Grasshopper Torte –
Frozen Crème de Menthe Dessert
This dessert is a throwback to the 1960s, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! Passed down through generations from those classic church cookbooks, it’s one of those recipes that’s always a hit at gatherings. Simple, delicious, and full of nostalgia, it’s the kind of treat that makes everyone ask for the recipe—and maybe even try to steal a second slice!
Short Description of the Recipe
This Frozen Crème de Menthe Dessert is one of those old-fashioned freezer desserts that always disappears fast at gatherings. It has a cool minty filling, a rich chocolate wafer crust, and that creamy frozen texture that lands somewhere between mousse and ice cream cake. The best part is how little work it takes. You can make it the night before, tuck it into the freezer, and forget about it until dessert time.
The chocolate and mint combination tastes a bit like those classic after-dinner mint chocolates. Very nostalgic. And honestly, the marshmallow crème gives it such a soft, scoopable texture even straight from the freezer.
Why It’s Good
This is the kind of make-ahead dessert recipe people quietly come back for seconds of. The crushed chocolate wafers stay slightly crisp around the edges while the frozen crème de menthe filling turns light, creamy, and almost fluffy once frozen. It looks impressive in a springform pan too, especially when sliced.
A few things really make this dessert work:
No baking required
Only a handful of ingredients
Easy freezer dessert for entertaining
Great balance of cool mint and chocolate flavor
Holds up surprisingly well sitting out during dessert
One thing I’ve noticed — letting it sit on the counter for about 5 minutes before slicing makes serving much easier. If you cut it immediately from a deep freeze, the first slice can crack a little. After that, it slices beautifully.
You can also adjust the crème de menthe depending on how strong you want the mint flavor. I usually start lighter because the flavor gets more noticeable once frozen.
When to Serve It
This frozen mint chocolate dessert is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, potlucks, and summer gatherings when you want something refreshing but still rich enough to feel special. It fits especially well on Christmas dessert tables because of the mint flavor, but honestly it works year-round.
It’s also a great make-ahead dessert for busy hosts since everything is done in advance. No last-minute stress. Just unmold, slice, and serve.
A few ideal occasions:
Christmas dinners
Easter dessert tables
Summer BBQs
Retro dessert nights
Family gatherings
Potluck parties
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
Some people like it softer and creamier after sitting out a few minutes. Others love it frozen solid like an ice cream pie. Both ways are good depending on the mood.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this Frozen Crème de Menthe Dessert is one of the easiest no-bake desserts you can make. Crushed chocolate wafers, creamy marshmallow crème, butter, and cool minty crème de menthe come together into a rich frozen dessert that tastes far more impressive than the effort involved. It’s the kind of super easy make-ahead dessert recipe that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or last-minute entertaining when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
If using chocolate wafer cookies start by crushing the cookies into fine crumbs, then mix with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. This creates the perfect base for a rich and easy no bake frozen dessert.
Press two-thirds of the chocolate crumb mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Using the back of a spoon or measuring cup helps create a smooth, even layer that holds together beautifully once frozen.
Reserve the remaining chocolate cookie crumbs for the topping. They add a delicious crunchy texture and extra chocolate flavor to this classic mint chocolate dessert.
In a mixing bowl, combine the marshmallow crème with the crème de menthe until smooth, fluffy, and creamy. The minty filling is light, airy, and packed with nostalgic flavor.
Start with ¼ cup crème de menthe for a mild mint flavor, or increase to ½ cup if you love a stronger mint chocolate taste similar to classic after-dinner mints.
Gently spread the creamy mint filling over the prepared chocolate wafer crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.
Sprinkle the reserved chocolate crumbs evenly over the dessert for a simple but beautiful finishing touch.
Freeze the dessert overnight for best results. This make ahead freezer dessert slices much more cleanly once fully set and develops the perfect creamy frozen texture.
Before serving, let the frozen crème de menthe dessert sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes if you prefer a softer, creamier consistency. It’s delicious both fully frozen and slightly softened.
This easy frozen mint dessert is perfect for Christmas dessert tables, potlucks, dinner parties, summer entertaining, and holiday gatherings because it can be completely prepared ahead of time.
Tips and Tricks
Crush the chocolate wafers very finely for the best texture. Bigger chunks can make the crust crumble a bit when slicing straight from the freezer. A food processor works fastest, but honestly, a zip-top bag and rolling pin work just fine too.
Press the crust down firmly. This is one of those little steps that really matters with frozen desserts. If the base is loose, the slices won’t hold together as nicely once frozen.
Freeze overnight if possible. I’ve tried serving it after only a few hours and the center was still a bit too soft. Overnight gives the dessert that perfect creamy frozen texture.
For cleaner slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. Makes a huge difference with frozen desserts.
If your freezer runs very cold, let the dessert sit out for about 5–10 minutes before serving. The filling softens slightly and becomes extra creamy.
Don’t overdo the crème de menthe the first time. The mint flavor actually becomes stronger once frozen. Starting lighter is usually safer unless you really love mint desserts.
Ingredient Notes
Chocolate wafers: Classic chocolate wafer cookies give the best old-fashioned flavor, but chocolate graham crumbs or even crushed chocolate sandwich cookies can work in a pinch.
Marshmallow crème: This ingredient gives the filling its soft, fluffy texture and helps keep the dessert scoopable even when frozen. It’s what makes this frozen mint dessert so nostalgic.
Crème de menthe: Green crème de menthe gives the dessert its signature mint flavor and soft green color. You can use white crème de menthe too if you prefer a more natural look.
Butter or margarine: Either works for the crust. Butter adds a richer flavor, but I’ve used margarine before for potlucks and nobody noticed the difference.
Variations
Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and a bit more chocolate flavor.
Drizzle the top with chocolate sauce before serving for an easy restaurant-style finish.
Swap the chocolate wafers for Oreo-style cookie crumbs if that’s what you already have at home. It changes the flavor slightly but still tastes delicious.
For a stronger mint chocolate dessert, add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the crème de menthe. Just don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way.
Turn it into individual frozen desserts by making the recipe in muffin tins lined with cupcake papers. Great for parties and easier serving.
Some people like adding whipped topping folded into the filling for an even lighter frozen mousse texture.
Storage Tips
Store this frozen crème de menthe dessert covered tightly in the freezer to keep it fresh and prevent freezer odors from affecting the flavor.
A layer of plastic wrap followed by foil works well if storing for more than a day or two.
The dessert keeps well in the freezer for about 1–2 weeks, though honestly it rarely lasts that long once people discover it.
Avoid leaving it at room temperature too long, especially during warm weather. The marshmallow filling softens fairly quickly after about 20–30 minutes.
If making ahead for holidays or entertaining, prepare it the night before for the best flavor and texture. Frozen desserts always seem to taste better once fully set.
Grasshopper Pie - Frozen Crème de Menthe Dessert
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing chocolate wafers)
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or flat-bottom measuring cup for pressing crust
- Freezer-safe storage cover or plastic wrap
- Sharp knife for slicing
Ingredients
- Chocolate Crust
- 1½ cups Chocolate baking crumbs - or about 24 chocolate wafer cookies crushed.
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
Mint Filling
- 1 7oz marshmallow crème
- ¼ to ½ cup crème de menthe
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate wafers with the melted butter until evenly combined. The texture should resemble wet sand.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan to create the crust. Use your hands or the back of a spoon or measuring cup to smooth and pack it down well.
- Reserve the remaining crumbs for the topping.
Make the Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the marshmallow crème and crème de menthe. Stir until smooth, creamy, and fully blended.
- Start with ¼ cup crème de menthe for a lighter mint flavor. Add more if you prefer a stronger mint chocolate dessert.
- Whip the whipping cream and fold into the marshmallow and crème de menthe mixture
Assemble the Dessert
- Pour the mint filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved chocolate crumbs over the top.
Freeze
- Place the dessert in the freezer and freeze overnight, or until fully firm and set.
Serve
- Remove from the freezer a few minutes before slicing if you prefer a softer texture. Serve frozen or slightly softened depending on your preference.
Notes
- Pressing the crust firmly helps the slices hold together much better once frozen.
- The mint flavor becomes slightly stronger after freezing, so it’s best to start lighter with the crème de menthe if unsure.
- For cleaner slices, dip a knife into hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
- This frozen mint dessert holds up surprisingly well at room temperature for short periods thanks to the marshmallow crème.
- Some people enjoy it fully frozen like an ice cream cake, while others prefer it softened slightly for a creamier texture.
Nutrition
Ellen Britt
Hi, I’m Ellen — a passionate home cook dedicated to creating easy, flavorful recipes inspired by real-life cooking and shared family traditions. Every recipe on this site is a true collaboration, developed and tested together in our kitchen to ensure it’s reliable, simple to follow, and absolutely delicious.