If you’re a fan of rich chocolate desserts with a refreshing minty twist but are following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, Grasshopper Brownie Bars are here to satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet. These decadent bars combine the fudgy texture of keto-friendly brownies with a creamy mint layer and a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate, creating a treat that’s as indulgent as it is diet-friendly. Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as an after-dinner indulgence, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your keto recipe collection. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this luxurious dessert, from its nutritional benefits to step-by-step instructions and creative variations.
What Are Grasshopper Brownie Bars?
Grasshopper Brownie Bars are a low-carb twist on the classic grasshopper pie, reimagined as a layered dessert bar. The base is a rich, fudgy brownie made with almond flour, cocoa powder, and sugar substitutes, ensuring it stays low in carbs while delivering deep chocolate flavor. The middle layer is a creamy mint filling made with sugar-free sweeteners and peppermint extract, offering a cool, refreshing contrast. Finally, the bars are topped with a drizzle of melted sugar-free chocolate, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The dense, chewy brownie pairs perfectly with the smooth, minty filling, while the chocolate drizzle ties everything together. Whether you’re craving something sweet, minty, or chocolatey, these bars deliver all the satisfaction of traditional desserts without the carb-heavy drawbacks.
Why Choose Grasshopper Brownie Bars?
1. Perfect for the Keto Diet
- With only a few grams of net carbs per serving, these bars align perfectly with the principles of the ketogenic diet. They use sugar substitutes and keto-approved ingredients to keep your carb count low while delivering rich flavors and textures.
2. Rich in Healthy Fats
- Almond flour, coconut oil, and heavy cream provide a generous dose of healthy fats, which help keep you full and energized. This makes the bars not only delicious but also satisfying.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
- Unlike traditional layered desserts that require multiple steps and pans, this recipe is simple to prepare. From baking the brownie layer to assembling the bars, the entire process takes less than an hour.
4. Customizable
- Whether you prefer extra sweetness, added crunch, or a hint of spice, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste buds. It’s also easy to adjust the portion size to fit your dietary needs.
5. Great for Special Occasions
- These bars are elegant enough to serve at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or as gifts. Their vibrant mint layer and chocolate drizzle make them a show-stopping dessert.
How to Make Grasshopper Brownie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to whip up these delicious bars? Follow these easy steps to create a batch of creamy, minty-chocolate treats that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mint Layer:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Optional: 1–2 drops green food coloring (natural options available)
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- ¼ cup sugar-free chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (to thin the chocolate)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, erythritol, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownie layer cool completely in the pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Mint Layer
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, powdered erythritol, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- If desired, add 1–2 drops of green food coloring for a vibrant minty look.
- Spread the mint mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
- Refrigerate the pan for 15–20 minutes to allow the mint layer to set.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the mint layer using a spoon or piping bag.
- Refrigerate the bars for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips for Perfect Grasshopper Brownie Bars
To ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Opt for high-quality almond flour, cocoa powder, and sugar-free chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownie Layer : The brownie should be slightly fudgy, so remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Adjust Sweetness : Taste the mint layer before spreading it over the brownies and adjust the sweetener to suit your preferences.
- Experiment with Flavors : Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the brownie layer for extra depth.
Nutritional Breakdown of Grasshopper Brownie Bars
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per bar (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 160 per bar
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 3g
These numbers make Grasshopper Brownie Bars an excellent choice for a low-carb, high-fat dessert that keeps you satisfied without compromising your dietary goals.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, here are some ideas to customize your Grasshopper Brownie Bars:
1. Add Crunch
- Fold chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, into the brownie batter for added texture.
2. Make Them Extra Minty
- Increase the amount of peppermint extract for a more intense mint flavor.
3. Swap the Sweetener
- Use monk fruit or stevia instead of erythritol for a different sweetness profile.
4. Go Dark
- Use sugar-free dark chocolate chips for the drizzle to add a richer, more intense flavor.
5. Add a Cream Cheese Layer
- Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese mixed with sweetener over the brownie layer before adding the mint filling for a tangy twist.
Final Thoughts
Grasshopper Brownie Bars are a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a decadent dessert while staying in ketosis. With their rich chocolate base, creamy mint layer, and elegant chocolate drizzle, these bars are sure to become a staple in your keto recipe repertoire. Plus, their ease of preparation ensures you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience while still delivering a satisfying and indulgent treat.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a bar that’s as nourishing as it is tasty. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a gathering, or simply craving something sweet, Grasshopper Brownie Bars are here to make your journey brighter—and mintier!
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Grasshopper Brownie Bars: A Low-Carb, Minty-Chocolate Delight
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
Indulge in rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy mint bliss!
Ingredients
1 family-size brownie mix (for a 13×9 inch pan)
Ingredients to bake brownies according to package directions
½ cup butter (softened)
½ cup cream cheese (softened)
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. peppermint extract
Green food coloring
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Bake brownies according to package directions, allow to cool completely.
With an electric mixer, blend together and beat butter for 4-5 minutes. Add cream cheese and whip for 1-2 minutes.
Add powdered sugar a little at a time, beating between additions until well incorporated.
Add in vanilla and peppermint extracts and continue beating.
Add in green food coloring a few drops at a time until desired color is achieved (I used about 8 drops).
Spread frosting in a thick layer on cooled brownies.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips across the top of bars.
Cut into 24 square pieces and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 200 per bar
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g