I love how easy and foolproof this parfait is to make. There’s no baking required, and all the components can be prepped in minutes. The pudding layer brings a deep chocolate flavor, while the mint whipped topping adds a fresh and vibrant contrast. The crushed cookies and Andes chocolates give it texture and extra indulgence. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert—I just chill it in the fridge and it’s ready to serve when I need it. Perfect for mint-chocolate lovers like me!
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
15 OREO Cookies, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
ANDES chocolates, chopped (amount to taste)
7.8 oz JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding (2 packs of 3.9 oz each)
4 cups cold milk
Green food coloring (a few drops, optional)
Mint flavoring (add to taste)
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP or whipped cream
Additional Oreos and Andes for garnish on top
Directions
I start by chopping the Oreos and Andes chocolates and combining them in a bowl. I set this aside for layering later.
In a separate medium bowl, I whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. I let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
While the pudding sets, I stir a few drops of green food coloring and a bit of mint flavoring into the thawed whipped topping until everything is well blended. I adjust the mint to my liking—just a little gives it that refreshing grasshopper taste.
Once everything’s ready, I layer the dessert in clear cups or small jars: first chocolate pudding, then the mint whipped cream, followed by the crushed cookie and chocolate mix. I repeat the layers until the cups are full.
To finish, I top each parfait with an extra Oreo and a few Andes pieces for garnish. Then I refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to chill and set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings and takes just 8 minutes to prep. I refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the layers set and the flavors meld, bringing the total time to about 38 minutes. Each serving has approximately 322 calories.
Variations
I like to play around with this parfait depending on the occasion or my cravings:
Chocolate mint twist: I use chocolate mint Oreos for even more minty flavor.
Lighter version: I use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping for a lower-calorie option.
Frozen parfait: I freeze the parfaits for a couple of hours for a cool, ice cream-like treat.
Add brownies: I add small brownie chunks between layers for extra decadence.
Swap the flavor: I try different pudding flavors like vanilla or white chocolate for a fun variation.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover parfaits in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. The cookies will soften a bit over time, but the flavors blend even more nicely. I don’t recommend freezing these since the texture of the pudding and whipped topping changes once thawed. There’s no reheating needed—these are best enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them a few hours or even a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge and add the final garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of COOL WHIP?
Absolutely. I whip up about 1 cup of heavy cream with a bit of sugar and mint extract to make 2 cups of whipped cream. It tastes great and adds a homemade touch.
What’s the best way to layer the parfaits?
I like using a spoon or piping bag to get clean layers. Clear glasses or jars show off the colorful layers beautifully.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is just for looks. I skip it if I want a more natural appearance or if I’m serving someone sensitive to dyes.
Are there nut-free versions of Andes I can use?
If I’m avoiding nuts, I double-check the packaging or use another mint chocolate brand that’s clearly labeled nut-free.
Conclusion
This Grasshopper Parfait is a mint-chocolate dream layered into a cup. It’s easy, fun, and always a hit—especially when I need a quick dessert that feels a little fancy. With creamy pudding, refreshing mint, and the crunch of Oreos and Andes, it’s the kind of treat I can whip up on a whim and enjoy any time. Whether it’s for a party or just a personal indulgence, I never get tired of this delicious combo.
