In the 1950s, bridge night was serious business. You polished the silver, laid out the linens, brought up the best china, and you served dessert that made people talk.
This torte was one of those desserts.
I found the recipe on a faded card in my mom’s collection. She’d written “Crème de Mint Torte” across the top—yes, spelled “Mint” instead of “Menthe.” My mother didn’t drink (a half-glass of wine was a big deal), and she had severe dyslexia, which wasn’t diagnosed until later in life. So the spelling stuck. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.
She used to tell me about those neighborhood bridge clubs, where everyone dressed up to sit in each other’s living rooms. They laughed, shuffled cards, and lingered over dessert. And when this came out of the freezer? People paused their hands and leaned in.
A Slice of Mid-Century Magic
This torte is cool, minty, and rich, with layers that look as elegant as they taste. A buttery chocolate cookie crust is topped with minty vanilla ice cream, then finished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s frozen, festive, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The star ingredients—crème de menthe and crème de cacao—aren’t just for show. Crème de menthe, dating back to the 19th century, is traditionally infused with peppermint or spearmint oils, which have been shown to aid digestion and freshen breath naturally . Paired with chocolate and cream, it creates that beloved mint-chocolate flavor, one of the most popular dessert pairings in the U.S. .
Why Frozen Desserts Are In Again
Frozen tortes are back in style for good reason. They’re easy to prep ahead, ideal for hot weather, and offer that old-fashioned ta-da! moment at the table. According to culinary trend forecasts, nostalgic desserts are gaining popularity, particularly those that combine retro flavors with modern convenience. This torte fits the bill: minimal ingredients, no baking, and full of flavor.
Crème de Mint Torte Recipe
Ingredients:
For the crust
1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Nabisco Famous Wafers or Oreos with filling removed)
⅓ cup melted butter
For the filling
1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
¼ cup green crème de menthe
¼ cup white crème de cacao
For the topping
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Optional: grated chocolate or chocolate shavings
* *Crème de menthe and crème de cacao are available at most liquor stores or online.
Instructions
1. Make the crust
Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch or springform pan. Freeze until firm.
2. Make the filling
In a large bowl, stir together softened ice cream, crème de menthe, and crème de cacao. Pour over crust. Freeze until solid (4–6 hours or overnight).
3. Make the topping
Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the frozen torte. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
4. Serve frozen
Use a hot knife for clean slices. Serve immediately.
Why make it?
This torte delivers! It’s nostalgic, elegant, and made for gathering. Whether it’s for a dinner party, a holiday, or just a night when you want something cool and creamy, it brings people to the table and keeps them there. Sometimes, dessert is more than just dessert, It’s a memory in the making.
About the Author
Written by ZestYears contributor Sandy Medbery Snyder
Sources:
[1] Healthline: “8 Science-Based Benefits of Peppermint”
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea
[2] YouGov: “America’s Favorite Ice Cream Flavors”
https://today.yougov.com/topics/consumer/articles-reports/2022/07/15/most-popular-ice-cream-flavors-us
[3] National Restaurant Association: “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast”
https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/whats-hot
