If you love the refreshing taste of mint paired with rich chocolate, then Chocolate Mint Dream Bars are your dessert destiny. These easy, no-bake bars combine a buttery cookie crust, smooth mint cream filling, silky chocolate ganache, and just the right crunch to make every bite feel indulgent and unforgettable. Think of them as the lovechild of a Grasshopper Pie and a layered brownie—but lighter, creamier, and perfect for sharing.
These bars are ideal for holidays like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day, but they’re just as perfect year-round when you want a cool, minty treat to serve at parties, potlucks, or as an after-dinner showstopper. Best of all? No oven required.
Ingredients
Crust:
24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
4 tablespoons melted butter
Mint Cream Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract (not mint extract)
A few drops green food coloring (optional)
1½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
Optional: chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions :. . .
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Directions
Start by preparing the crust. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking dish. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and food coloring if using, and beat until creamy and pale green. Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth and airy.
Spread the mint cream layer evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and return to the fridge.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the mint cream layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to set fully.
Before serving, garnish with chocolate curls, cookie crumbs, or crushed peppermint for a polished finish. Slice into squares using a hot knife for clean cuts.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar – Approximate, 1 of 16)
Calories: 310
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 32g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 2g
This dessert is rich and indulgent, so smaller squares are plenty satisfying. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much peppermint extract can overwhelm the flavor. Stick to ½ teaspoon for balance—a little goes a long way.
Skipping chill time can result in messy layers. For the best structure and clean slicing, chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
Using warm ganache on the cream layer can melt it. Let the ganache cool for 10 minutes before pouring for a smooth, clean finish.
Substituting regular food coloring with gel coloring is better—it’s more vibrant and requires less, which helps maintain the filling texture.
Helpful Tips
Use a food processor to crush the cookies finely, which helps create a firm, compact crust that doesn’t fall apart when slicing.
For a bolder mint flavor, mix crushed peppermint candy into the cream layer or sprinkle some on top.
Want a chocolate-mint twist? Add a thin layer of chocolate fudge or Nutella between the crust and cream layers.
Freeze the bars for 30 minutes before slicing for ultra-sharp edges and clean presentation—especially helpful when serving guests.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mint Dream Bars are exactly what they sound like—dreamy, decadent, and dangerously delicious. With their chilled layers of cookie crunch, minty cream, and velvety chocolate, they hit all the right notes: sweet, cool, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just want a no-fuss dessert that makes everyone swoon, this recipe is a mint-chocolate miracle you’ll turn to again and again.
