Sweet Baked Life

May the luck of the Irish shine down upon you as you whip up a batch of these magical Layered Mint Chocolate Bars!

So bring on the chocolate and mint for this amazing no bake treat! In my book, these two delightful ingredients will absolutely help you find the pot of gold and the end of the rainbow!

Truth be told, I have a wee bit of Irish that runs in my veins. And so, when this special time of year falls upon us, I really crave making things that are green and sweet! You see, I am not really into Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage — but give me a chance to celebrate with something sweet and I’m a happy lass!

And, I’m absolutely crazy for the combination of mint and chocolate! And if you are too, you’ll love the way the crisp chocolate cookie crust combined with the smooth minty buttercream and rich, creamy minted chocolate layer explode with minty perfection with each and every bite.

You start by making a chocolate cookie layer, then while it’s chilling’ in the fridge, you whip up some green mint buttercream, make it as light or dark as you wish, then you top it off with melted chocolate chips with a hit of peppermint! So easy, no fuss, no bake, and they taste great!

So, if you are looking for an emerald-colored treat — look no further. This legendary bar will have your Irish eyes smiling in no time!

Layered Mint Chocolate Bars {no bake}

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 package Famous Chocolate Wafers*, finely crushed
2 tablespoons milk
1-1/4 teaspoons pure peppermint extract, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-4 drops green food coloring
2-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

*Note, if you can not find the Famous Chocolate Wafers, you can use any crushed chocolate wafer cookie, and measure 2 cups.

Prepare a 9-inch square pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

Chocolate cookie bottom layer: Into a medium-sized microwave safe bowl, add 1/3 cup chocolate chips and 1/3 cup butter and microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds; then stir and if needed, microwave for 10 second intervals until chocolate chips are melted. Stir in crushed cookies and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Put in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until firm.

Mint middle layer: While the bottom layer is setting up, in a large bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, add 1/3 cup butter, milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring, 1 drop at a time until color is to your liking. Remove cookie layer from refrigerator and spread the powdered sugar mixture over the top. Smooth with a spatula until even.

Top chocolate mint layer: Into a small microwave-safe bowl add the remaining 1-2/3 cups of chocolate chips, 1/3 cup butter and 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir and if needed, microwave for 10 second intervals until chocolate chips are just melted. Stir until smooth and let stand for 10 minutes. Spread chocolate layer evenly over powdered sugar mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

When ready to indulge, remove bars from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Cut and serve.

May good fortune be yours, may your joys never end.

{recipe adapted from Nestle-Very Best Baking}