everything together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a gorgeous pastel green. Taste and add a bit more peppermint extract if you like a stronger minty punch.
Step 3: Blend in Melted White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips gently in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool for just a couple minutes, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until no streaks remain and the filling is beautifully creamy—this step adds a lovely, velvety richness to your Easy Grasshopper Bars for St.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread the minty filling evenly over your Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you want a little more chocolate pizazz, sprinkle mini chocolate chips (or even chopped Andes mints!) on top. The contrast between the creamy filling and the chocolate chips is what makes these bars completely irresistible.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Pop the whole pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm and set. Once they’re chilled, slice the bars into neat squares and get ready to dazzle your guests! Serve cold for the best flavor and texture—these bars are a refreshing, cool delight straight from the fridge.
How to Serve Easy Grasshopper Bars for St
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, try topping your bars with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprig of fresh mint. A dollop of whipped cream is never a bad idea either, especially for festive gatherings!
Side Dishes
Pair these minty bars with a creamy Irish coffee, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a cold glass of milk. For something fun and party-ready, arrange the bars on a platter with chocolate-dipped strawberries or fresh berries for extra color.
Creative Ways to Present
You can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes (think shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day). Or, layer the dessert in mini mason jars for individual servings—perfect for potlucks and parties. Add edible glitter or gold sprinkles to bring out those magical holiday vibes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Easy Grasshopper Bars for St in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors even meld more after a day, making them taste even better!
Freezing
Absolutely, these bars freeze beautifully! Cut them into squares and arrange on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
No reheating necessary! Since these are a no-bake, chilled treat, just pull them out of the fridge (or freezer), let thaw if needed, and serve cold. They’re best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator when the filling is firm and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use mint chocolate chips instead of peppermint extract?
Definitely! Mint chocolate chips will add both a mint flavor and extra chocolatey goodness to the filling. Simply swap them in for a fun twist that still captures that classic Grasshopper vibe.
How do I prevent the crust from crumbling when cutting the bars?
Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan and chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. You can also use a clean, sharp knife (wipe between cuts!) for the best, neatest squares.
Is it possible to make Easy Grasshopper Bars for St gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of regular Oreos for the base. All the other ingredients are already gluten-free, so you can still enjoy this treat with no worries.
Can I prepare Easy Grasshopper Bars for St a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making them the night before is perfect since it gives them plenty of time to set and for the flavors to deepen. Just cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Should I use gel or liquid food coloring?
Either can work, but gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need less to get that perfect green color. Add a little at a time until you reach the shade you want.
Final Thoughts
Easy Grasshopper Bars for St are the ultimate no-bake dessert for anyone who loves a cool, minty treat with a chocolatey twist. They’re simple to whip up, require zero oven time, and never fail to impress. If you’re looking to add a little magic (and a lot of flavor) to your St. Patrick’s Day spread, this is the recipe for you—give these bars a try, and watch them disappear!
Print
Easy Grasshopper Bars for St Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Grasshopper Bars are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion. A minty, creamy filling atop a rich Oreo crust, these bars are a breeze to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Oreo Crust:
- 1 package (16 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Mint Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Few drops green food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Oreo Crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Mint Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add whipped topping, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. Fold in melted white chocolate. Spread filling over crust. Top with mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Chill bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Slice into squares and serve cold.
Notes
- You can use mint chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
- For extra texture, fold in crushed Andes mints or chopped chocolate wafers.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
