Why I love this grasshopper parfait recipe
This Green Grasshopper Parfait is my new St. Patrick’s Day obsession! I never thought I’d be so excited about a dessert that isn’t a chocolate cake, but here we are.
The layers of green Cool Whip, rich chocolate pudding, and crunchy Oreo cookies are a treat for the taste buds.
I love how each spoonful is a delightful surprise, blending the sweetness of the Cool Whip with the decadence of chocolate pudding and the satisfying crunch of Oreos. It’s like a party in a glass!
And the green color is absolutely perfect for St. Patty’s Day.
I can’t wait for you to try it out and see why this parfait has become my go-to dessert for celebrating all things green and lucky!
More mint chocolate recipes
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list (for 6 parfaits):
- Pudding – 1 package of instant chocolate pudding plus the ingredients needed to prepare it (based on the package instructions)
- Frozen goods – 1 cup of Cool Whip
- Cookies – 10 Oreo cookies
- Flavoring – ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Coloring – Green food coloring (a few drops)
- Fresh produce – Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Baking supplies – Chocolate chips or Andes mint chocolates (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions & Additions
- You can use heavy whipping cream instead of the Cool Whip, but it does not store as well so I wouldn’t do this if you are making the parfaits a day in advance.
- Substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the peppermint extract if you prefer.
Variations
- For an adult twist, add ¼ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream to the Cool Whip mixture with the food coloring.
- For a mocha version, add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the pudding and replace the the peppermint extract with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How to make a grasshopper parfait
1 | Prep work
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies.
To do this, place them in a ziploc bag, ensuring it’s well-sealed to avoid any mess. Roll over the cookies using a rolling pin until they resemble coarse crumbs.
Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor for a quicker result, but be careful not to over-process; you want some texture, not fine powder. Set these aside for later.
Prepare the chocolate pudding by following the instructions on the package. It’s important to whisk the pudding mix thoroughly to avoid any lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
2 | Make the Cool Whip mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Cool Whip with the peppermint extract.
Start with a small amount of extract and taste as you go to get the flavor to your liking.
Add a few drops of green food coloring.
Use a whisk to gently mix the color into the Cool Whip until the green is evenly distributed.
3 | Assemble the layers
Choose clear serving glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of your parfait.
To create the layers:
- Begin with 2 to 3 tablespoons of chocolate pudding at the bottom.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of the Cool Whip mixture.
- Follow with 1 to 2 tablespoons of crushed Oreo cookies.
Repeat these layers until the glass is full, finishing with a layer of the Cool Whip mixture on top.
For a neat presentation, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the pudding and Cool Whip mixture into the glass. This technique allows for even layers and prevents smudging on the glass sides. If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon works too, but take care to gently spoon the mixtures to maintain distinct layers.4 | Chill
Place the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Although this step is optional, the chilling time allows the texture to firm up, which keeps the layers from blending together and making the parfaits easier to eat.
For a more mousse-like texture, refrigerate overnight.5 | Garnish
Before serving, add a finishing touch by sprinkling some chocolate chips and additional Oreos on top.
For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, place a fresh mint leaf as a final garnish. This not only enhances the appearance but also complements the peppermint flavor in the parfait.
Serving suggestions
A few other options for serving:
- Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for added richness.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle edible gold stars or green sugar sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve with a side of thin mint cookies for dipping.
How to make ahead
These parfaits can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. I would wait until serving time to add the top layer of cookies and any other garnishes so they look (and taste) their best.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pudding and the cream can change.
Grasshopper Parfait
Ingredients
- 1 package of instant chocolate pudding prepared according to package instructions
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring a few drops
- 10 Oreo cookies crushed (plus a few extra for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish
- Chocolate chips or Andes mint chocolates optional, for topping
Equipment
- a ziploc bag and rolling pin or food processor
- measuring cups and spoons
- 2 mixing bowls and a mixing spoon
- 6 parfait glasses, wine glasses or mini dessert cups
Instructions
- Make the chocolate pudding according to the directions on the package.1 package of instant chocolate pudding
- In a bowl, mix the Cool Whip, peppermint extract and a few drops of green coloring until the color is evenly distributed.1 cup Cool Whip, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, Green food coloring
- In serving glasses, layer the ingredients as follows: 2 to 3 Tablespoons chocolate pudding, 2 Tablespoons Cool Whip mixture, 1 to 2 Tablespoons crushed Oreo cookies.10 Oreo cookies
- Repeat until the glass is full, finishing with the Cool Whip mixture.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips and extra crushed Oreos. Then add a fresh mint leaf for decoration.Chocolate chips or Andes mint chocolates, Fresh mint leaves
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) for a firmer texture
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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