But, now that fall has passed us by, nothing screams Winter Holidays to me like Peppermint or Minty Flavored Desserts. And there’s no better way to enjoy mint than with chocolate. You agree, right?
Growing up I loved my moms’ Creme de Menthe Bars but since I am a gluten & soy-free vegan, and the traditional recipe is very heavy on dairy, eggs, and crumb-cookie crusts, I had some major tweaking to do. But I succeed and present you with:
Averie’s Vegan Creme de Menthe Bars-No Bake/Gluten & Soy-Free
This is a 3 Layered Bar: The Chocolate Base/Crust, the White Minty Buttercream-Inspired Middle Layer, and the Chocolate Mint Top Layer.
It is definitely like Thin Mints meets Buttercream Frosting meets Dipped in a Minty Chocolate Bath. And the whole thing is done in less than 20 minutes.
Base/Crust
1/4 c Earth Balance-Soy Free Buttery Spread (or your preferred butter/margarine). Melt the Butter.
Then add:
1/4 c cocoa powder
1/4 c almond meal
1/4 c ground oats/oat flour (note: you can just use 1/2 c almond meal OR whatever combo & type of flour you prefer, i.e. cashew, oat, rice, almond, wheat, etc.)
1/4 c powdered sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Optional: 2 Tbsp Agave
Stir everything together. Pour into your container & flatten.
You may have some leftover crust mixture, about 1/4 c worth. Or just make a thicker crust. Yummy stuff.
Set in the freezer while you make the middle layer.
Middle Layer
1/4 c of Buttery Spread. Melt it.
Then add:
1.5 c powdered sugar (I said it’s vegan, not low cal)
Scant 1/4 c Creme de Menthe (If you don’t have access to Creme de Menthe, use Peppermint Extract and start with 1 Tbsp, adding slowly and carefully until just slightly minty or to taste)
Optional: Green Food coloring to make it look minty. Or a shot of green juice.
Whip Until Blended, Creamy, & Fluffy. (This is basically Buttercream Frosting. Tip of the Day: Vegan Buttercream frosting is 1 part buttery spread to 3 parts powdered sugar, dash of vanilla extract, blend, devour.)
Pour this mixture over the crust forming the middle layer.
Put in fridge/freezerwhile you make the Top Layer
Side View of Crust + Middle
Top Layer
1/4 c Buttery Spread. Melt it.
Add 1/2 c Chocolate Chips (I used the Chocolate and Mint Holiday Edition chips, not technically vegan. But you could use Baker’s Chocolate, or Cocoa Powder, Agave, Coconut Oil, with an optional Peppermint Extract to keep the top layer truly vegan)
1/4 c powdered sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Add all the ingredients to the melted buttery spread and whisk until combined
Retrieve Crust + Middle Layer from Freezer, and Pour the Chocolate Top Layer over it
Place back into Freezer to Cool & Set Up
Can anyone say Crust + Middle + Top = Vegan Oreo Mint Cookie Adaptation?
After the Creme de Menthe Bars have set up, retrieve them from the freezer and Devour with Wild Abandon.
These are the adult-themed version of Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mints meet Minty Buttercream Frosting meet Chocolate Decadence.
You’ve got a crunchy chocolaty minty base layer, with a fluffy minty frosting-like center, with Chocolate on the Top.
They are soooo good. Sooo rich.
You really only need a tiny piece to feel satisfied…
….Or a big square to feel stuffed.
I included lots of photos for a step-by-step Creme de Menthe making tutorial and it looks like alot, but the whole recipe only takes about 20 minutes of active kitchen time and the rest if just waiting for set-up in the freezer.
Enjoy!
You're recipes are all so fantabulous! I never tried the peppermint version. I'll have to do that! :-)
I love chia seeds and your dessert recipes! :) This is for the giveaway!
Great minds think alike, Averie! This is beautiful.
Averie-
I have just recently gotten my family into chia puddings, thanks to you! We've made the vanilla chia pudding, and I'm considering making a holiday spice/soy nog inspired one in the coming weeks. :)
Thanks for the delicious ideas you've given me to share with my family while I'm home from college for the holidays!
Holy yum! Peppermint chia pudding = one amazing holiday treat I just got done eating a big ol bowl full :) thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
Mmm I would love to try the Whole food energy bar! I love berries and the chocolate one was good, so I,m sure it won't dissapoint!
I really want to try the Vega bars, so thank you so much for your review. I've only tried the Smoothie powder and I really am used to the taste now and really like it.
okay…I keep meaning to make your Kale Chip coating…this weekend is it! I actually have everything.
I LOVE Kale chips. MMMMMMMM
those creme de menthe bars look absolutely to-die for!!! and i just realized i have peppermint extract, so i just did a happy dance :)
ch-ch-chia ahh still makes me think of chia pets, but seriously such good stuff!! i love adding it to all kinds of things now
OMG what a fantastic post. From the Chia seed pudding (mint is my fave flavour) to the news of your Yoga stuff, that is fan bloody tastic Averie. You will do great.
You know what is really nice on dehydrated bananas? Lime juice…really delish…or coconut :)
Yummy! I love peppermint, esp around the holidays. It always reminds me of Christmas for some reason. Nice and refreshing. Great idea!
The detergent is awesome. Ive been trying to buy more natural products but even better to make your own! Thanks for that recipe.
That stretch seems so great. I sit at a computer all day at work so anything that helps my lower back is fantastic!! Do you have any suggestions for some good positions for cyclists?
Congrats on the Yoga certification!! Wow! Thats sounds amazing and you are so talented! You are going to be awesome!!
Have a wonderful day!
Yummy, fabulous recipes as always : ) Looking at those Creme de Menthe bars makes me hungry every time!
The chis seed pudding looks interesting and I keep meaning to try it. I'm sure it would be better than the plain sludge I drink down : )
Good ideas for washing solution. I must try them! Mostly because I'm cheap and would love to save money but with the added bonus of not using chemicals excessively. I currently use Costco's environmentally safe laundry detergent. I LOVE the smell :)
Nicole
on my christmas list:
CHIA SEEDS!! bc i have a feeling this new pudding would taste like york peppermint patties :) me loves!
maca! bc i think it would be delish on popcorn haha (do you know anything about it?)
a dehyyyydratorrrrrr!!! i praaay :)
have you thought about a pilates certification? that might go well with yoga?
YUM! That chia pudding looks so tasty.
I made your chocolate chia recipe but subbed in carob instead (so I used less agave because carob is naturally sweet) and put in rose water for a flowery, fragrant taste. It was fabulous (though I put in a bit too much rose water, my mom gobbled it up…she loves the stuff).
anyway I will have to try the latest :)
So pleased you're moving on with yoga! Thanks for the cleaning recipe. Love to you and your family this season.