Emerald Mint Velvet Cake

Indulge in a delightful journey back in time with this retro Creme de Menthe Cake recipe, a beloved classic passed down from my mom. This exquisite dessert features a light, mint-infused cake, generously topped with a rich layer of decadent fudge, and crowned with a luscious, minty whipped cream. The combination creates a truly dreamy and irresistible treat that captivates with its unique flavor and vibrant appearance.

Rooted in my mother’s wonderfully straightforward recipe from the 1970s, this modern take elevates the experience by swapping out the traditional Cool Whip for a decadent, real whipped cream topping. Known affectionately as Grasshopper Cake, this versatile recipe offers flexibility for every home baker. Whether you’re pressed for time and opt for a convenient cake mix, or you prefer the rewarding process of baking a white cake from scratch, the outcome is always a show-stopping dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion, promising to be a refreshing highlight on your dessert table.

A perfectly portioned slice of Creme de Menthe cake, showcasing its vibrant green layers, rich fudge, and creamy mint topping, artfully placed on a square white plate with a bamboo fork ready for tasting.

Why This Classic Creme de Menthe Cake is an Absolute Must-Make

Every now and then, those mid-week calls from our eldest son bring a special request – often involving a craving for something sweet from my freezer stash. Recently, he was invited to a Thursday night barbecue and hoped I had some hidden gems. Alas, I had just prepared two elaborate desserts for my book club dinner, leaving my freezer bare of spare treats. Feeling nearly “baked out” but determined to satisfy his sweet tooth, I instantly recalled a brilliant, doctored-up cake mix recipe that never fails to impress: my mom’s legendary Creme de Menthe Cake.

This Grasshopper Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and ease, making it a truly indispensable addition to your recipe collection. Here’s why you simply must try it:

Effortless Elegance: This Mint Cake is a fantastic semi-homemade dessert, leveraging the convenience of a box cake mix. This means you can whip up an incredibly impressive treat in significantly less time, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or when your schedule is packed. It’s all about maximizing flavor with minimal fuss!
Seasonal Versatility: While its vibrant green hue makes it an absolute showstopper for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, its refreshing mint-chocolate profile is welcome any time of the year. Imagine serving this cool, invigorating cake on a warm summer evening, or as a festive treat during the winter holidays. It’s a delightful choice for any mint lover, promising a burst of fresh flavor with every bite.
Irresistible Flavor Pairing: There’s a timeless appeal to the combination of mint and chocolate, and this cake perfectly captures that magic. The cool, refreshing essence of mint beautifully complements the rich, deep notes of chocolate fudge, creating a harmonious balance that’s utterly addictive. It’s a classic pairing that consistently delights palates and leaves everyone craving more.
Nostalgic Charm: This recipe carries a wonderful retro charm, evoking memories of simpler times and cherished family recipes. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a slice of nostalgia, bringing warmth and comfort to any table.
Crowd-Pleasing Guaranteed: Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, a family dinner, or a special celebration, this cake is consistently a crowd-pleaser. Its unique appearance and unforgettable taste ensure it stands out and receives rave reviews.

Ingredient Notes: Crafting Your Perfect Creme de Menthe Cake

Creating this spectacular Creme de Menthe Cake starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. While the recipe is straightforward, choosing the right components and preparing them correctly can elevate your cake from great to extraordinary. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

Kitchen Staples: You’ll need essential baking liquids like Vegetable Oil and Water, typically specified on your cake mix box. Ensure these are fresh and readily available.
Box of White Cake Mix: I highly recommend a high-quality brand like Duncan Hines for consistent results and a wonderfully moist texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its “doctored-up” cake mix approach, which delivers homemade flavor with boxed convenience. Alternatively, for those who prefer baking from scratch, a homemade white cake recipe baked in a 9×13-inch pan works beautifully. Just remember to adjust the liquid content to accommodate the Crème de Menthe, as detailed in the recipe tips.
Creme de Menthe (Green Mint Liqueur): This is the star ingredient that infuses the cake and topping with its signature minty flavor and beautiful green hue. While it is a liqueur, most of the alcohol content will evaporate during the baking process, leaving behind only its refreshing essence. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with mint extract and additional green food coloring, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Whole Eggs: Unlike some cake mix instructions that might call for egg whites, using Whole Eggs here adds richness and moisture to the cake, contributing to a more tender crumb. Always use room temperature eggs for baking. This allows them to emulsify more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a better-textured cake.
Green Food Coloring: This is an optional but highly recommended ingredient. Adding a few drops of Green Food Coloring will intensify the vibrant green color of your cake, enhancing its visual appeal and truly making it look like a festive Grasshopper Cake. Start with a couple of drops and add more until you achieve your desired shade.
Jar of Fudge Topping: For the decadent middle layer, a good quality Fudge Topping is key. Brands like Mrs. Richardson’s or Graeter’s are excellent choices for their rich flavor and smooth consistency. While store-bought fudge makes this recipe super easy, a homemade fudge sauce will provide an even thicker, more luxurious layer. Don’t hesitate to double the amount for an extra thick and indulgent chocolate layer!
Heavy Cream: For the creamy topping, ensure you use Heavy Cream with at least 36% butterfat content. This high-fat content is crucial for achieving firm, stable whipped cream that holds its shape beautifully. Chilled cream whips best.
Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure Vanilla Extract over imitation. The subtle warmth and depth it adds to the whipped topping perfectly complement the cool mint flavor, enhancing the overall deliciousness of the cake.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered Sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) is essential for sweetening and slightly thickening the whipped cream. Sifting it before use is a vital step to prevent lumps, ensuring your topping is wonderfully smooth and airy.
Cream Cheese: Adding softened Cream Cheese to the whipped topping mixture provides stability, a delightful tang, and a richer, more luxurious texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending and to prevent any lumps in your smooth, minty cream.
Creme de Menthe (for topping): Another measure of Creme de Menthe is incorporated into the whipped topping, ensuring a consistent and pronounced mint flavor throughout the entire cake. It also contributes to the signature pale green tint of the topping.

By paying attention to these ingredient details, you’ll be well on your way to baking a Creme de Menthe Cake that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, a true testament to its classic appeal.

How to Make This Dreamy Mint Chocolate Cake

This Grasshopper Cake is truly a marvel of simplicity, transforming basic ingredients into a multi-layered masterpiece. The core components – a box of white cake mix, a jar of rich fudge sauce, fresh heavy cream, and the distinctive mint liqueur, creme de menthe – come together with surprising ease to create an unforgettable dessert.

Prepare the Cake Batter: Begin by combining the white cake mix with eggs, water, oil, and the essential creme de menthe. This simple blend ensures a moist, flavorful cake base with a hint of mint. For a more pronounced green color, a few drops of food coloring can be added at this stage.
Bake to Perfection: The prepared batter is then poured into a 9×13-inch pan and baked until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is simply delightful!
Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue when baking, especially with layered cakes. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to ensure the fudge layer sets properly and doesn’t melt into the cake, maintaining distinct, beautiful layers.
Add the Fudge Layer: Once the cake is thoroughly cooled, spread a generous layer of your favorite fudge topping evenly over the surface. The rich, chocolatey fudge provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the minty cake. For an extra thick layer, consider warming the fudge slightly to make it easier to spread, or simply use more than one jar!
Whip Up the Minty Cream: The final touch is a cloud of minty whipped cream. Unlike the circa 1970s recipe which often featured Cool Whip, this updated version uses real whipped cream for a superior flavor and texture. Heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks, then combined with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more creme de menthe, creating a stabilized, intensely minty, and perfectly smooth topping. Whip until firm peaks form.
Assemble and Chill: Carefully spread the luscious mint whipped cream over the fudge layer. The vibrant green against the dark fudge and light cake creates a stunning visual. The cake then needs to chill for several hours, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set, resulting in a firm, easy-to-slice dessert. And voila, a dreamy Grasshopper Cake is ready to dazzle the mint and chocolate fans in your life!

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Grasshopper Cake

While this Creme de Menthe Cake is delightfully simple, a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure a consistently delicious result. For years, I proudly made this Mint Cake entirely from scratch, a labor of love that always yielded fantastic results. However, the beauty of this recipe truly shines when utilizing a good quality box mix, especially on those days when time is a precious commodity. It’s still incredibly tasty, offering convenience without compromising on flavor. My mom’s original recipe embraced the ease of creme de menthe-spiked Cool Whip, but I’ve found that real whipped cream truly transforms the cake into something extraordinary. So, feel empowered to choose the easy route; this mint cake will still be utterly delicious.

Choosing Your Cake Base:
- Box Mix Brilliance: For a consistently moist and flavorful cake, I highly recommend using a Duncan Hines white cake mix for this Grasshopper Cake. The quality of the mix makes a noticeable difference.
- From-Scratch Perfection: If you prefer to bake your dessert entirely from scratch, this terrific White Cake Recipe is an excellent substitute for the box mix. To infuse it with minty goodness, simply remove 3 tablespoons of the buttermilk called for in the recipe and replace it with 3 tablespoons of creme de menthe. Then, bake as directed. This ensures your cake maintains the perfect moisture and texture while gaining that signature mint flavor.
Mastering the Fudge Layer:
- Thicker Indulgence: For those who adore a generous chocolate layer, consider using an extra half jar, or even a full second jar, of fudge sauce. This will create a wonderfully thick and gooey chocolate experience.
- Consistency Matters: Modern fudge sauces are often designed to pour easily, which means they might not create a completely solid layer when refrigerated. If you desire a firmer, richer chocolate layer, a homemade fudge sauce is your best bet as it tends to be naturally thicker and sets more firmly.
- Brand Preference: I personally prefer the nuanced taste of Mrs. Richardson’s Fudge Sauce, though I’ve observed it tends to “ooze” a bit more compared to the thicker consistency I’ve experienced with Hershey’s brand. Experiment to find your preferred brand and consistency.
Crafting the Minty Topping:
- Cool Whip vs. Real Cream: The original recipe from the 1970s often featured an 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip flavored with creme de menthe. While this is a quick and acceptable option in a pinch, I strongly advocate for the superior flavor and texture of homemade whipped cream, or a homemade whipped topping like the one detailed in the recipe below. The difference in richness and freshness is truly remarkable.
- Stabilizing Whipped Cream: If you’re concerned about your homemade whipped cream deflating, consider adding a stabilizer like powdered milk, cornstarch, or a product like “Whip It” as you whip. This will help your topping hold its fluffy texture for longer.
Enhancing Visual Appeal:
- Vibrant Green Hue: The addition of a few drops of green food coloring is entirely optional, but it significantly intensifies the cake’s green color, making it visually pop and perfectly align with its “Grasshopper” name. Add it incrementally until you reach your desired shade.
- Garnish for Glamour: For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing your finished cake. Shaved chocolate, fresh mint leaves, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can add both visual appeal and textural contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
- This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It needs at least 4 hours to chill before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
- Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’re not just baking a cake; you’re creating a memorable dessert experience that balances tradition with modern convenience, all while delivering exceptional flavor.

An enticing close-up of a slice of grasshopper cake on a square white plate, showing the distinct layers of green mint cake, rich fudge, and fluffy mint cream.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grasshopper Desserts

Where Did the Name Grasshopper Originate?

The iconic grasshopper cocktail, which inspired many delightful desserts including this cake, was first concocted in 1918. It originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Tujague’s Bar, by its owner Philibert Guichet for a cocktail competition in New York City. While he only placed second in the competition, he brought his winning creation back to New Orleans, where it steadily gained popularity over the decades. The drink truly took off and became a widespread sensation much later, particularly in the 1980s. The name “Grasshopper” is a direct reference to the cocktail’s distinctive and vibrant green color, which is a result of the Crème de Menthe liqueur.

Are Grasshopper Desserts Peppermint or Spearmint?

The foundational mint flavor in all grasshopper-themed desserts, including this cake, comes from Crème de Menthe. This particular liqueur is traditionally made from Corsican mint or dried peppermint leaves, rather than spearmint. Peppermint offers a more intense, sharp, and cooling sensation compared to the milder, slightly sweeter profile of spearmint. This characteristic makes peppermint the preferred choice for the classic, invigorating taste associated with grasshopper treats.

What is in a Grasshopper Cocktail?

The classic Grasshopper cocktail is a sweet, mint-flavored alcoholic drink typically served as an after-dinner digestif. It is traditionally made with three key ingredients in equal parts: light crème de cacao, green Crème de Menthe, and fresh cream. The crème de cacao provides a subtle chocolate flavor, which perfectly complements the refreshing mint from the Crème de Menthe. The cream adds a smooth, rich texture, blending all the flavors into a harmonious and visually appealing green beverage.

Can I Make This Creme de Menthe Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Creme de Menthe Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert, making it perfect for parties or busy holidays. You can bake the cake and prepare the fudge and mint topping a day in advance. Assemble the cake, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and the chilling time allows all the layers to set beautifully, making it easier to slice and serve. Just make sure to keep it chilled until about 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Are There Non-Alcoholic Alternatives for Creme de Menthe?

Yes, if you prefer to make this cake without alcohol, you can certainly substitute the Crème de Menthe. For the cake batter, you can use an equal amount of mint extract or peppermint extract combined with green food coloring to achieve the desired flavor and color. For the whipped topping, similarly, use mint or peppermint extract. Be mindful that extracts are much more concentrated than liqueurs, so start with a smaller amount (e.g., 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) and taste, adding more if needed, to avoid an overpowering mint flavor. You may also need to adjust other liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency if using extracts.

Creme de Menthe Cake

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
28 minutes

Total Time
58 minutes

Yield
20 servings

This Creme de Menthe Cake is a super simple yet incredibly impressive dessert that begins with a convenient box mix. It transforms into a triple-layered delight featuring a moist, mint-infused cake, a rich fudge center, and a luscious minty whipped cream topping. It’s an easy-to-make classic that promises to enchant your taste buds and impress your guests with its refreshing flavor and vibrant appeal!

Ingredients

For the Mint Cake:

1 box white cake mix (Duncan Hines brand recommended for best results)
Oil (refer to cake mix package for specific amount)
Water (refer to cake mix package for specific amount, then reduce by 3 tablespoons to account for the liquid from the creme de menthe)
3 tablespoons green creme de menthe (mint liqueur)
2 whole eggs (use instead of the number of eggs listed on the box for added richness)
2-3 drops of green food coloring, optional (for a more vibrant green cake)

For the Fudge Layer and Minty Topping:

1 jar of good quality fudge topping (consider Mrs. Richardson’s or Graeter’s for rich flavor; use more for a thicker layer)
2 cups heavy cream (ensure it has at least 36% butterfat for optimal whipping)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (avoid imitation for best flavor)
⅔ cup powdered sugar, sifted (to ensure a smooth, lump-free topping)
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (for stability and a creamy texture)
3 tablespoons green creme de menthe (for infusing the topping with mint flavor and color)

Instructions

Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, then set it aside. This ensures your cake will release easily after baking.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, the specified amount of oil, and water (remember to remove 3 tablespoons of water from the amount called for on the box to make way for the creme de menthe). Add the 2 whole eggs and the 3 tablespoons of creme de menthe. For a more vivid green cake, incorporate 2-3 drops of green food coloring at this stage. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined, following your cake mix’s instructions for mixing time.
Bake Cake: Once the batter is smooth, pour it evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake according to the cake mix package instructions, typically 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step; ensure the cake is entirely cool before proceeding to prevent the fudge layer from melting.
Apply Fudge Layer: Once the cake is cool, carefully and evenly spread the jar of fudge topping over the entire surface of the cake. If your fudge is too thick, you can gently warm it in a microwave-safe bowl for a few seconds to make it easier to spread.
Prepare Minty Topping: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. In a separate large bowl, combine the powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness), room temperature cream cheese, and 3 tablespoons of creme de menthe. Whip until this mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then continue whipping briefly until firm peaks form. Spread this luscious, minty topping evenly over the fudge layer.
Chill and Serve: For the best results and ease of slicing, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows all the layers to set beautifully and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Notes

To ensure the perfect liquid balance in your cake batter, the total amount of liquid used will remain the same as what was originally called for on the box. You will simply need to remove 3 tablespoons of water from the amount specified on the cake mix package and replace it with 3 tablespoons of creme de menthe. This substitution ensures you get that wonderful mint flavor without altering the cake’s consistency.

For those who prefer a completely homemade touch, you can certainly use a homemade white cake recipe baked in a 9×13-inch pan instead of a box mix. Just remember to incorporate the creme de menthe directly into your scratch batter, adjusting other liquids as necessary to maintain the proper consistency.

Please note that the “Total Time” listed in this recipe card does not include the essential cooling time for the cake after baking, nor the crucial chilling time required before serving. Factor in at least 1-2 hours for cooling and a minimum of 4 hours for chilling to achieve the best results.

If you’re a true chocolate lover and desire an exceptionally rich and thick fudge layer, feel free to use two jars of fudge sauce. This extra layer of indulgence will make your cake even more decadent and satisfying.

For an extra festive presentation, consider garnishing your chilled cake with some chocolate shavings, a few fresh mint leaves, or even some mini chocolate chips before serving. This adds a beautiful touch and enhances the overall appeal of your Creme de Menthe Cake.

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