GRASSHOPPER ICE CREAM TART

Grasshopper Ice Cream Tart

Do you have a family-favorite recipe that you make over and over again?  This beautiful tart is so incredibly easy to put together - perfectly simple mint chocolate ice cream layered on top of hot fudge in a chocolate cookie crust, drizzled with chocolate ganache for a little something special, and delicious every bite!  Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day and life's special moments!

And as crisp and minty-wonderful as this cool treat is, it really is just a method, rather than a recipe.  I've got a few little tricks that I've learned thru the years that really make a difference, but you can shake this up any way that you want!  Banana Split Ice Cream Tart?  Strawberries & Cream Ice Cream Tart?  Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Tart?  They all work!

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Tart

Many ice cream tart recipes start with a basic cookie-crumb crust.  Over the year's I've learned that baking that buttery-cookie crumb mixture for just a few minutes (8 to be exact) makes for a delicious cookie crust that will hold up to serving, without leaving a mess of crumbs on your plates, and without being so "hard" that it's hard to slice when you are serving.  Start with your favorite cookies - original Chocolate Oreos are always popular at my house, but I've used Pecan Sandies, Nutter Butter cookies, vanilla Oreos, Girl Scout Thin Mints, frosted animal crackers, simple graham crackers...they all work!

​Once the cookie crust has cooled to room temperature, you can top it with hot fudge, chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or any thick fruit sauce that you love.  There really is no right or wrong!  

​Well, maybe I'll take that back.  My kiddos are SO PARTICULAR about their favorite ice creams - so if I'm making the ice cream tart to celebrate their occasion, I'll pick the brand that they like the best.  Whether it's a regular supermarket brand, a gourmet ice cream or gelatto, or even a light ice milk, pick your favorite!  I've even used sorbet and sherbet in fruit "ice cream" tarts, and they are FABULOUS!  

If you don't have a tart pan with a removable bottom, you can also make this in a glass pie plate.  Top with a drizzle of your favorite ice cream topping, or whipped cream, or fresh fruit....it's all good and special if you make it with your favorite ice cream sundae ingredients!  

​One thing I know for sure is that this never stays around long!  Cut yourself a slice, grab a spoon, and it's time to dig in and enjoy!

This recipe was originally shared in March 2012.  Too good to be lost in the archives, the post and photos have been updated.  

Grasshopper Ice Cream Tart