We’ve always been fans of the irresistible minty allure in our Creme De Menthe Cake, a dessert that adds a touch of French elegance to any gathering. Originating from the classic liqueur, this cake blends rich chocolate with refreshing mint for a flavor that’ll transport you straight to a cozy café in Paris.
It’s perfect for beginners and pros alike, promising a simple bake that delivers wow-worthy results every time. Join us as we dive into this timeless recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Creme De Menthe Cake recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that blend rich chocolate with a refreshing mint twist, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is irresistible. Below, we’ve organized the ingredients by category and order of use, from dry components to wet ones and finally to the frosting elements. This ensures seamless preparation while highlighting how each contributes to the cake’s velvety texture and vibrant minty aroma.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light, airy base that supports the cake’s structure.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a moist crumb.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor, forming the foundation of this decadent treat.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises evenly for a fluffy result.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic elements for optimal lift and tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste profile.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten, they add richness and help bind the batter.
- 1 cup whole milk: Room temperature, it contributes to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender during baking.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth, complementing the mint notes.
- ½ cup Creme de Menthe liqueur: The star ingredient, adding a cool, herbaceous mint essence that makes this cake truly special.
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sifted for a silky finish that sets smoothly on the cooled cake.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Softened, it creates a creamy base with a buttery richness.
- ¼ cup Creme de Menthe liqueur: Intensifies the mint flavor and adds a subtle green hue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s depth without overpowering the mint.
- Optional: A few drops of green food coloring: For a vivid, eye-catching appearance that evokes the liqueur’s signature color.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Creme De Menthe Cake to life with ease and precision, we rely on essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and professional results. Let’s outline the key equipment, organized by function for straightforward setup.
Baking Essentials
- Mixing bowls: Large and medium sizes for combining dry and wet ingredients, helping us achieve a uniform batter.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: For whipping the batter and frosting to a fluffy consistency, saving time and effort.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate sets for measuring flour, sugar, and liquids, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors in our cake.
Baking and Finishing Tools
- 9-inch round cake pans: Two pans for baking the layers evenly, allowing the cake to rise beautifully with its minty aroma.
- Spatula: A rubber or offset version for folding ingredients and spreading frosting smoothly.
- Cooling rack: To let the baked layers cool quickly and evenly, preserving the cake’s moist texture.
- Piping bag (optional): For decorating with frosting, adding a professional touch to our Creme De Menthe Cake’s vibrant finish.
With these tools, we streamline the process from mixing to serving, making our recipe accessible and enjoyable for bakers of all levels.
Instructions
We make baking this elegant Creme De Menthe Cake simple and rewarding with these precise step-by-step instructions that deliver a moist chocolate-mint masterpiece.
Prep
First, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt until the dry ingredients are fully combined and free of lumps.
In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of Creme de Menthe liqueur until the mixture is smooth and aromatic, capturing the refreshing mint essence.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter reaches a velvety consistency that promises a tender crumb.
Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the tops for an even rise.
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and mint.
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before gently inverting them onto the rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their fluffy texture.
Frost
In a clean mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the frosting.
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of Creme de Menthe liqueur, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium speed for 1-2 minutes to achieve a smooth, glossy frosting that highlights the liqueur’s vibrant mint flavor.
If desired, stir in a few drops of green food coloring to enhance the frosting’s visual appeal, resulting in a shade that evokes the cake’s fresh, lively essence.
Assemble
Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top using a spatula for even coverage.
Stack the second cake layer on top and apply the remaining frosting to the sides and top, smoothing it out for a polished finish that showcases the cake’s decadent layers.
For an optional decorative touch, use a piping bag to add swirls or borders, allowing the Creme de Menthe infusion to shine through in both taste and presentation.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Creme De Menthe Cake is its flexibility for planning ahead, allowing us to prepare components in advance without compromising that signature minty chocolate allure. This approach ensures the cake remains moist and flavorful, making it ideal for busy schedules or special occasions. We outline the key steps below to help you streamline your baking process while preserving the dessert’s velvety texture and refreshing essence.
Preparing the Cake Layers
To get a head start on your Creme De Menthe Cake, bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Follow the steps from our earlier instructions for mixing and baking, then let the layers cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture and prevent staleness. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped layers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain that perfect crumb structure.
Making the Frosting Ahead
Our Creme De Menthe frosting can be prepared 1 to 2 days before assembly, giving the flavors time to meld into a smoother, more intense mint profile. Whip together the powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and Creme De Menthe liqueur as detailed in the recipe. Transfer the finished frosting to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, then re-whip briefly with an electric mixer for the ideal creamy consistency. This step ensures the frosting retains its vibrant green hue and luxurious silkiness.
Assembling and Storing the Full Cake
If you prefer to assemble the entire cake ahead of time, complete the layering and frosting up to 24 hours in advance. After frosting, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. For events further ahead, freeze the fully assembled cake (unfrosted or lightly frosted) for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Always bring the cake to room temperature for 1–2 hours prior to serving to enhance its rich, chocolate-mint aroma and ensure each bite delivers that delightful, cooling sensation.
| Make-Ahead Option | Preparation Time | Storage Method | Maximum Storage Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cake Layers | Up to 2 days | Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate or freeze | 2 days in fridge; 3 months frozen | Thaw overnight in fridge for best texture |
| Frosting | Up to 2 days | Airtight container in fridge | 2 days | Re-whip after softening to restore creaminess |
| Fully Assembled Cake | Up to 24 hours | Loosely covered in fridge; or freeze | 24 hours in fridge; 1 month frozen | Allow to reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Creme De Menthe Cake recipe with you
as it’s a timeless treat that brings chocolate and mint together perfectly.
It’s easy to make yet delivers stunning results every time.
Baking it lets us create memorable moments
whether at family gatherings or quiet evenings.
Give it a try and make it your go-to dessert—we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creme De Menthe Cake?
Creme De Menthe Cake is a elegant French-inspired dessert blending rich chocolate with refreshing mint flavors from the liqueur. It’s perfect for impressing at gatherings, offering a velvety texture and timeless appeal. This recipe suits beginners and pros alike, delivering easy prep and stunning results that could become a kitchen staple.
What ingredients are needed for Creme De Menthe Cake?
The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and Creme de Menthe liqueur for the minty kick. For frosting, you’ll need powdered sugar, unsalted butter, more Creme de Menthe, and optional green food coloring. These are chosen for a moist, aromatic finish.
What equipment is required to bake Creme De Menthe Cake?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, 9-inch round cake pans for baking, a spatula for frosting, and a cooling rack. A piping bag is optional for decoration. These items make the process straightforward and accessible for all skill levels.
How do I make Creme De Menthe Cake?
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the pans. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, etc.) separately from wet ones (eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and Creme de Menthe), then combine and bake in pans for about 30 minutes. Cool the cakes, whip up the frosting with butter, powdered sugar, and liqueur, then assemble and decorate for a polished look.
Can I prepare Creme De Menthe Cake in advance?
Yes, bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store them wrapped to keep moist. Frosting can be made 1-2 days in advance for better flavor melding. Assemble the full cake up to 24 hours before serving, or freeze it for longer storage. A summary table in the article outlines times and tips for stress-free planning.
How should I store Creme De Menthe Cake?
Store unfrosted layers wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for a week. Once frosted, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer term, freeze the assembled cake for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain its moist texture and minty freshness.
What tips can help me bake Creme De Menthe Cake successfully?
Use accurate measurements for the best results, and don’t overmix the batter to keep it moist. Preheat your oven properly and let cakes cool fully before frosting. For a vibrant look, add green food coloring sparingly. If you’re new, follow the step-by-step instructions closely—these ensure a professional finish even for beginners.