Grasshopper Brownie Bars
Thick, rich and fudgy, these Grasshopper Brownie Bars are finished with a fluffy mint cream cheese buttercream that makes every bite irresistible.
We’re huge brownie fans at home, and adding mint takes them to the next level. Think of those thin mint chocolates you keep on hand—mint and chocolate are a classic pairing that’s perfect in these easy Grasshopper Brownie Bars.
This recipe starts with a family-size brownie mix baked in a 13×9-inch pan. You can use a homemade brownie batter if you prefer, but a boxed mix keeps the preparation quick and simple when you want a fast, impressive dessert.
If dinner took most of your time and you still want a show-stopping dessert, this is an ideal choice. A simple mix combined with a standout mint buttercream creates something memorable without fuss.
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These bars are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or any time you need a chocolate-and-mint fix. The fudgy brownie base topped with thick, fluffy buttercream is hard to resist.
What will I need to make Grasshopper Brownie Bars?
Brownie mix (family size, to bake in a 13×9 inch pan)
Ingredients called for on the brownie mix package
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup cream cheese, softened
2½ cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring (optional)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
How do I make my Grasshopper Brownie Bars?
- Bake the brownies according to the package directions in a 13×9-inch pan. Allow them to cool completely. (For a gooier texture, you can underbake slightly.)
- Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on high for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the cream cheese and continue beating 1–2 minutes until combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating between additions until fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts and beat briefly to combine.
- Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the shade you like (about 8 drops for a bright green, but use less for a paler tint).
- Spread the frosting in a thick, even layer over the cooled brownies.
- Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the frosting.
- Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Do you have to add green food coloring to the frosting?
No — the green coloring is optional. It gives the bars a festive look and emphasizes the “grasshopper” mint element, but the flavor is the same whether you color the frosting or leave it pale.
Can I use less frosting on my brownies?
Absolutely. If you prefer less frosting, halve the recipe or spread a thinner layer. The recipe shares our preferred amount, but you can easily adjust to suit your taste.
Tip: For the lightest, fluffiest buttercream, beat the butter for several minutes before adding the cream cheese and sugar. Whipping the butter well gives you a soft, airy frosting rather than a dense, heavy one.
Other desserts you will love:
Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Pie
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge
Grasshopper Brownie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 Brownie mix (family size for a 13×9-inch pan)
- Ingredients called for on the brownie mix package
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- green food coloring (optional)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
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Bake the brownies according to package directions and let cool completely.
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With an electric mixer, beat the butter 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and whip 1–2 minutes more.
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Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating between additions until smooth.
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Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts and continue beating to combine.
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Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your preferred color.
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Spread the frosting in a thick layer over the cooled brownies.
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Sprinkle mini chocolate chips across the top.
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Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data provided is an approximation; actual values vary with ingredients and serving sizes.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Try Taco Bubble Up Bake, Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Almond Biscotti, or Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies.