Grasshopper Cake

This is a total refreshing dessert.  My hubby loves grasshopper ice cream/shakes.  I came across this recipe in a book that I have and knew we had to try it.  It has just the perfect amount of mint in it.  We made this and it was a huge hit with everyone.

Grasshopper Cake

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 2/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup shortening

1 cup milk

1/4 cup white creme de menthe

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

5 egg whites

1 jar (6 oz) fudge topping

3 tablespoons white creme de menthe

4 drops green food coloring

1 (8 oz.) whip topping ~ thawed

In a large mixing bowl, beat flour, sugar, shortening, milk, 1/4 cup creme de menthe, baking powder, salt, and vanilla with electric mixer.  Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly.  Beat on high for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.  Beat in egg whites on high 2 minutes, scraping occasionally.  Pour cake batter into greased and flours 9x13 baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 -45 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched or toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool completely for about 1 hour. 

Spread fudge topping over cake (you can heat it up a little to make it softer to spread). Carefully fold 3 tablespoons creme de menth and food coloring into whipped topping.  Spread over fudge topping.  Store covered and in refrigerate. 

Substitutes:

If you don't have Creme de menthe or don't feel comfortable buying it, there are a couple different things you can do in place of it.  You can use whole milk and peppermint extract or half & half with peppermint extract. Liquid measurements are the same as recipe calls and then just add 2-3 drops of extract.  

If ever needing Green Creme de menth, just add food coloring.

*Creme de menthe is a liquor that is very common in baking. It is found in Andes Mints, anything Grasshopper, a variety of Mint Chocolate, etc.