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Who says dessert needs to be complicated? One bite of these no bake chocolate mint bars will have you hooked—and you don’t even need to turn on the oven. I remember the first time I made this recipe on a sweltering Portland summer afternoon. The idea of baking wasn’t just unappealing—it was impossible. I turned to my fridge, pulled out crushed crackers, a can of coconut milk, and a forgotten stash of dairy-free chocolate chips. I thought, “What if I could create a sweet treat that satisfied my mint chocolate craving without ever preheating anything?” That’s how my obsession with no bake chocolate mint bars was born.
They’ve now become a staple in my home and among my friends. Layered with cool peppermint cream and rich chocolate ganache, these bars are a dream dessert that’s easy to prep, easier to eat, and unforgettable once you’ve tried them. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or just looking for something sweet and simple, this one’s for you.
Let’s dive into how to make the most irresistibly creamy, crunchy no bake chocolate mint bars that are both healthy-ish and indulgent.
Sweet Beginnings: Why No Bake Chocolate Mint Bars are a Game Changer
A Fresh Take on Classic Chocolate Mint
There’s something timeless and nostalgic about the chocolate mint combo. It instantly takes me back to ordering grasshopper pies as a kid or sneaking Andes mints after dinner. These no bake chocolate mint bars are my grown-up, plant-forward twist on that classic flavor. While traditional recipes might rely on butter and refined sugar, mine uses clean, recognizable ingredients that support your energy instead of crashing it.
The result is a cool, rich, refreshing dessert with a layer of vibrant green mint cream beneath a smooth chocolate ganache. And the best part? You can whip these up without ever cracking an egg or lighting a stove. It’s a no-brainer go-to for warm days, potlucks, or that Thursday night treat we all deserve.
Nutrition-Packed Indulgence
These no bake chocolate mint bars look decadent and taste indulgent, but they sneak in a few healthy hacks that make them perfect for plant-based foodies. Instead of heavy dairy, we rely on rich coconut cream. Instead of white sugar, we use maple syrup for a velvety sweetness. And thanks to oat or almond flour in the crust, they’re gluten-free without skimping on texture.
If you’re already a fan of creamy green treats like the healthy mint chocolate chip ice cream or rich cheesecake mint chocolate, these bars blend that same flavor profile into a forkable delight. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, quick to prep, and transport well—which makes them ideal for celebration platters… or solo pantry raids.
The Easy Recipe to Make No Bake Chocolate Mint Bars at Home
Ingredients List for Layered Deliciousness
Let’s talk details. Each layer of these bars plays a role: you get crunch, cream, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
| Layer | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Base Crust | 1 ½ cups almond flour or oat flour ¼ cup melted coconut oil 2 tbsp maple syrup Pinch of sea salt |
| Mint Layer | 1 can full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight), just the solid cream 3 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp natural peppermint essential oil Few drops of spinach juice or matcha for color (optional) |
| Chocolate Topping | 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips 2 tbsp coconut milk 1 tbsp coconut oil |
This set of ingredients aligns deliciously with my layered chocolate mint bars recipe, with just enough tweak to keep things fresh and renewed.
Feel free to swap almond flour for crushed gluten-free cookies if you prefer added texture, or skip the green tint and keep it pure.
Prepping and Timing Tips to Perfect the Bars
These bars take about 30 minutes active time and just 2 hours to set. That’s roughly 20% faster than most baked bar options that require cooling and reheating stages.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepare crust | 10 min |
| Mix and spread mint layer | 10 min |
| Melt and pour chocolate topping | 10 min |
| Chill and set in refrigerator | 2 hours |
That’s two hours total—with minimal effort—for something that looks bakery-worthy.
Step-by-Step: How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Mint Bars
- Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Press into the pan as your firm crust.
- In a chilled bowl, whip coconut cream until fluffy. Add syrup, peppermint essential oil, and optional green tint. Spread evenly over crust.
- Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips, coconut oil, and milk over low heat. Stir until silky.
- Pour ganache over mint layer and smooth with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
- Slice and devour!
No-bake desserts like these are close kin to chocolate brownie mint sandwiches. The difference? No baking tools, same wow factor.
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Chocolate Mint Bars
Taste That Delivers Chocolate Mint Bliss—Without Dairy
Mint chocolate gets too little credit in the plant-based world. When paired right, the refreshing herbal tone of peppermint balances the deep richness of dark chocolate for a dessert that feels indulgent but not over-the-top sweet.
My no bake chocolate mint bars offer texture from the nut-based crust, creaminess from whipped coconut, and that perfect melt as the chocolate ganache softens on your tongue. If you liked the velvety texture of our creamy chocolate mint pie, you’ll appreciate this simplified, sliceable version.
And if you’re interested in nutrition science on this duo, the National Library of Medicine highlights peppermint’s soothing effects on digestion. A sweet treat that soothes your stomach? Sign us up.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions
From birthday buffets to vegan-friendly potlucks, these bars check every box. They’re fuss-free, gluten-optional, refined sugar-conscious, and delightfully minty. If you’re already obsessed with our gluten-free chocolate mint cookies, these bars offer a creamier contrast worth exploring.
Customize them by adding cacao nibs, chopped almonds, or even a hint of espresso to the ganache. Each version becomes your own signature treat.
How to Store, Serve, and Share These No Bake Chocolate Mint Bars
Easy Storage & Freezing Tips
Once set, these beauties store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, pack them between parchment sheets and freeze.
They thaw beautifully in about 15 minutes at room temperature and taste just as fresh. You’ll find that the peppermint flavor intensifies slightly over days, making them ideal meal-prep desserts.
Pairing Ideas and Flavor Variations
Want to level things up? Serve a small rectangle of mint bar over a scoop of Andes chocolate mint pie for a plated dessert.
Or sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the chocolate layer before it sets for a gourmet crunch. You could even drizzle some date caramel or dust with cacao powder. The combo possibilities are foodie heaven.
Pair with coffee, hot herbal tea, or even sparkling water for a fancy-leaning finish to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about No-Bake Chocolate Mint Bars
What ingredients are in no-bake mint chocolate bars?
These bars include a nut or oat-based crust, a coconut cream peppermint middle, and a rich vegan ganache topping made from dark chocolate chips, coconut milk, and coconut oil.
How do you set the mint layer without gelatin?
The key is using the thick part of canned full-fat coconut milk that’s been chilled. When whipped, it turns creamy and stiffens beautifully without gelatin or agar.
Can you freeze no-bake mint bars?
Absolutely! Freeze in a container layered with parchment and thaw before serving. The consistency holds up, and the texture is just as satisfying after defrosting.
How long do they last refrigerated?
They stay fresh for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To No-Bake Dessert
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a plant-based chef, it’s this: not every great dessert needs an oven. These no bake chocolate mint bars pack everything we love—cool mint, rich chocolate, no-fuss prepping—into a single, rewarding bite. They’re easy to make, hard to stop eating, and endlessly customizable.
Perfect for summer gatherings, freezer stash cravings, or an easy win after a long day. Try them once, and they just might become your favorite fridge-friendly indulgence too.
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No Bake Chocolate Mint Bars That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cool mint meets rich chocolate in this no-fuss, no-bake dessert bar. A creamy coconut peppermint layer sits atop a nutty crust, finished with a silky ganache—perfect for any season, and 100% plant-based.
Ingredients
Base Crust
1 ½ cups almond flour or oat flour
¼ cup melted coconut oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt
Mint Layer
1 can full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight), just the solid cream
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp natural peppermint essential oil
Few drops of spinach juice or matcha for color (optional)
Chocolate Topping
1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
2 tbsp coconut milk
1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Press into the pan to form crust.
3. In a chilled bowl, whip coconut cream until fluffy. Add syrup, peppermint essential oil, and optional color. Spread over crust.
4. Chill in freezer for 10 minutes.
5. Melt chocolate chips, coconut oil, and coconut milk over low heat. Stir until smooth.
6. Pour ganache over mint layer and smooth.
7. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
8. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
Stores up to 7 days in the fridge.
Freeze between parchment for longer storage.
Customize with pistachios, cacao nibs, or a dash of espresso in the ganache.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: no bake, mint chocolate, vegan dessert, plant-based, gluten-free, chocolate bars