Minty Grasshopper Oreo Freeze

Indulge in a delightful frozen treat that offers a minty-chocolate twist on a classic cocktail. This exquisite Frozen Grasshopper Pie with an Oreo Crust is not just a dessert; it’s a cherished family tradition, particularly for our 4th of July celebrations. Skipping this crowd-pleaser would simply be unthinkable!

Featuring a rich, chocolatey Oreo cookie crust and a dreamy, vibrant creme de menthe filling, this luscious pie stands out as one of our family’s all-time favorite No-Bake Desserts. Its cool and refreshing profile makes it perfect for summer gatherings, holiday feasts, or any special occasion that calls for something truly memorable. While it’s an annual highlight for Independence Day at our home, this straightforward recipe is simple enough to whip up and enjoy any time the craving for mint and chocolate strikes.

A slice of Frozen Grasshopper Pie with an Oreo Crust, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a mini Oreo, on a small white plate.

Why This Frozen Grasshopper Pie is a Must-Try

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines ease with elegance and irresistible flavor, look no further. This Frozen Grasshopper Pie offers a multitude of reasons why it deserves a spot on your dessert rotation:

  • Seasonal Versatility: While its frozen nature makes it a quintessential summer dessert, the refreshing mint flavor also makes it wonderfully appropriate for festive holiday gatherings, offering a vibrant contrast to richer traditional treats.
  • Effortless Make-Ahead Option: One of its greatest appeals is the ability to prepare it entirely in advance. Since it requires ample freezing time, it’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert, allowing you to focus on your guests and enjoy the occasion without last-minute kitchen stress. Simply assemble, freeze, and serve when ready!
  • Uncomplicated Perfection: Unlike earlier grasshopper pie recipes that often called for gelatin and fussy egg whites, this modern rendition simplifies the process dramatically. It’s truly one of the easiest no-bake desserts you can create, consistently delivering a hit with minimal effort. You’ll achieve a decadent, smooth, and intensely minty filling without any complex culinary techniques.
  • Mint Chocolate Harmony: For anyone who adores the classic pairing of mint and chocolate, this pie is pure bliss. The cool, refreshing burst of mint perfectly complements the rich, dark chocolate notes of the Oreo crust, creating a harmonious flavor experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
  • Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From casual backyard barbecues to formal dinner parties, this pie consistently earns rave reviews. Its striking green color and familiar, comforting flavors make it universally appealing to guests of all ages.

My children, like many, absolutely adore anything that combines the delightful duo of mint and chocolate. My husband, Bill, however, presents a unique challenge. He’s notoriously picky, flat-out refusing to taste anything with mint in it, save for toothpaste! It’s a logic I’ve learned to navigate daily, much like his aversion to cherries, unless they’re in the form of Cherry Kool-Aid. Sometimes, I wonder if I married a five-year-old in an adult’s body! But I digress. Despite his peculiar preferences, there’s always a hidden stash of homemade Thin Mints in our basement freezer for the kids to satisfy their mint cravings. But once a year, I bring out the big guns and whip up this magnificent frozen mint pie, and believe me, it never lasts long!

Ingredients for the Oreo crust, including whole Oreos, crushed Oreos, and melted butter, displayed on a metal sheet pan.
Ingredients for the mint filling, including marshmallow creme, heavy cream, milk, and creme de menthe, displayed on a metal sheet pan.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Grasshopper Pie

Crafting this incredible Frozen Grasshopper Pie requires just a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Quality components make all the difference in achieving that signature creamy texture and vibrant mint flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

  • Kitchen Staples:
    • Milk: I typically use 2% milk, but whole milk would also work beautifully, contributing to a richer filling.
    • Butter: Salted butter is my preference here, as the subtle saltiness acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness of the dessert and enriching the chocolate cookie crust.
  • Oreos: The star of our crust! You’ll need about 24 Oreos, which should be finely crushed using a food processor. This creates a uniform crumb that binds together perfectly. For an alternative, you can use Nabisco Famous Wafers combined with an additional 2 tablespoons of sugar for a slightly different chocolate base.
  • Creme de Menthe: This essential green liqueur is responsible for both the distinctive minty flavor and the iconic green hue of this dessert. While typically alcoholic, the amount used in the pie is small and largely evaporates during the minimal processing, leaving behind just the refreshing essence of mint. Ensure you use the green variety for the classic grasshopper look.
  • Marshmallow Creme: A 7-ounce jar of marshmallow creme provides the pie with its unique, smooth, and airy texture, contributing to the “dreamy” quality of the filling. It also adds a wonderful sweetness and helps stabilize the frozen pie.
  • Heavy Cream: You’ll need about 2 cups of heavy cream (typically 36% butterfat), whipped to stiff peaks. This is crucial for creating the light, fluffy, and decadent consistency of the pie filling. Always use cold heavy cream for best whipping results.
Whole Frozen Grasshopper Pie with an Oreo Crust on a white ceramic serving platter, garnished with a few mint leaves.

Crafting Your Delicious Frozen Grasshopper Pie

I began making this delightful No-Bake Dessert for our Fourth of July celebrations over 15 years ago, adapting my mom’s beloved recipe from the 1970s. It’s remarkably quick and easy to assemble, making it a fantastic choice even for novice bakers. However, remember that this grasshopper dessert does require a significant amount of time in the freezer to set properly, so it’s definitely not a last-minute endeavor. Plan ahead, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular treat!

Step 1: Crushed Oreo crumbs being pressed into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo crust and press it firmly into the pan.
Step 2: Marshmallow creme being added to a bowl containing milk and creme de menthe.
Step 2: Incorporate marshmallow creme into the milk and creme de menthe mixture.
Step 3: The filling ingredients being blended together in a bowl using a hand mixer.
Step 3: Blend the mixture until smooth with a hand mixer.
Step 4: The prepared mint filling being poured over the Oreo crust in a springform pan, ready for freezing.
Step 4: Gently fold in whipped cream, then pour over the crust and freeze.
  1. Prepare the Oreo Crust: Begin by making fine cookie crumbs. Place 24 Oreos into a food processor and pulse until they form fine, even crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl, add the melted butter, and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your knuckles to create a compact crust. Place the prepared crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  2. Combine Liquid Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and marshmallow cream. Using a hand mixer, blend these ingredients together. Be patient, as marshmallow cream can be quite thick; continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth, uniform liquid. Once smooth, slowly incorporate the creme de menthe, which will impart that delightful minty flavor and the pie’s signature classic green color, reminiscent of a grasshopper cocktail.
  3. Fold in Whipped Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip your heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Once whipped, gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the mint mixture. Use a rubber spatula and a delicate hand, lifting from the bottom and folding over to incorporate without deflating the cream. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in your pie filling. Continue folding until no white streaks of whipped cream are visible, and the mixture is uniformly green and fluffy.
  4. Assemble and Freeze: Carefully scrape the mint filling over your chilled Oreo crust in the springform pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top surface evenly. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the freezer. Allow it to freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight, to ensure it sets completely and becomes firm enough for clean slicing.
  5. Serve with Style: For special occasions, beyond our usual casual 4th of July gathering, elevate your presentation. Serve individual slices with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps garnished with a delicate mint sprig or a mini Oreo cookie on top. The visual appeal enhances the dessert experience!

I recall one particular neighbor who always gets an extra slice to take home. His wife, Sharon, is playfully “helping” him diet by limiting her baking, and without fail, about a week before any holiday where this pie makes an appearance, I receive an email with his annual, earnest request for this Grasshopper Pie recipe. And he’s a man who typically denies even liking desserts! Anyone who expresses such fondness for one of my creations certainly deserves a huge slice, plus a little doggy bag for a luxurious midnight snack.

A perfectly sliced piece of frozen Grasshopper Pie with an Oreo Crust on a white dessert plate, with scattered Oreo pieces and a bamboo-handled fork.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Frozen Grasshopper Pie

When the weather is warm and humid, no-bake desserts like this Frozen Grasshopper Pie are a cool, creamy, and welcome way to conclude a meal. The added bonus of not needing to turn on a hot oven on a sultry day is simply invaluable! To ensure your frozen pie turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Mastering the Mint Filling

  • PRO-Tip on Flavor Intensity: When preparing an ice cream pie or any frozen no-bake dessert, it’s a common phenomenon for flavors to become slightly dulled by the freezing process. This is why the creme de menthe in our Grasshopper Pie recipe provides an intentionally intense mint flavor. This potency is then perfectly mellowed by the sweetness of the marshmallow cream, the richness of the whipped cream, and the chilling effect of extended time in the freezer, resulting in a perfectly balanced taste.
  • The Art of Folding: To achieve a light, airy, and impeccably textured filling, it’s crucial to carefully fold in the whipped cream (or whipped topping, if you choose that alternative). Folding is a gentle technique where you use a rubber spatula to lift a portion of the mixture from the bottom of the mixing bowl and carefully flip it over the top to combine. Repeat this delicate circular motion, rotating the bowl as you go, until the mixture is completely homogeneous. This means no white streaks of whipped cream should be visible; the filling should be a consistent, beautiful green. Gentle folding preserves the airiness of the whipped cream, contributing to the pie’s delightful mouthfeel.

Freezing and Serving Your Frozen Grasshopper Mint Pie

  • Choose the Right Pan: For effortless slicing and serving, I highly recommend making your Grasshopper Pie in a 9-inch springform pan. Once the pie is fully frozen, simply unclip and remove the ring. This allows you to transfer the pie easily to a serving platter and cut clean, beautiful slices.
  • Optimal Freezing Time: Ensure your pie freezes for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This extended freezing time is essential for the filling to solidify completely, making it firm and easy to slice without squishing. Making it the day before you plan to serve it is always my preferred method.
  • Proper Storage: If you plan to store the pie for longer than a day in the freezer, it’s vital to cover it with plastic wrap immediately after it’s frozen. This prevents freezer burn and the formation of ice crystals on top, preserving the pie’s creamy texture and fresh flavor.
  • Pre-Slicing Softening: If time permits, remove the frozen pie from the freezer and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes before slicing. This brief period allows the filling to soften just slightly, making it easier to cut, without risking it melting (unless, of course, you’re serving it outdoors on a scorching summer day!).
  • PRO-Tip for Perfect Slices: If your pie is frozen solid and proving difficult to slice cleanly, here’s a professional trick: heat a sharp knife by running it under hot water for a few seconds, then quickly wipe it dry. The warmth from the blade will help it glide smoothly through the dense, frozen filling, yielding perfect, neat slices every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grasshopper Pie

Where Did This Pie Get Its Name?

My children, thankfully, will enthusiastically devour anything “grasshopper,” as long as there are no actual green, hopping insects on the ingredient list! This Frozen Grasshopper Mint Pie is delightfully named after the very sweet and popular Grasshopper Cocktail, which gained widespread popularity in the U.S. during the 1950s and ’60s. The cocktail’s characteristic vibrant green color, derived from creme de menthe, reminded someone of a real-life grasshopper, hence the whimsical name. Beyond creme de menthe, the rich, creamy adult beverage also featured creme de cacao (a chocolate liqueur) and fresh cream, contributing to its sweet, indulgent profile, often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. The allure of the name and flavor extends to other desserts too; I’m sure both this irresistible Grasshopper Chocolate Bark and this decadent Grasshopper Poke Cake would easily earn my children’s approval!

What Exactly is Grasshopper Pie?

A Grasshopper Pie Recipe is a delightful no-bake frozen dessert that typically features a few simple yet impactful ingredients. The foundation of the pie is usually a rich chocolate cookie crust. This is most commonly made from Oreos that are processed into fine crumbs and then combined with melted butter. For convenience, you could also use pre-packaged Oreo crumbs, or create a variation using Nabisco Famous Wafers (which are chocolate cookie wafers), processed and mixed with a touch of sugar and melted butter. The filling is a smooth, creamy, and minty concoction, traditionally made with milk, creme de menthe (providing that iconic green color and refreshing mint flavor), and marshmallow cream for its unique texture. Whipping cream is then gently folded in to create a light and airy consistency. If you happen to use clear creme de menthe, you’ll want to add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the classic vibrant green filling. For an even closer approximation of the original Grasshopper cocktail, a splash of Creme de Cacao (a chocolate liqueur) is always an optional, yet welcome, addition to deepen the chocolate undertones.

How Do You Garnish a Grasshopper Pie for Presentation?

Garnishing your Frozen Grasshopper Pie can truly elevate its presentation, making it even more inviting. Just before serving, a popular and elegant method is to pipe swirls of freshly whipped cream around the perimeter of the pie. For an extra touch of charm, you can then place a mini Oreo cookie into each whipped cream swirl. Alternatively, if you’re serving individual slices, a simple yet effective garnish is to add a generous dollop of whipped cream to each slice, perhaps accompanied by a whole or crumbled Oreo cookie, or even a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and aroma. Don’t be afraid to get creative with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a sprinkle of crushed peppermints for an intensified mint experience.

Frozen Grasshopper Pie with an Oreo Crust Recipe

This frozen minty grasshopper pie will delight mint fans of all ages!

Ingredients

  • 24 Oreos, crushed (or Nabisco Famous Wafers plus 2 T sugar)
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup milk (2% or whole milk)
  • ¼ cup green creme de menthe
  • 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
  • 2 cups heavy cream, whipped

Instructions

  1. Place cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. In a bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place in the freezer to chill while preparing the filling.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gradually add the milk and creme de menthe to the marshmallow cream. Using a hand mixer, beat until the marshmallow cream is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until no white streaks are visible and the filling is uniformly green and airy.
  4. Pour the mint filling over the chilled Oreo crust in the springform pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top.
  5. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
  6. To serve, remove the springform pan ring. Garnish slices with whipped cream, a mint sprig, and an Oreo cookie, especially when serving to guests.

Notes

This cherished recipe originates from my mom’s old recipe cards, a true family heirloom.
Please note that the “Total Time” listed in some recipe summaries does not include the essential freezing time, which is crucial for the pie to set properly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice

Amount Per Serving:

  • Calories: 352
  • Total Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 56mg
  • Sodium: 147mg
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Protein: 2g

Recommended Products

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  • Marshmallow Creme
  • KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer
  • 9-inch springform pan

Cuisine: American / Category: Pies

Explore More Delicious Dessert Recipes

If you loved this Frozen Grasshopper Pie, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic dessert ideas that share similar qualities of being easy, refreshing, or simply irresistible:

  • Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Another fantastic no-bake frozen pie for chocolate lovers, with the added irresistible combination of peanut butter.
  • Mocha Ice Cream: For coffee and chocolate enthusiasts, this creamy ice cream is a perfect cool indulgence.
  • Chocolate Ice Cream Pie: A rich and decadent treat featuring a generous fudge topping over a smooth chocolate ice cream base.
  • Best Summer Dessert Recipes: A curated collection of light, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing desserts ideal for warm weather gatherings.
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Easy-to-make bars combining the tangy sweetness of strawberries with a creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Easy Raspberry Crisp Recipe: A comforting and simple fruit dessert with a delightful crunchy topping, perfect when you want something warm.

And to truly complete your summer dessert experience, a refreshing St. Germain Gin and Tonic makes for the perfect cocktail to sip alongside your sweet treat.

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This delightful recipe was originally shared in July 2011. The photos and text content were thoroughly updated and refreshed in 2019 and again in 2021 to provide the best possible experience and information.

A glass of Grasshopper Mousse, garnished with a mint leaf and chocolate shavings, showcasing a lighter version of the dessert.

Looking for another minty treat? Try our refreshing Shamrock Shooters with Creme de Menthe!