If you love the refreshing combo of mint and rich chocolate in a dessert, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe. It’s a decadent yet light treat featuring a crisp cocoa shortbread crust, a fluffy mint-infused cream cheese filling with a natural green tint, and a luscious dark chocolate topping. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something sweet and minty, this pie feels like a cool breeze in every bite and is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the wholesome flours to the rich chocolate, and of course, the refreshing peppermint – each plays a crucial role to make this pie irresistible.
- Whole wheat pastry flour (1 cup): Provides a light, slightly nutty base with more nutrition than regular flour.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup): Adds deep chocolate flavor without sweetness, balancing the pie perfectly.
- Coconut sugar (¼ cup + ¾ cup): A subtle caramel flavor sweetener that complements the mint and chocolate elegantly.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate and mint pop.
- Cold butter (½ cup, cubed): Creates a flaky, tender shortbread crust with wonderful richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1½ teaspoons): Adds warm notes that balance the mint’s brightness.
- Cold water (1-2 tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter.
- Cream cheese (12 ounces, softened): Forms the creamy, tangy base of the filling.
- Peppermint extract (1½ teaspoons): The star ingredient for that unmistakable minty aroma and flavor.
- Spirulina powder or matcha (1½ teaspoons, optional): Natural green coloring that makes the filling visually stunning while adding subtle earthiness.
- Heavy cream (1½ cups + ¼ cup): Whipped for fluffiness in the filling and warmed to make the chocolate topping silky smooth.
- Organic dark chocolate (4 ounces, chopped): The bittersweet crowning glory melting beautifully over the creamy mint layer.
- Fresh mint leaves, dark chocolate shavings, cacao nibs: Optional garnishes to elevate presentation and texture.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Shortbread Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt to combine dry ingredients evenly. Then cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step ensures a crumbly, tender crust. Stir in vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water just until the dough barely comes together. Press it evenly into a 9-inch pie pan and prick the base with a fork to prevent air bubbles. You can also roll out the dough between parchment papers for a cleaner finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until set and let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Mint Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the ¾ cup coconut sugar, then mix in peppermint and vanilla extracts along with your optional spirulina or matcha for that lovely green color. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this adds lightness and airiness to the filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate it, until the texture is smooth and fluffy. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight so the filling can set perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping and Assemble
Warm the remaining ¼ cup heavy cream without boiling, then pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before stirring until silky and smooth. Drizzle or spread this chocolate ganache over the chilled mint cream layer. Add your choice of garnishes such as fresh mint leaves, dark chocolate shavings, or crunchy cacao nibs to give the pie a beautiful final touch. Refrigerate again briefly if needed before serving chilled for the richest flavor experience.
How to Serve Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves add a lovely herbal aroma alongside chocolate shavings and crunchy cacao nibs that provide textural contrast. These simple garnishes make your pie look elegant and inviting, turning every slice into a tempting masterpiece you’ll be excited to share with friends.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the creaminess. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or mint tea pairs beautifully, balancing the dessert’s richness with warmth and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, add edible gold leaf or scatter crushed peppermint candies on top. Use individual clear glass ramekins for personal portions to impress guests or prepare mini versions in tartlet pans for a charming party platter that everyone can enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain the filling’s light texture and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie for up to one month. Wrap it thoroughly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. However, if you prefer your chocolate topping a little softer, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without melting the filling.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?
Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour will work just fine and will give the crust a slightly lighter texture, while whole wheat pastry flour adds a bit more nutty flavor and nutrition.
Is it possible to make this pie vegan?
While this recipe uses cream cheese and heavy cream for the filling, you can substitute with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, but the texture may vary slightly. Also, ensure the chocolate and butter are vegan-friendly.
What is the purpose of spirulina or matcha powder in the filling?
These powders add a natural, vibrant green color without artificial dyes, enhancing the visual appeal and complementing the mint flavor with subtle earthy notes.
Can I prepare this pie without an oven?
The crust is baked to set it properly, but if you don’t have an oven, consider buying a pre-made chocolate cookie crust as a shortcut and proceed with the filling and topping layers as directed.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife dipped briefly in hot water and wiped dry before cutting, then clean it between each slice. This helps achieve neat, beautiful portions without smudging the creamy layers.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe is a true delight that combines familiar flavors in a fresh, exciting way. Its balance of minty brightness, rich chocolate, and luscious creaminess is simply irresistible. Give it a try—it’s bound to become a standout dessert in your kitchen and a much-loved treat to share with those you care about.
Print
Chocolate Mint Cream Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Mint Cream Pie offers a delightful blend of rich chocolate shortbread crust, creamy peppermint-infused filling, and a decadent dark chocolate topping. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh mint and chocolate accents, this pie is an elegant and refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or organic cane sugar)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
Filling
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup coconut sugar (or organic cane sugar)
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons spirulina powder or matcha (optional, for natural green color)
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces organic dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), chopped
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Cacao nibs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare the Chocolate Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse in a small food processor. Stir in vanilla extract and cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just forms.
- Shape and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles. Optionally, roll out between parchment sheets for cleaner edges. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set, then let cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add coconut sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Mix in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and optional spirulina or matcha for color.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Warm the ¼ cup heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Topping to Pie: Drizzle or spread the chocolate topping over the chilled pie evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate with fresh mint leaves, dark chocolate shavings, and cacao nibs as desired. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe between each cut. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Note 1: Whole wheat pastry flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Note 2: Add cold water gradually to achieve the right dough consistency; dough should just come together.
- Note 3: Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Note 4: Peppermint extract provides the signature mint flavor; adjust quantity based on taste preference.
- Note 5: Spirulina or matcha powder is optional and used here for a natural green tint to the filling.
- Note 6: Using a food processor to cut in butter ensures even crumb texture.
- Note 7: Pricking the crust prevents air bubbles and helps it bake evenly.
- Note 8: The crust should be set and slightly firm before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
- Note 9: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks to ensure the filling holds its shape.
- Note 10: Folding whipped cream gently maintains the airy texture of the filling.
- Note 11: Chilling time is essential for the pie to set properly.
- Note 12: Warm cream just enough to melt chocolate but avoid boiling to prevent separation.
- Note 13: Let melted chocolate and cream mixture rest to soften chocolate before stirring.
- Note 14: Wiping the knife between cuts keeps pie slices neat.
- Note 15: Chocolate topping can be drizzled artistically or evenly spread based on preference.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
