Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the rich aroma of chocolate mingled with a refreshing minty note wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to those cozy holiday moments filled with laughter and joy. Today, I’m excited to share my No-Bake Chocolate Mint Dream Bars, a delightful fusion of creamy peppermint cheesecake and decadent chocolate layers that promise to be an easy crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can whip up this irresistible treat without ever turning on the oven, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or simply a cozy night in. With its crunchy Mint Oreo crust and fluffy topping, these dreamy bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Curious about how to bring this treat to life in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is this dessert a must-try? No-Bake Convenience: Want a dessert that saves time? These Chocolate Mint Dream Bars come together in no time, no oven required! Layered Delight: Each bite offers a fantastic contrast of textures—from the crunchy Mint Oreo crust to the creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate pudding. Festive Flavors: With their minty freshness and chocolatey goodness, they’re not just perfect for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas, but anytime you crave something special. Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out the Mint Oreos for regular ones or get creative with the flavors in the filling—your choice! Crowd-Pleasing: Whether at a potluck or a casual family dinner, these bars will definitely be the star of the dessert table! For more sweet inspiration, check out my Chocolate Peanut Butter bites or whip up a warm mug of Pink Hot Chocolate to serve alongside! Chocolate Mint Dream Bars Ingredients For the Crust Mint Oreo cookies – Provides a sweet and chocolatey crust with a minty twist; you can use regular Oreos if preferred. Unsalted butter – Binds the crust together; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For the Cream Cheese Layer Andes Mint candies – Adds minty flavor and chocolate texture; can be replaced with mint chocolate chips if needed. Cream cheese – Creates a rich and creamy cheesecake layer; use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version. Confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling and helps stabilize it; can be substituted with a sugar alternative for a low-sugar version. Peppermint extract – Enhances flavor with mint essence; vanilla extract works for a different flavor profile. Green food coloring – Adds a vibrant touch; omit if you prefer a more natural look. Cool Whip – Lightens the cream cheese filling and adds fluffiness; feel free to make homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. For the Pudding Layer Chocolate fudge pudding mix – Forms the pudding layer for a rich chocolate taste; instant pudding is necessary for ease, but a homemade version can also work. Milk – Used with pudding for consistency; almond milk or another plant-based option can replace it for a dairy-free choice. For the Topping More Cool Whip or Stabilized Whipped Cream – Adds the final layer of fluffiness; consider dairy alternatives for flavor. Hershey’s chocolate bar – Optional garnish for extra chocolatey goodness; substitute with dark chocolate for a richer taste. Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to creating these delightful Chocolate Mint Dream Bars! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Mint Dream Bars Step 1: Prepare the pan Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing edges to overhang slightly for easy removal later. This will ensure your Chocolate Mint Dream Bars come out beautifully without sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the crust. Step 2: Make the crust Crush 24 Mint Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. In a bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted unsalted butter until well-mixed and moistened. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Place the crust in the freezer for 30 minutes to set. Step 3: Prepare the peppermint cream cheese layer In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive touch. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip to keep the mixture light and fluffy, then spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Step 4: Whisk the pudding In another bowl, whisk together 1 package of chocolate fudge pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until well combined. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This rich layer will add a delicious chocolate flavor to your Chocolate Mint Dream Bars. Step 5: Assemble the layers Chop 20 Andes mints into small pieces and sprinkle them over the peppermint cream cheese layer. Carefully pour the chocolate pudding mixture over the mints, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining Cool Whip, smoothing it out gently for a beautiful final layer. Step 6: Chill Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the assembled Chocolate Mint Dream Bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. If you want to make slicing easier, you can freeze the bars for 30 minutes before cutting. Step 7: Serve Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Garnish the top with additional chopped Andes mints and chocolate curls if desired. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing treat that everyone will love! Chocolate Mint Dream Bars Variations Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful bars to suit your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and dairy-free cream cheese to create a deliciously creamy layer without the dairy. Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or almonds into the crust for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Mint Chocolate Chip: Swap Andes Mints for mint chocolate chips for a different textured finish that adds rich chocolate throughout. Flavor Infusion: Experiment with flavor extracts; swap peppermint for orange or almond for a unique twist that keeps things exciting. You can turn these bars into an exquisite dessert with just a few minor adjustments. Depending on your mood, you might find yourself reaching for a less traditional flavor profile! Topping Ideas: Try using crushed graham crackers or even colorful sprinkles for an eye-catching topping that enhances both flavor and presentation. Chocolate Swap: For a deeper chocolate flavor, substitute the pudding mix with dark chocolate pudding or add a layer of rich ganache on top. As an alternative dessert inspiration, you might want to explore my delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter bites or warm up with a festive cup of Pink Hot Chocolate. Remember, your kitchen is your playground! Enjoy experimenting! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Mint Dream Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy days! You can easily make the crust and cream cheese layer up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first three steps of the recipe and store the crust tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Assemble the remaining layers (pudding and Cool Whip) just before serving to ensure the bars remain fresh and delicious. If you need to prep even further ahead, the completely assembled bars can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving, but be sure to garnish with additional Andes mints right before serving to maintain that delightful crunch. Enjoy the convenience of having this delicious dessert ready to wow your guests! What to Serve with Chocolate Mint Dream Bars The perfect accompaniment can transform your Chocolate Mint Dream Bars from a treat into a full dessert experience. Rich Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee balance out the sweetness of the bars, creating a satisfying end to a meal. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate and mint, enhancing every bite. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a tart freshness, cutting through the richness and brightening up the plate. Mint Tea: Sip on hot or iced mint tea to echo the minty notes in the bars, bringing a refreshing element to your dessert course. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds an indulgent touch to the bars. Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy, nut-filled biscotti provides a delightful texture and a cozy crunch, making for an enjoyable pairing with coffee. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits offers a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dense layers of the dessert, perfect for balancing flavors. Storage Tips for Chocolate Mint Dream Bars Fridge: Store your Chocolate Mint Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them well-covered to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer preservation, these delightful bars can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars overnight in the fridge before serving. This helps to keep them creamy and delicious. Serving Tip: If you love that fresh look, consider garnishing again with Andes mints right before serving after thawing, ensuring that festive touch! Expert Tips for Chocolate Mint Dream Bars Room Temperature Cream Cheese: A smooth mixture results from using room temperature cream cheese, preventing lumps in your cheesecake layer. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating Cool Whip, be gentle! Overmixing can deflate the fluffiness you want for your Chocolate Mint Dream Bars. Sharp Knife Trick: Use warm water on your knife to slice through the chocolate and cream layers cleanly, ensuring neat squares. Chill Well: Give your bars enough time in the refrigerator; this helps them set properly for clean cutting and a better texture. Mix and Match: Feel free to replace Mint Oreos if you like—standard Oreos or graham crackers also make fantastic bases for your dessert. Chocolate Mint Dream Bars Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right Mint Oreo cookies? Choosing the perfect Mint Oreo cookies is easy! Look for packages that are free of any visible damage, and check the expiration date to ensure freshness. Ideally, the cookies should be crisp but not overly hard or stale. If Mint Oreos aren’t available, regular Oreos work just as well and can offer a deliciously chocolatey crust. What are the best storage methods for these bars? To keep your Chocolate Mint Dream Bars delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—just make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out. If you need to store them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Can I freeze Chocolate Mint Dream Bars? Absolutely! Freezing these bars is a fantastic way to preserve them. Just ensure they are well-covered. Wrap them in plastic wrap and follow with aluminum foil for added protection. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor! What if my cream cheese layer is lumpy during mixing? If your cream cheese layer turns out lumpy, it’s likely due to using cold cream cheese. To fix this, allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If it’s already mixed and still lumpy, you can try blending the mixture using a hand mixer until smooth, or simply strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Are there any dietary substitutions for allergies? Yes! For those with dairy allergies, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or almond cream cheese. Additionally, swap Cool Whip with dairy-free whipped topping. Make sure to check your chocolate products to avoid allergens, too—use dairy-free chocolate chips or bars if necessary. Decadent Chocolate Mint Dream Bars You’ll Want to Share These No-Bake Chocolate Mint Dream Bars combine creamy peppermint cheesecake, chocolate layers, and a crunchy Mint Oreo crust for a delightful treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust24 cookies Mint Oreo Or regular Oreos can be used.1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted; or substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free option.For the Cream Cheese Layer8 ounces cream cheese Softened; low-fat version can be used.1 cup confectioners’ sugar Can substitute with sugar alternative.1 teaspoon peppermint extract Use vanilla extract for a different flavor.1 cup Cool Whip Or homemade whipped cream.1 drop green food coloring Optional.20 pieces Andes Mint candies Or mint chocolate chips as a substitute.For the Pudding Layer1 package chocolate fudge pudding mix Instant pudding is necessary.2 cups milk Almond milk can replace for dairy-free option.For the Topping1 cup Cool Whip Or stabilized whipped cream.1 bar Hershey’s chocolate Optional garnish; substitute with dark chocolate if desired. Equipment 8x8 inch baking dishMixing bowlfood processorWhiskrubber spatula Method Preparation StepsPrepare the pan by lining an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging for easy removal.Crush 24 Mint Oreo cookies into fine crumbs, then mix with melted unsalted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the dish and freeze for 30 minutes.Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip and spread over the crust.Whisk together pudding mix and milk, let sit for 5 minutes until thickened, then pour over the cream cheese layer.Top with remaining Cool Whip and smooth it out. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.Remove from pan and garnish with Andes mints before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Don't overmix the Cool Whip to maintain fluffiness. Chill well for easy cutting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!