Indulge in the luscious flavor of Grasshopper Cake – a captivating green, mint-infused dessert featuring decadent chocolate fudge, a light whipped cream topping, and a generous sprinkle of crushed Andes Crème de Menthe pieces. This recipe is not just a cake; it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, promising pure satisfaction with every forkful.
The Ultimate Grasshopper Cake: A Celebration of Mint and Chocolate
There’s something truly magical about a dessert that instantly transports you back to simpler times. For many, the Grasshopper Cake holds such nostalgia, often recalling childhood celebrations and family gatherings. This delightful, minty confection first graced our tables, and certainly my own, during an era when boxed cake mixes were transforming home baking. The 1970s and 80s saw a surge in creative “semi-homemade” recipes, allowing cooks to produce impressive desserts with minimal effort. This Grasshopper Cake stands as a testament to that ingenuity, delivering gourmet flavor and stunning presentation from humble beginnings.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with its iconic green theme, hosting a festive gathering, or simply craving a refreshing and indulgent treat, this Grasshopper Cake is an impeccable choice. Its vibrant color, balanced mint and chocolate flavors, and surprisingly easy preparation make it a standout dessert that always earns rave reviews. It’s a versatile cake that fits any occasion, bringing joy and a burst of fresh flavor to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grasshopper Cake
The name “Grasshopper Cake” is a delightful nod to the classic green Grasshopper cocktail. This iconic alcoholic beverage is famously made with crème de menthe and crème de cacao, giving it a distinctive minty flavor and vibrant green hue. Just like its cocktail namesake, the Grasshopper Cake incorporates mint (often through mint extract or crème de menthe) and features a noticeable green color, making it a perfectly fitting culinary tribute. If you enjoy this cake, you might also love a Grasshopper Pie, which shares the same refreshing inspiration!
While peppermint and mint extracts might seem interchangeable, for this Grasshopper Cake recipe, it’s crucial to use mint extract, not just peppermint. Mint extract is typically a blend of both peppermint and spearmint, offering a more complex, milder, and well-rounded mint flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate without being overwhelmingly strong. Peppermint extract alone can sometimes be too intense and sharply medicinal for certain desserts, altering the delicate balance we aim for in this cake. The nuanced flavor of mint extract truly makes a difference in achieving the authentic Grasshopper taste.
This recipe is specifically designed for a single 9″x13″ sheet cake, optimizing for moistness and ease of layering with the fudge and whipped topping. While I haven’t personally experimented with transforming this particular batter into a layer cake, some home bakers have tried similar conversions. If you decide to attempt it as a layer cake, please note that baking times and cooling procedures might need adjustment, and the cake’s structure could vary. I highly recommend using sturdy cake pans and cooling completely before frosting. However, I can definitively say that this recipe would likely not work well as a Bundt cake due to its delicate nature and the specific way the layers are assembled. If you venture into making it a layer cake, I’d love to hear about your results!
No need to worry if Andes mint chocolate baking chips are elusive in your local grocery store. A fantastic and readily available alternative is to simply purchase regular Andes Crème de Menthe chocolate candies. These delicious, rectangular mint chocolate pieces are commonly found in the candy aisle or sometimes near checkout counters. Just unwrap them and give them a good chop to create the perfect sprinkling consistency for your cake. They provide the same iconic mint-chocolate flavor and beautiful green flecks that make this cake so special.
If your hot fudge topping is too firm or stiff at room temperature, making it difficult to spread evenly over the cooled cake, a quick and easy solution is to gently warm it. Simply remove the lid from the jar and place it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. After heating, stir the fudge thoroughly with a spoon. You’re looking for a thick, but smoothly spreadable consistency, not a hot, liquid-like sauce. Be careful not to overheat it. It’s essential that this fudge layer is completely cooled and set before you apply the whipped topping to prevent any melting or mixing of the layers.
Yes, absolutely. Due to the presence of the whipped topping (like Cool Whip), which is a dairy-based product and can soften quickly at room temperature, it is imperative to store your Grasshopper Cake in the refrigerator. This not only maintains the cake’s freshness and prevents spoilage but also helps keep the whipped topping and fudge layers firm and distinct. For the best taste and texture, take the cake out of the refrigerator shortly before serving, allowing it to sit out for just a few minutes to slightly soften before slicing and enjoying.
Ingredients You’ll Need: (Full recipe card with precise measurements at the bottom of the post)
Crafting this delightful Grasshopper Cake requires a few simple ingredients, most of which are readily available at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its semi-homemade nature, leveraging a boxed cake mix to save time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll gather:
- White or Vanilla Cake Mix: This forms the delicious and moist base of our cake. Opting for white or vanilla ensures the green food coloring shines through vibrantly.
- Standard Cake Mix Box Ingredients: You’ll need the usual accompaniments as specified on your chosen cake mix box, typically including egg whites (to keep the cake color pure), oil, and water.
- Mint Extract: The star of our flavor profile, delivering that refreshing grasshopper taste. Remember, mint extract is preferred over peppermint for its balanced flavor.
- Green Food Coloring: Essential for achieving the cake’s signature verdant hue. You can adjust the amount to your desired vibrancy.
- Hot Fudge Topping: A rich, chocolatey layer that contrasts beautifully with the mint. A good quality hot fudge will make a significant difference.
- Whipped Topping (like COOL WHIP): This provides a light, airy, and creamy finish to the cake. Ensure it’s thawed for easy mixing and spreading.
- Andes Crème de Menthe Chocolate Candies: Chopped pieces are sprinkled on top, adding both visual appeal and an extra burst of minty chocolate flavor and delightful texture.
Gathering these items is the first step towards creating a truly memorable dessert that combines ease with elegance.
How to Make Your Delectable Grasshopper Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this stunning Grasshopper Cake is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully layered dessert:
- **Prepare Your Baking Environment:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your cake goes in. Next, generously spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. For extra assurance against sticking, especially with denser cakes, consider using a spray that contains flour, like Baker’s Joy.
- **Mixing the Cake Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white (or vanilla) cake mix according to the specific instructions provided on the back of its box. This typically involves combining the dry mix with eggs (or egg whites), oil, and water. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tougher cake texture.
- **Infuse with Mint Flavor:** Once your batter is smooth, stir in 2 teaspoons of pure mint extract. This is where the magic begins, imparting that signature refreshing flavor that defines a Grasshopper Cake. Ensure it’s thoroughly incorporated for an even taste throughout.
- **Achieve the Iconic Green Hue:** Now, for the visual wow factor! Stir in green food coloring. The amount is entirely up to your preference for vibrancy. For a truly striking, deep grasshopper green, I recommend starting with about 50 drops and adding more incrementally until you achieve your desired shade. Remember, the color will soften slightly after baking.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Carefully pour the uniformly green batter into your prepared 9″x13″ baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for the duration specified on your cake mix box. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- **Cool Completely:** This step is absolutely critical for the success of your layered cake. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Attempting to add the hot fudge or whipped topping to a warm cake will result in melting and a messy finish. Patience is key here – a fully cooled cake ensures clean, distinct layers.
- **Apply the Chocolate Fudge Layer:** Once the cake is thoroughly cooled, it’s time for the first topping layer. Spread an entire jar of hot fudge sauce evenly over the top of the cake. If the fudge is too stiff, warm it briefly in the microwave (without the lid) for 15-20 seconds and stir until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Ensure this fudge layer is also completely cool and set before proceeding to the next step.
- **Prepare the Mint Whipped Topping:** In the container of thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip), add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract and about 6-10 drops of green food coloring. You can mix these ingredients directly in the container, saving you an extra bowl to wash! Stir gently until the color is consistent and the mint extract is fully incorporated. Adjust the food coloring as needed to match the cake’s vibrant green or to achieve a lighter contrast.
- **Layer with Whipped Topping & Garnish:** Gently spread the mint-flavored whipped topping over the cooled fudge layer, creating a soft, fluffy cloud. Once the topping is evenly distributed, generously sprinkle with chopped Andes Crème de Menthe chocolate candies. These not only add a delightful crunch and extra burst of minty chocolate but also enhance the cake’s visual appeal.
- **Chill Before Serving:** This cake needs to be stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Chilling allows the layers to set properly, intensifies the mint flavor, and ensures the whipped topping remains firm and delicious.
Following these steps will result in a show-stopping Grasshopper Cake that is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!
Craving More Mint & Chocolate Delights?
If you’ve fallen in love with the refreshing combination of mint and chocolate, you’re in luck! This flavor pairing is a classic for a reason, and there are countless ways to enjoy it. Here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that feature this beloved duo, perfect for expanding your mint-chocolate repertoire:
- Mint Chocolate Poke Cake
- No-Bake Grasshopper Pie
- Peppermint Poke Cake
- Mint Chocolate Cheesecakes
- Mint Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie
- Mini Mint Chocolate Cheesecakes
- Pistachio Cake
- Watergate Cake
Originally published: March 2012
Updated photos and republished: January 2019
Easy Grasshopper Cake (+Video)
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10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white (or vanilla) cake mix
- ingredients called for on cake mix box: egg whites, oil and water
- 2 ½ teaspoons mint extract, divided use
- green food color
- 16 ounce jar hot fudge topping
- 8 ounce container whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed
- handful Creme de Menthe chocolate candies, chopped into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray 9″x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make cake mix per the directions on the back of the box.
- Add in 2 teaspoons of mint extract and food color (about 50 drops) to the cake batter and stir well until combined.
- Pour batter into baking dish and cook for time listed on back of cake mix box.
- Once it is finished baking, allow the cake to cool completely.
- Spread hot fudge sauce on cooled cake.
- For the next layer, add in 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract and green food coloring (about 6-10 drops) to the whipped topping. You don’t actually need a separate bowl for this. Just mix it right in the container of Cool Whip.
- Stir it up. Spread whipped topping onto cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with chopped Andes creme de menthe chocolate candies.
Video
Notes
- Mint vs. Peppermint Extract: Remember, mint extract is a blend of peppermint and spearmint extracts, offering a more balanced and nuanced flavor. Peppermint extract alone can be too strong and sharp for this cake, so opt for mint extract if possible.
- Food Coloring Choices: While artificial green food coloring gives the most vibrant shade, natural food colorings can also be used if preferred. Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired green intensity.
- Layer Cake Adaptability: This recipe is designed as a sheet cake. I haven’t tested it as a layered cake, and cannot guarantee the results. If you decide to try it, please share your experience!
- Bundt Cake Suitability: This cake batter and layering system is not suitable for a Bundt cake pan; it would likely not hold its shape or layered structure well.
- Cake Mix Flexibility: Both white and vanilla cake mixes work perfectly for this recipe. White cake mix tends to result in a slightly brighter green color.
- Nonstick Spray Tip: For guaranteed easy release, use a nonstick spray that includes flour, such as Baker’s Joy.
- Andes Mint Alternatives: If Andes mint chocolate baking chips are hard to find, simply chop up regular Andes Crème de Menthe chocolate candies. They provide the same delicious flavor and texture.
- Spreading Stiff Fudge: If your hot fudge topping is too stiff to spread smoothly, remove the lid and microwave it for 15-20 seconds. Stir until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency (not runny). Ensure the fudge layer is completely cool before adding the whipped topping to prevent melting.
- Storage Requirements: Due to the whipped topping, this Grasshopper Cake must be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. This keeps it fresh and maintains its layered integrity.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories:
192kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
36g
|
Protein:
3g
|
Fat:
3g
|
Sodium:
315mg
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Sugar:
19g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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