Here's a little something I made for Todd this weekend. It's a frozen grasshopper pie layered between two rows of ice cream sandwiches and coated in sweetened whipped cream. Unlike the last ice cream sandwich cake, this one is made in a square pan and has a little bit more filling. It's also incredibly easy, which is pretty much the point of ice cream sandwich cakes. Naming it was not so easy. Todd suggested "Ice Cream Hopper Pie", but I preferred the more descriptive "Grasshopper Ice Cream Sandwich Cake". Fuzz liked my name so we went with that.
Grasshopper Pie in an Ice Cream Cake
You could make this with any frozen grasshopper pie recipe, but I used one which calls for Creme de Menthe and marshmallows. If you don't want to buy the Creme de Menthe or just want to try a different frozen pie, there are quite a few options. A peppermint version made with Peppermint Schnapps would be good, too. And finally, I recommend good ice cream sandwiches because the ones I used were kind of grainy. They were okay, but what a way to ruin a good dessert! If you live in Texas, the Blue Bell ones work well.
Update: If you like the idea of mint in your ice cream sandwich cake but don't want to deal with making a grasshopper pie filling, the simple solution is to just use your favorite mint ice cream or mint gelato.
Recipe
Grasshopper Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Ingredients
- 12 whole Ice Cream Sandwiches
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup Crème de Menthe green type
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream
- ⅔ cup Andes Mint Chunks or chopped Andes Mints
- Topping 1 cup whipping cream whipped with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla or 2 cups of prepared whipped topping
- Garnish: Chocolate Syrup optional
Instructions
- Line the inside of an 8-inch square baking dish or pan with plastic wrap or nonstick foil. You could also use a 9 inch pan, but it will require more sandwiches.
- Cover bottom of the dish with ice cream sandwiches (4 whole, 2 cut in half) and put in the freezer.
- Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the sugar and marshmallows and heat mixture at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in the Crème de Menthe and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Whip the 1 ½ cups of cream. Fold the whipped cream into the mint mixture, then fold in the mint chips. Pour over the ice cream sandwiches, then add a second layer (6) of ice cream sandwiches.
- Bring plastic wrap up and around the ice cream cake to cover, then freeze for about 6 hours or until firm.
- Now it's time to cover the cake with whipped cream. You can whip the 1 cup of cream and flavor it with sugar and vanilla OR for a lighter coating, just use light whipped topping. Cover the frozen cake in whipped cream and return to the freezer, covered loosely this time, until ready to serve. To serve, let sit for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, then cut into squares.
Anna says
Wow, really? I haven't been to Walgreen's in a while. Guess I'll have to stop by this afternoon. The only interesting flavor my regular grocery store carries is Neapolitan. They do have strawberry and mint, but the brand is Skinny Cow and I'd rather use Skinny Cows for a lightened up ice cream sandwich cake. Also, Skinny Cows are round and I haven't figured out how I want to do stack them. But rectangular mint flavored sandwiches would be good with a frozen chocolate pie filling like the one I used for the previous ice cream sandwich cake. Thanks for the tip.
Katrina says
Mmm, sounds good to me!
Martha in KS says
Have you tried Walgreens' Ice Cream Sandwiches? On a taste test on Today Show they were chosen over other national brands due to the creaminess & vanilla flavor. I bought a box & really liked them. They're on sale this week & I plan to go get some. I have not been compensated for these comments. lol
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat says
This is such a beautiful cake!! Yum, yum.
vanillasugarblog says
anna--this is gorgeous!
nicely done!!!
Cookie Sleuth says
What a great summer treat!
Sue says
It looks kinda' classy!
margaret christine @ notes from maggie's farm says
It's high fashion and I want it NOW. Gorgeous!
Chewthefat says
What a fantastic idea! Also, for a nonalcoholic version, it would be great with mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches or pistachio. It can be hard to think up desserts for people who really love 'green-flavored' things and this looks perfect!
Wayne says
Great idea. i love Creme de Menthe!!!
Natalie says
Wow! This looks incredible! Perfect cold treat for beating the heat! Thanks for this.