If you love the cool, nostalgic flavor of mint and chocolate together, these no-bake dessert cups are about to become your new favorite treat. They’re creamy, fluffy, and layered with just the right amount of indulgence—without ever turning on the oven. Each spoonful gives you that refreshing minty bite followed by rich chocolate, and somehow it feels both light and decadent at the same time.
These dessert cups are perfect for spring gatherings, St. Patrick’s Day, summer parties, or anytime you want a make-ahead dessert that looks adorable in individual cups. They’re one of those recipes that feel fancy and bakery-worthy, yet come together with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, that soft green color with chocolate chips sprinkled throughout? Completely irresistible and very Pinterest-friendly.
Before You Begin – Here’s What You’ll Need:
Tips for Perfect Results
A few easy tips will help these dessert cups turn out dreamy every single time.
- Use very cold heavy cream. Cold cream whips faster and gives you that fluffy, stable texture that holds up beautifully in layers.
- Don’t rush the whipping. Stop as soon as stiff peaks form. Overwhipped cream can become grainy and lose its smoothness.
- Mix gently when combining. Folding one cup of whipped cream into the pudding keeps the chocolate layer light and mousse-like.
- Go easy on the mint extract. Mint is powerful—measure carefully so it stays refreshing, not overpowering.
- Gel food coloring works best. You only need a tiny amount to get that soft mint-green shade without thinning the cream.
- Chill before assembling. Letting both layers set in the fridge makes piping and layering much easier.
Variations and Serving Ideas
These dessert cups are fun to customize depending on the occasion.
- Extra chocolate lovers: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or ganache between the layers.
- Cookie crunch: Sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or mint cookies between layers for texture.
- Holiday twist: Top with crushed candy canes for winter or Andes mints for a classic mint-chocolate look.
- Elegant serving: Pipe the layers into clear glass cups or mini jars to show off those pretty layers.
- Kid-friendly version: Skip the food coloring and let the mint flavor shine naturally.
They’re ideal for parties because everyone gets their own cup—no slicing, no mess, just grab-and-go sweetness.
Print
No-Bake Mint Chocolate Dessert Cups
- Total Time: 50 minute
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups heavy cream very cold
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons mint extract
10 ounces mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
green food coloring use gel for best results
Green sprinkles optional
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat milk and pudding mix on medium high speed for about 2 minutes, until nicely thickened. Set aside.
2. Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar and mint extract in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute or until thickened.
3. Transfer one cup of the heavy cream mixture into the chocolate pudding mixture and and beat on medium/high for another minute.
4. Add green food coloring to the heavy cream mixture and beat on medium high speed for another minute or two until stiff peaks form.
5. Refrigerate pudding and whipped cream for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
6. Assemble the dessert cups by layering ingredients as follows: pudding, chocolate chips, whipped cream, chocolate chips, pudding, whipped cream. Use a pastry bag with a piping tip to achieve a similar look to these dessert cups. Top with sprinkles if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this dessert is how well it fits into a busy schedule.
- Make ahead: These cups can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep chilled until ready to serve.
- Best texture: Enjoy within 1–2 days for the fluffiest whipped cream and freshest flavor.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped cream can lose its smooth texture once thawed.
Final Encouragement
These no-bake mint chocolate dessert cups are proof that simple desserts can still feel special. They’re cool, creamy, and just indulgent enough to satisfy a sweet tooth without feeling heavy. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday, or just a quiet night at home, they’re the kind of dessert that disappears fast—and has everyone asking for the recipe.
If you’re looking for something easy, beautiful, and totally comforting, this is one to save and come back to again and again. One spoonful, and you’ll see why mint and chocolate will always be a classic 💚🍫