This Grasshopper Chocolate Bark combines the chocolate and mint flavors from the famous cocktail without the alcohol – perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day party!
I have been head-over-heels in love with chocolate bark since I discovered peppermint bark over ten years ago. It’s become a Christmas tradition in my kitchen, and I have since added tons of different variations to my repertoire (some favorites include toffee pretzel bark, cake batter & sprinkles, and leftover Halloween candy bark).
This grasshopper chocolate bark was inspired by the classic drink that features green crème de menthe and white crème de cacao for a wonderfully smooth chocolate-mint cocktail. If you want an easy sweet (and green!) treat for St. Patrick’s Day, look no further!
I have been a huge fan of Andes mints since I was a kid and my parents would take us to Olive Garden. Getting the check with those mints was always the best part, in my opinion. Bonus if the waiter was awesome and dropped a whole fistful on the table! I always keep a box of them in my candy stash, so there was no question I needed to use them in this minty bark concoction.
Chocolate bark has a lot going for it – it’s easy to make, it’s quick, it’s no-bake, it’s highly customizable, and it will keep for weeks in the refrigerator. I used the same basic formula for this bark that I use for just about all of my other ones. I added a little mint extract to the white chocolate layer – I loved it, but if you’re not head over heels for mint flavor, you could absolutely leave it out. Go with your personal tastes – you do get mint flavor from the Andes mints, and that might be just enough for most people. Likewise, use those green food drops as you see fit – light green, dark green, whatever you want!
Line a quarter-sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler (or in 30-second intervals in the microwave on 50% power, stirring after each). Once the chocolate is melted, add the mint extract, if using, and stir to combine. Add a few drops of green food coloring and stir until desired color is reached.
Spread the white chocolate mixture onto the prepared pan in an even layer (depending on the size of the pan and how thick you’d like your bark, you may not need the entire surface of the pan). Refrigerate for 15 minutes, until just about set.
Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate over a double boiler (or in 30-second intervals in the microwave on 50% power, stirring after each). Once the chocolate is melted, remove from the heat and pour over the white chocolate layer and spread evenly over top. Sprinkle with the chopped Andes mints and press down lightly to push the mints into the top chocolate layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until completely set.
Transfer the bark to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Made this for our office and not a piece was left. We make goodie bags of cookies and candies for our bosses at Christmas time and one boss traded some cookies to another one for his mint bark. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Hi Suzanne, Yes, there are two different types sold – mint and peppermint. They are very distinct flavors and they shouldn’t be interchanged here. You could use oil, but it is usually more concentrated, so I would use less.
I love this bark as the mints are one of my favorites too. If you ever get desperate for a quick treat, melt your Andes mints and dip Ritz crackers in them. Tastes just like a Girl Scout Thin Mint. Be careful, just as addictive. On a side note, I made your Beef Burgundy this week and it was delicious. Still haven’t failed with one of your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing.
What other brand names do you or you buy instead of 1 box (4.67-ounces) Andes Crème de Menthe Thins, Since i live in Ontario, Canada, I do not think we have this brand name menthe thins, when i go to the store, ppl that work there are not helpful and do not know what to buy in trade of it…. any idea’s? please and thank-you.
Hi Angela, I don’t know of any other brand names, but you may want to ask for chocolate mints, creme de menthe candies, Andes mints, Andes candies or candy. I hope that helps!
Thank you for this recipe! I have been eyeing it since last year and finally decided to make it yesterday. It turned out great! I did follow your directions on white chocolate and poured dark chocolate about 7 min after keeping white chocolate in the fridge – layers didn’t separate! Also, I did use green gel food coloring and mint – everything turned out well. MANY THANKS!
This has been on my to-make list for soooo long and I finally got around to making it this weekend. I actually wanted to wait until I got the actual Andes mints, which I can’t find in Canada, and had to wait until my trip to the States. Anyway, the bark turned out fantastic! Thanks for the great recipe!
I was browsing today to choose some new candy recipes for a Holiday Treats sale my church is having. When I saw this recipe, I wondered if anyone had seen and tried Guittard’s green mint chips instead of using food coloring and mint extract in white chocolate. I live in the Kansas City area and can find these in the Super Target stores. Love all your barks!
I couldn’t find the mint extract, so I used Mint and Peppermint Extract, but used half of the amount – didn’t seem to overpowering or anything. Also, I couldn’t find the Andes chocolates, so I used York Peppermint Patties – this worked great and were a little softer to bite into. It seemed to turn out good – not too minty or anything. I may try doing the full amount of extract next time…
I actually made this for New Year’s. I didn’t have yellow coloring, so I ended up with blue and brown. The BF picked the blue. Anyway, our friends loved it and my co-workers demolished what was left.
Just made this with my 3 yr old! It was super fun to make and sooo yummy! First time ever making any kind of bark… this would be a great addition to our Christmas goodies boxes we give to neighbors/teachers/bus drivers! Thank you for this recipe!
I made this with Ghirardelli white and semi sweet chips. Using bars would have been about $25 just for one pan! I used creme de menthe flavoring (for candy) and icing color paste (both by Wilton and found at Michael’s). My white chips did not seize up.
I made this to give to my son’s teachers for a Christmas gift. Unfortunately it didn’t cover the entire bottom of the cookie sheet, so I hope I have enough. I unwrapped the Andes mints and put them in the freezer in a ziploc bag, and later I broke them up with my rolling pin. I also cut the amount of mint extract in half, so it wouldn’t end up too minty. I can’t wait to see how it turns out; it looks delicious.
Hi Sandy, Regular mint extract is the flavor that one would normally associate with things like Andes mints, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and things like that. Peppermint is a much different flavor (more reminiscent of candy canes), so you don’t want to substitute one for the other in recipes.
I made this today with Toll House white chocolate chips and a double boiler. My white chocolate def seized up on me once I added the mint. I will attempt it with the baking squares next time. Not sure if this will solve the problem.
I was wondering how you died your chocolate? I usually use almond bark when making chocolate treats and as soon as you add any food coloring to it it sezes up and becomes to hard to work with. I saw on a previouse comment you said you use ghiradelli baking bars, but I’ve never heard of that before I’m wondering if they are made differently and that’s why you are able to use food coloring. Just looking for some guidance if you have and answer :/ thanks so much
Hi Julia, I buy the Ghiradelli chocolate in the baking aisle of the local grocery store. They come in 4-ounce bars of either unsweetened, 60% bittersweet, semisweet, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. My guess is that the difference is white chocolate is used, vs. almond bark, which is made of vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. I’ll use almond bark (or candy melts) for drizzling or dipping, but for such a large amount of chocolate, I think using real white chocolate is much better, flavor-wise.
I love peppermint bark so i was excited to find this. I just finished making it. I only used a tiny bit of mint because i was scared to get overly minty. I did use white chocolate chips (didn’t read the comments until just now, had already bought white chips) but I didn’t have any issues.. I used the microwave defrost setting. It looks good, I’m waiting for it to harden.. thanks for the recipe!
How easy! I’m thinking this would also be great to tuck into an Easter basket…in fact, I’m going to make this recipe, place a few pieces in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon. It’s a multi-holiday recipe!
Hi Caitlin, Andes also makes baking chips, which are similar to things like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or the Health bits. They are in the baking aisle near those things – check there!
I’ve tried to dye melted white chocolate before with drops of food coloring and had it seize up. How do you keep it from doing this with the extract and coloring?
Hi Ryleigh, I actually didn’t do anything special, it all mixed together just fine. I will say though that I generally have issues melting white chocolate chips – they always seem to seize up on me at some point. I would recommend good quality white chocolate bars, and using a double boiler on the stove for the best results.
Hi Ryleigh, Chocolate and liquids do not mix because chocolate is actually oily. Most food coloring is liquid. They now make powder food coloring or even the gel colors seem to mix well into the chocolate. My family owns a candy store so I have never used chips in any of my recipies. I use Peter’s Ultra chocolate. The Ultra chocolate is easily melted in a heavy glass bowl in microwave. Trick is to only do 30 min at a time and stir. The chocolate will continue to melt even when not in microwave so stop once its smooth with very little clumps. The clumps will go away if you keep stirring. We use oil based extracts which mix well also. I have never used the liquid extracts. Good luck and I hope this helps ;)
Wow this is some really pretty bark! The colors are great and so festive for St Patty’s Day! Chocolate & mint always reminds me of the Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies – there is certainly nothing wrong with that!
Chocolate and mint = my most favourite dessert flavours.
I actually used Andes mints in a mint/chocolate cookie I made for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap this past Christmas and while they were ab FAB, they were a bitch to peel. The chocolates, not the cookies.
Hi Ju, I have heard this from a lot of people, but have never experienced it myself. I would recommend taking the bottom layer out of the refrigerator before it’s TOO hard – still a little soft (maybe 10 minutes), and then pour on the top layer. I think this should help the two layers fuse together.
How could I have never thought of making peppermint bark with a St. Patty’s themed green? Somehow it’s a enjoy at Christmas type of indulgence. But, I think it’s time to be reminded that time of year doesn’t need to limit enjoyment. It should enhance it!
Hi Amanda, I used Ghiradelli baking bars. I think you could get away with substituting chocolate chips for the top layer, but I have never had much luck with using white chocolate chips – they never seem to melt smoothly enough. I have never used almond bark, but I think you would be okay with it.
I’ve never made bark before, so I’m thinking I’m definitely going to have to try soon. I love the color of this bark. Mint and chocolate were made for each other!
Quick question from one baker to another: where did you find mint extract? I’m having a devil of a time since my Market District and Target don’t have them. Thanks :)
What a great twist for a St. Patty’s day treat, I’m going to make it today. I do make peppermint bark for Xmas but often the layers separate when I cut or break it. Any suggestions how to avoid that?
Hi Betsy, I have heard this from a lot of people, but have never experienced it myself. I would recommend taking the bottom layer out of the refrigerator before it’s TOO hard – still a little soft (maybe 10 minutes), and then pour on the top layer. I think this should help the two layers fuse together.
Ooh, I definitely want to try the salted caramel one! You should enter this in We Should Cocoa – the theme this month is something green (and chocolate)! Also I run a monthly challenge called Alphabakes, and our letter for this month is M – so you could enter your mint chocolate bark in that as well if you like!
I love all of your recipes whether they have alcohol in them or not. This bark is so pretty and has the perfect colors for St. Patrick’s Day. Or any day for that matter. What a fun and easy treat.
welcome to brown eyed baker!
Hello and welcome! I'm Michelle and I believe anyone can learn to confidently make recipes worthy of celebration.
Made this for our office and not a piece was left. We make goodie bags of cookies and candies for our bosses at Christmas time and one boss traded some cookies to another one for his mint bark. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
I think, to give this a layer of texture, I’ll add some chopped Thin Mint cookies. I **HEART** all things chocolate and mint.
Why is ‘mint’ extract used and ‘NOT peppermint’? Does that mean spearmint? And can mint oil vs extract be substituted?
Hi Suzanne, Yes, there are two different types sold – mint and peppermint. They are very distinct flavors and they shouldn’t be interchanged here. You could use oil, but it is usually more concentrated, so I would use less.
I love this bark as the mints are one of my favorites too. If you ever get desperate for a quick treat, melt your Andes mints and dip Ritz crackers in them. Tastes just like a Girl Scout Thin Mint. Be careful, just as addictive.
On a side note, I made your Beef Burgundy this week and it was delicious. Still haven’t failed with one of your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing.
Oh my gosh I’ve never tried that, sounds amazing!! Thanks for sharing!
This looks amazing!
Mint chocolate is possibly my favourite ever combo. x
Izzy |http://www.pinchofdelight.com
I looks so good!! ♥♥
What other brand names do you or you buy instead of 1 box (4.67-ounces) Andes Crème de Menthe Thins, Since i live in Ontario, Canada, I do not think we have this brand name menthe thins, when i go to the store, ppl that work there are not helpful and do not know what to buy in trade of it…. any idea’s? please and thank-you.
Hi Angela, I don’t know of any other brand names, but you may want to ask for chocolate mints, creme de menthe candies, Andes mints, Andes candies or candy. I hope that helps!
Thank you for this recipe! I have been eyeing it since last year and finally decided to make it yesterday.
It turned out great! I did follow your directions on white chocolate and poured dark chocolate about 7 min after keeping white chocolate in the fridge – layers didn’t separate! Also, I did use green gel food coloring and mint – everything turned out well. MANY THANKS!
But Why mint and not peppermint?? IS that different?
Hi Vaiva, Yes, they are very different flavors!
This has been on my to-make list for soooo long and I finally got around to making it this weekend. I actually wanted to wait until I got the actual Andes mints, which I can’t find in Canada, and had to wait until my trip to the States. Anyway, the bark turned out fantastic! Thanks for the great recipe!
I was browsing today to choose some new candy recipes for a Holiday Treats sale my church is having. When I saw this recipe, I wondered if anyone had seen and tried Guittard’s green mint chips instead of using food coloring and mint extract in white chocolate. I live in the Kansas City area and can find these in the Super Target stores. Love all your barks!
How come you can’t use peppermint extract in this recipe?
Mint and peppermint are two different, distinct flavors. You don’t want a peppermint flavor in this, it’s meant to be just regular mint.
I couldn’t find the mint extract, so I used Mint and Peppermint Extract, but used half of the amount – didn’t seem to overpowering or anything. Also, I couldn’t find the Andes chocolates, so I used York Peppermint Patties – this worked great and were a little softer to bite into. It seemed to turn out good – not too minty or anything. I may try doing the full amount of extract next time…
how much mint exact should be added to the white chocolate?
Per the recipe, 1 teaspoon.
I actually made this for New Year’s. I didn’t have yellow coloring, so I ended up with blue and brown. The BF picked the blue. Anyway, our friends loved it and my co-workers demolished what was left.
Just made this with my 3 yr old! It was super fun to make and sooo yummy! First time ever making any kind of bark… this would be a great addition to our Christmas goodies boxes we give to neighbors/teachers/bus drivers! Thank you for this recipe!
this looks delicious!! What size baking sheet do you use?
Hi Michelle, My cookie sheet is 14×17, although I don’t spread the whole way to each of the edges, just into a nice even layer.
I made this with Ghirardelli white and semi sweet chips. Using bars would have been about $25 just for one pan! I used creme de menthe flavoring (for candy) and icing color paste (both by Wilton and found at Michael’s). My white chips did not seize up.
I made this to give to my son’s teachers for a Christmas gift. Unfortunately it didn’t cover the entire bottom of the cookie sheet, so I hope I have enough. I unwrapped the Andes mints and put them in the freezer in a ziploc bag, and later I broke them up with my rolling pin. I also cut the amount of mint extract in half, so it wouldn’t end up too minty. I can’t wait to see how it turns out; it looks delicious.
Hi, I was curious why you didn’t use peppermint extract. Is it a flavor thing?
Hi Sandy, Regular mint extract is the flavor that one would normally associate with things like Andes mints, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and things like that. Peppermint is a much different flavor (more reminiscent of candy canes), so you don’t want to substitute one for the other in recipes.
I made this today with Toll House white chocolate chips and a double boiler. My white chocolate def seized up on me once I added the mint. I will attempt it with the baking squares next time. Not sure if this will solve the problem.
How would dark chocolate work? Also. how long could you freeze this bark? Love anything grasshoppery!!!
Dark chocolate would be great! You could freeze this, but it’s also perfectly fine in the refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to a few weeks.
I was wondering how you died your chocolate? I usually use almond bark when making chocolate treats and as soon as you add any food coloring to it it sezes up and becomes to hard to work with. I saw on a previouse comment you said you use ghiradelli baking bars, but I’ve never heard of that before I’m wondering if they are made differently and that’s why you are able to use food coloring. Just looking for some guidance if you have and answer :/ thanks so much
Hi Julia, I buy the Ghiradelli chocolate in the baking aisle of the local grocery store. They come in 4-ounce bars of either unsweetened, 60% bittersweet, semisweet, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. My guess is that the difference is white chocolate is used, vs. almond bark, which is made of vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. I’ll use almond bark (or candy melts) for drizzling or dipping, but for such a large amount of chocolate, I think using real white chocolate is much better, flavor-wise.
Do you know if these can be frozen for a period of time?
Hi Kristy, You could probably freeze it, but you can easily refrigerate this for up to 2 or 3 weeks without a problem.
I love peppermint bark so i was excited to find this. I just finished making it. I only used a tiny bit of mint because i was scared to get overly minty. I did use white chocolate chips (didn’t read the comments until just now, had already bought white chips) but I didn’t have any issues.. I used the microwave defrost setting. It looks good, I’m waiting for it to harden.. thanks for the recipe!
Does the recipe say 16 (sixteen ounces) ounce box of each chocolate or does it mean one 6 ounce box of of each chocolate?
16 ounces of each chocolate.
What size pan did you use?
Hi Shannon, I just used a cookie sheet.
This recipe looks great! Can’t wait to try it out! Just shared it on Pinterest! Also, love this site! I will be back!
-Amy Kelsch
Mindful Shopper Blog
Looks like a great recipe to try…there are green mint chips made by Guittard that are fabulous. The mint chips would probably work too.
How easy! I’m thinking this would also be great to tuck into an Easter basket…in fact, I’m going to make this recipe, place a few pieces in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon. It’s a multi-holiday recipe!
What could you use instead of Andes Mints, since we don’t have them here in Canada this time of year? :)
Hi Caitlin, Andes also makes baking chips, which are similar to things like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or the Health bits. They are in the baking aisle near those things – check there!
Wow…YUM!
OK so I just made this, and it was super simple. And yummy. Honestly, the toughest part is just cutting apart the bark once it’s cooled!
This looks yummy. Too late I only saw this one, too late to do for St Paddy’s. But that won’t stop me. Will make soon!
Walmart sells Andes baking bits..basically already broken up Andes mints
This bark looks so scrumptious & perfect for St Patricks Day!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.com/
I am falling in love with this very good to look and good to taste recipe. I will make it surely.
I’ve tried to dye melted white chocolate before with drops of food coloring and had it seize up. How do you keep it from doing this with the extract and coloring?
Hi Ryleigh, I actually didn’t do anything special, it all mixed together just fine. I will say though that I generally have issues melting white chocolate chips – they always seem to seize up on me at some point. I would recommend good quality white chocolate bars, and using a double boiler on the stove for the best results.
Hi Ryleigh, Chocolate and liquids do not mix because chocolate is actually oily. Most food coloring is liquid. They now make powder food coloring or even the gel colors seem to mix well into the chocolate. My family owns a candy store so I have never used chips in any of my recipies. I use Peter’s Ultra chocolate. The Ultra chocolate is easily melted in a heavy glass bowl in microwave. Trick is to only do 30 min at a time and stir. The chocolate will continue to melt even when not in microwave so stop once its smooth with very little clumps. The clumps will go away if you keep stirring. We use oil based extracts which mix well also. I have never used the liquid extracts. Good luck and I hope this helps ;)
Wow this is some really pretty bark! The colors are great and so festive for St Patty’s Day! Chocolate & mint always reminds me of the Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies – there is certainly nothing wrong with that!
I made a very low toned “OOoooooooo” when i saw this…green and minty seems to be exactly what i want for st. patrick’s day this year. good choice!
Chocolate and mint = my most favourite dessert flavours.
I actually used Andes mints in a mint/chocolate cookie I made for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap this past Christmas and while they were ab FAB, they were a bitch to peel. The chocolates, not the cookies.
Two of my favourites combined into this delicious looking bark!
This looks so beautiful …. I always have a problem with my almond bark layers popping apart when broken into pieces!! Any suggestions?
Hi Ju, I have heard this from a lot of people, but have never experienced it myself. I would recommend taking the bottom layer out of the refrigerator before it’s TOO hard – still a little soft (maybe 10 minutes), and then pour on the top layer. I think this should help the two layers fuse together.
I just made these for Christmas and I was sooooo disapointed they did not fuse together either. I did it just like you suggested above…….
ooooh… i don’t like mint… why is everybody posting about things that could be yummy without it!?!? hahahah
My grandma used to always have Andes mints at her house. She would have LOVED this bark. It looks just fabulous!
How could I have never thought of making peppermint bark with a St. Patty’s themed green? Somehow it’s a enjoy at Christmas type of indulgence. But, I think it’s time to be reminded that time of year doesn’t need to limit enjoyment. It should enhance it!
It is actually difficult to find mint extract where I live now. Have to go to the pharmacy, how weird is that?
Love this!!
What kind of white chocolate did you use? Would Almond Bark be an okay substitute? Looks delicious!
Hi Amanda, I used Ghiradelli baking bars. I think you could get away with substituting chocolate chips for the top layer, but I have never had much luck with using white chocolate chips – they never seem to melt smoothly enough. I have never used almond bark, but I think you would be okay with it.
Amanda, did the Almond Bark work? That’s what I have on hand and would like to try and make some.
Dang you! I just came from the grocery store and now I want to go back to get the ingredients to make this! I love chocolate + mint! (and green!)
Oh wow that is a great bark! I love how thick it is! The thicker it is the more goodness you get! Looks great!
Fantstic recipe! Great for nibbling on!!
I’ve never made bark before, so I’m thinking I’m definitely going to have to try soon. I love the color of this bark. Mint and chocolate were made for each other!
Quick question from one baker to another: where did you find mint extract? I’m having a devil of a time since my Market District and Target don’t have them. Thanks :)
Hi Katy, I just found it in the regular supermarket, with the other extracts. I wonder if it gets sold out around this time of year?
I found it at Target! Only one brand carried it tho… I got it in the McCormick row.
Mint and chocolate is a killer combo, and with the mints scattered on top? MMMMM! Looks fantastic!
Toooooo easy! And so delicious!
What a great twist for a St. Patty’s day treat, I’m going to make it today.
I do make peppermint bark for Xmas but often the layers separate when I cut or break it. Any suggestions how to avoid that?
Hi Betsy, I have heard this from a lot of people, but have never experienced it myself. I would recommend taking the bottom layer out of the refrigerator before it’s TOO hard – still a little soft (maybe 10 minutes), and then pour on the top layer. I think this should help the two layers fuse together.
Andes mints are the best! I love how they’re incorporated in this bark. Such a pretty, tasty treat for one of my favorite holidays!!
Love how bright this turned out! I love a good, vibrant, green when I use food colouring. I bet this tastes awesome too!
Looks perfect for St. Patty’s Day! I am not into mint, but once again, my wife and her entire family would adore this. Very pretty!
Ooh, I definitely want to try the salted caramel one! You should enter this in We Should Cocoa – the theme this month is something green (and chocolate)! Also I run a monthly challenge called Alphabakes, and our letter for this month is M – so you could enter your mint chocolate bark in that as well if you like!
Oh this is fabulous. It’s like an Andes mint met a Thin Mint that met white chocolate in the recipe..I WANT! :)
So pretty and yummy looking! Your pictures are amazing!
I love all of your recipes whether they have alcohol in them or not. This bark is so pretty and has the perfect colors for St. Patrick’s Day. Or any day for that matter. What a fun and easy treat.