If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s as fun and festive as it is delicious, Easy Grasshopper Bars for St are your golden ticket! These bars layer up fudgy brownies, a creamy and minty green filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache to create pure magic on a platter. Every bite is cool, minty, and chocolatey—the ultimate treat to brighten up your holiday table or any gathering. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, with just a handful of staple ingredients and a no-fuss process that guarantees rave reviews and happy taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how these Easy Grasshopper Bars for St bring such vibrant color and layered flavor with such a short, straightforward ingredient list. Each component is essential, adding richness, freshness, or a pop of festive color to create this eye-catching, crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Brownie Mix: Use your favorite brand for a reliable, fudgy base that only needs a few pantry staples and a quick bake.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): This is the magical ingredient that keeps the mint layer ultra-creamy and tangy.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Lends perfect sweetness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture to the mint layer.
- Peppermint Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings the instantly recognizable fresh, cool mint flavor that makes these bars iconic.
- Green Food Coloring (6 drops): Just a few drops make your bars pop with a festive, signature green hue.
- Whipped Topping (8 ounces, thawed): Folds into the mint filling for a light, pillowy texture and just the right amount of lift.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melts into a dreamy ganache that seals in the minty layer and adds a smooth, decadent finish.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Blends with the chocolate chips to create a glossy, lush ganache for the top layer.
How to Make Easy Grasshopper Bars for St
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base
Start by preparing your favorite brownie mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. This simple step sets the stage for those rich, chewy layers that make Easy Grasshopper Bars for St so irresistible. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan—patience here pays off with perfect, clean layers later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Mint Layer
In a medium bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring, mixing until everything is creamy and a perfectly even shade of festive green. Fold in the whipped topping gently; this is what makes the layer fluffy and light without losing its richness or gorgeous color.
Step 3: Spread the Mint Layer
Carefully spread your mint mixture over the cooled brownies, going right to the edges to ensure every bar gets a good dose of minty, creamy magic. Use an offset spatula if you have one, or the back of a spoon for a satisfyingly smooth finish.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. This rich ganache is the crowning touch for Easy Grasshopper Bars for St, locking in that mint layer and adding a luscious, decadent sheen.
Step 5: Top and Chill
Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the mint layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until everything is set and sliceable. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and makes the bars easy to cut into perfect squares.
How to Serve Easy Grasshopper Bars for St
Garnishes
Bring these bars to a whole new level with a flurry of festive garnishes. Sprinkle crushed chocolate mints or green and white sprinkles on top before the ganache fully sets—they’ll stick beautifully and add even more personality. A little extra drizzle of white chocolate is always a welcome finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Balance these rich, minty bars with a crisp fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee. If you’re hosting a party, consider serving alongside vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries—the cool, creamy bars pair perfectly with just about anything light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Easy Grasshopper Bars for St into bite-size squares for dessert buffets, or trim them into triangles and arrange like little trees for extra holiday spirit. Layer squares in cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go treat, or stack them tall and proud on a pretty cake stand to show off those beautiful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. These bars keep their texture beautifully for up to 5 days, ensuring every square stays dense, creamy, and perfectly minty—even a couple of days after your celebration.
Freezing
If you want to make Easy Grasshopper Bars for St well in advance, you’re in luck! Once fully set, cut the bars and layer them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving for best results and texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you like your brownies a little softer or warmer, remove a serving to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may melt the layers and spoil the texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch brownie recipe, swap it in for an extra-personal touch. Just make sure the base is fully cooled before layering to avoid melting the mint layer.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free brownie mix and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free certified, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of Easy Grasshopper Bars for St without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make them less minty?
Definitely. Start with less peppermint extract and taste the filling before spreading it on the brownies. Peppermint can be strong, so adjust to your personal preference—these bars are delicious with subtle mint as well.
Can I substitute whipped cream for whipped topping?
Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream if you prefer, just whip it to soft peaks and fold in gently. Keep in mind that real whipped cream may be less stable, so plan to eat the bars within a couple of days.
What’s the best way to get clean, neat slices?
For perfectly tidy squares, chill the bars thoroughly first, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps the layers stay crisp and beautiful, just like the Easy Grasshopper Bars for St you envisioned!
Final Thoughts
Easy Grasshopper Bars for St are practically begging for you to share them—and once you taste how cool, chocolatey, and refreshing each bite is, you’ll see why they’re everyone’s favorite party treat. Whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day, a gathering with friends, or just when you want something unforgettable, these bars are the ultimate way to bring a little festive joy to your table. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Easy Grasshopper Bars for St Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Grasshopper Bars for St. Patrick’s Day, featuring layers of fudgy brownie, creamy mint, and smooth chocolate. Perfect for a festive dessert!
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients to prepare
Mint Layer:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 6 drops green food coloring
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Layer: Make brownies according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let cool.
- Mint Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over brownies.
- Chocolate Layer: Heat chocolate chips and cream, then pour over mint layer. Refrigerate until set. Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Garnish with crushed chocolate mints or sprinkles for a festive look.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (for brownies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
