If you’re a fan of minty, creamy desserts with a chocolatey crunch, you’re going to absolutely love this Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe. This no-bake delight combines the cool freshness of mint with the irresistible texture of Oreo cookies and a fluffy mousse filling that’s pure magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation – and everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Ease: Perfect for when you want a show-stopping dessert without heating up the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Uses mint extract instead of alcohol, so it’s great for all ages.
- Textural Delight: Crunchy Oreo crust meets silky mousse for a dreamy bite every time.
- Visually Stunning: That lovely green hue means it’s just as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe are simple yet work beautifully together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s worth noting that the quality of your Oreos and vanilla pudding mix really shine through, so don’t hesitate to pick your favorite brands.
- Oreos: These form the base of your crust—using the classic Oreo ensures that perfect chocolatey crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bind your crust perfectly without adding extra saltiness.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Provides creamy sweetness and a stable mousse texture; stick with the smaller boxes as instructed.
- Heavy whipping cream: Key for whipping up that light, airy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Cool Whip: Adds an extra fluffy and creamy layer while making the pie easier to handle.
- Mint extract: The star ingredient that infuses this pie with refreshing mint flavor without any alcohol.
- Green food coloring: I love using gel for vibrant color without altering texture or flavor.
- Powdered sugar and vanilla extract: Perfect for sweetening and flavoring the whipped cream topping.
- Hershey’s chocolate bar (optional): For making chocolate curls that add an elegant garnish.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your taste buds or dietary needs—go ahead and make it your own!
- Mint Chocolate Twist: Try swapping half of the Oreos for mint-flavored ones for an extra mint punch—my family loves this fun twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free whipped topping—though texture changes slightly, it’s still delicious.
- Alcohol Version: If you like, add a splash of creme de menthe instead of mint extract for adult-only gatherings.
- Chocolate Curls Garnish: I sometimes sprinkle chopped Andes mints on top instead of chocolate curls for a festive look.
How to Make Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Oreo Crust
Start by crushing all 36 Oreos into fine crumbs. I use a food processor, but you can also pop them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin if you’re feeling old school. Pour the crumbs into a bowl, add the melted butter, and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. I find using the bottom of a glass helps get an even, compact crust. Pop it into the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Whipping Up That Luscious Mint Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups of cold heavy whipping cream until it thickens—follow the package directions for timing, typically around 2 minutes by hand or sooner with a mixer. Next, gently fold in the 8 ounces of thawed Cool Whip, mint extract, and green gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve your preferred vibrant green shade. The key here is to fold carefully so you keep all that airy mousse texture intact.
Step 3: Filling and Chilling Your Pie
Pour the mint mousse filling over your chilled Oreo crust, spreading evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This allows the flavors to marry and the pie to set beautifully. Patience here truly pays off—I learned the hard way that skipping the chill can leave the pie a bit too soft.
Step 4: Finishing Touch Whipped Cream Topping
Before serving, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread this over your chilled pie for a smooth, sweet finish. If you’re feeling fancy, shave some chocolate curls from a Hershey’s chocolate bar over the top for that extra wow factor. I love how those curls add texture and a touch of elegance without overpowering the minty freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe
- Crust Compression: Press the Oreo crumb crust firmly with a flat bottom for a sturdy base that holds up well when slicing.
- Room Temperature Folding: Fold the Cool Whip into the pudding gently at room temperature to avoid deflating your filling.
- Coloring Control: Add green gel food coloring gradually—you can always add more, but you can’t take color away once mixed.
- Chill Time: Don’t rush chilling; I recommend at least 4 hours for firm slices, but chilling overnight is when you get the best texture.
How to Serve Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it classic with a light dusting of shaved chocolate curls or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top. Fresh mint leaves also make a pretty, aromatic garnish if you want to dress it up for guests. These touches add visual appeal and a nice contrast to the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party, I love serving it alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad that cuts through the richness with a bit of natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try making this pie in individual clear cups or mini jars, layering crust, mousse, and whipped topping for a beautiful parfait look. I once whipped this up for a holiday brunch, and it was a total hit served in festive glass dishes with a sprig of mint and a chocolate curl on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie should be tightly covered and kept refrigerated. I usually store mine with plastic wrap pressing gently against the surface of the whipped cream to prevent it from drying out. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, make sure to wrap the pie securely with plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. I’ve found that freezing can subtlety change the texture of the whipped topping but the pie still tastes delicious after thawing—just allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating. If you’ve frozen it, the best approach is to thaw it slowly in the fridge to keep the filling creamy and crust intact. Trying to warm it up will ruin the mousse texture, so skip the microwave on this one.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh mint instead of mint extract in this pie?
Fresh mint adds a lovely natural flavor but can be less concentrated than extract. If you want to use fresh mint, try finely chopping and muddling a handful into the cream, but keep in mind that the pie might have a milder mint flavor and a different texture. Mint extract is the easiest way to get a strong, consistent minty taste.
-
How do I prevent the pie from being too soft or runny?
The key is to whip your pudding and cream thoroughly and give the pie enough chilling time—ideally 4 hours or overnight. Also, folding in the Cool Whip gently helps maintain the structure without deflating. Pressing the Oreo crust firmly also provides a sturdy base that holds up to the filling.
-
Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, this Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe can be made a day ahead, which actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add any whipped cream topping and garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh.
-
Is it necessary to use the instant vanilla pudding mix?
Yes, this pudding mix plays an essential role in giving the filling that luscious, mousse-like texture. Regular pudding or homemade versions might not set up as firmly or have the same smoothness, so sticking to instant vanilla pudding mix makes the process foolproof.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together such fun flavors and textures with zero fuss. It’s one of those desserts that impresses guests but is so simple to throw together even on a busy day. If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent, I can’t recommend this pie enough — give it a try, and you’ll see why my family goes crazy for it!
Print
Mint Oreo Grasshopper Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grasshopper Pie is a no-bake mint-flavored dessert featuring a rich and creamy mousse-like filling set in a chocolate Oreo crust. This refreshing pie uses mint extract for a cool, sweet taste without alcohol, making it family-friendly and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 14.3 oz package Oreos (about 36 Oreos)
- 7 Tbsp (98g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix, 3.4 oz each (or 3.9 oz boxes, not the large 5.1 or 5.9 oz boxes)
- 3 cups (710ml) heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz (226g) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 tsp mint extract
- Green food coloring (such as kelly green gel food coloring from Wilton)
Topping
- 1 cup (236ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (28g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Hershey’s chocolate bar (optional, for chocolate curls)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush all the Oreos to fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed Oreos with the melted unsalted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Set aside.
- Make the mousse filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups of heavy whipping cream until thickened. Fold in the thawed Cool Whip, mint extract, and green food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored and smooth. Pour the filling into the prepared Oreo crust, spreading it evenly.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until firm, allowing the mousse filling to set properly.
- Prepare the topping: Before serving, whip 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping over the chilled pie.
- Add decoration: Optionally, create chocolate curls by shaving a Hershey’s chocolate bar using a vegetable peeler and sprinkle them on top of the whipped cream for an elegant finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie and serve chilled for a refreshing minty dessert experience.
Notes
- Grasshopper pie is a no-bake mint pie with a mousse-like filling and Oreo crust.
- This recipe uses mint extract instead of alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.
- For best results, chill the pie for several hours or overnight to allow the filling to set.
- You can adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade.
- The optional chocolate curls add a nice texture and aesthetic contrast to the pie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 451
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg