This Chocolate Mint Parfait is a delicious no-bake dessert made with layers of creamy mint and chocolate cheesecake. They are easy to make in minutes and have a light and refreshing flavor.
Cheesecake parfaits are my favorite desserts when I'm not in the mood to bake. Layering ingredients into small cups is an enjoyable treat that always hits the spot!
I tried the mocha mint drink at Starbucks a few years ago, and it inspired me to create these mint parfaits. I love finding dessert ideas from outside the kitchen. The refreshing chocolate-mint combo is one of my favorites, so these little cups are a fun dessert to serve this time of year.
The best thing about this mint chocolate dessert and our pudding parfait and chocolate parfaits is that you can serve them immediately. I'm all about sweets in minutes!
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Why This Mint Parfait Works
Are you looking for a quick and easy treat for your friends and family? The layers in these little dessert parfaits are light, refreshing, and so easy to make.
- Ready in minutes. When you are short on time, this no-bake treat is perfect.
- Cute individual desserts. It is not necessary to share because everyone will receive their own mini cheesecake cup.
- Sweet mint chocolate combo. These cups have a delicious flavor and are made with Oreo cookies and no bake mint chocolate cheesecake.
What You'll Need
You can make the simple layers for this mint parfait recipe in minutes with just a few ingredients.
Kitchen Tools
- Food Processor - (affiliate links) The best way to crush cookies into crumbs.
- Clear Parfait Cups - These little 5-ounce cups come with a lid for travel or storage.
- Hand Mixer - I love using this mixer for miniature desserts.
- Disposable Decorating Bags - For frosting, fillings, and whipped cream.
- Icing Tip 1M - Used to create a pretty swirl on each cup.
Main Ingredients
- Oreo Cookies - Crush 1 cookie (with the cream filling) per cup. Feel free to use the original or the chocolate mint cookies.
- Cream Cheese - One block of full-fat cream cheese is enough to make six parfaits.
- Powdered Sugar - Sweetens each layer of no bake cheesecake.
- Extracts - Combining mint extract and vanilla extract gives you the perfect mint flavor without tasting like toothpaste.
- Dark Cocoa Powder - Gives the filling a rich, dark color and taste.
- Instant Coffee - Adding coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and makes the filling taste richer and more intense. This step is optional, so you can leave it out.
- Cool Whip - The whipped topping adds a fluffy texture to the mousse. Feel free to use heavy whipping cream instead to make this homemade whipped cream.
How To Make A Chocolate Mint Parfait
These mint Oreo parfaits come together in minutes. Layer crushed cookies and two kinds of cheesecake in clear cups, and then add a swirl of Cool Whip.
- Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies. Please place them in a food processor and pulse, then divide the crumbs evenly into six cups.
- Make the mint filling. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and extract in a medium bowl until creamy. Fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture and then divide evenly into the cups. I like to use a disposable piping bag so the layers are even and neat, but the back of a spoon is fine, too.
- Make the chocolate filling. Dissolve the instant coffee in hot water, then beat the ingredients until creamy. Fold in some Cool Whip, then swirl the chocolate mixture on top of the mint layer.
- Add toppings. Swirl the remaining whipped cream on top of each cup. Add cookie crumbs, a half, and a paper straw before serving.
Storage Recommendations
Cover each one tightly, then place the parfait glasses in the refrigerator. They will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, but they are best if served within 24 hours of making them. Garnish the cups right before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Set the cream cheese out before using it, making it easier to beat into a creamy filling.
- Instead of buying plastic parfait cups, use mini Mason jars to assemble the layers.
- Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a snipped corner for a clean and neat swirl.
- Serve these for St. Patrick's Day, and use green food coloring to tint the mint layer a pretty shade of green.
- Don't forget the toppings. Chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, mint Oreos, or a fresh mint leaf make these parfaits extra special.
- The mini parfaits can also be served as a trifle. Double the recipe, then layer the cookies and fillings in a large bowl.
FAQs
A parfait is a dessert that originated in France. They typically consist of layers of various ingredients served in clear dessert glasses.
Yes, these are great treats to make a day ahead of time. Cover them with a lid or plastic wrap, then add the toppings before serving.
Feel free to omit the coffee mixture from the chocolate layer. If it is too thick, then add a splash of milk to thin it out.
More Mint Desserts
- Chocolate Mint Fudge
- Thin Mint Cheesecake
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
- Baileys Chocolate Mint Pudding Parfaits
- Chocolate Mint Cookies
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Recipe
Chocolate Mint Parfait
This Chocolate Mint Parfait is a delicious no-bake dessert made with layers of creamy mint and chocolate cheesecake. They are easy to make in minutes and have a light and refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layer
- 6 mint Oreo cookies, crushed
For the Mint Layer
- 1 - 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
For the Mocha Layer
- 1 - 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons hot water
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
For the Topping
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 mint Oreo cookie, crushed
- 3 thin mint Oreo cookies, cut in half
Instructions
- Divide the crushed cookies evenly into the bottom of 6 - 5 ounce containers. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and mint extract until creamy. Add the Cool Whip and beat gently until mixed in.
- Spoon evenly into the prepared cups. Use a spoon to smooth the layers out carefully.
- Dissolve the coffee in the hot water.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and coffee until smooth and creamy. Add the Cool Whip and beat gently until mixed in.
- Spoon evenly onto the top of the mint layer. Use a spoon to smooth the layers out.
- Swirl the remaining Cool Whip on top with a piping bag and tip 1M. Top with crushed cookie crumbs and half a cookie.
- Add a small mint green straw right before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Set the cream cheese out before using it, making it easier to beat into a creamy filling.
- Instead of buying plastic parfait cups, use mini Mason jars to assemble the layers.
- Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a snipped corner for a clean and neat swirl.
- Serve these for St. Patrick's Day, and use green food coloring to tint the mint layer a pretty shade of green.
- Don't forget the toppings. Chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, mint Oreos, or a fresh mint leaf make these parfaits extra special.
- The mini parfaits can also be served as a trifle. Double the recipe, then layer the cookies and fillings in a large bowl.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 494Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 272mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gProtein: 6g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in June 2017. It was updated and then republished in February 2024.
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Lisa
Where did you find the small mint straws? Great idea! Can’t wait to make these♥️
Jocelyn
I tend to buy paper straws all over the place. These ones might be from Target in their paper party good aisle. They have a bunch of different colors. I also love buying them online from Sweets & Treats. https://shopsweetsandtreats.com I hope you enjoy the little parfaits!
cakespy
If these aren't just the prettiest and happiest thing. I love the different levels.
Aimee Shugarman
Parfaits are literally our dessert at least once a week in the summer. LOVE this mocha mint flavor!!