Mint Swirl Fudge Cake

Name: Mint Swirl Fudge Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package white cake mix (regular size); 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix; 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons water, divided; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup canola oil; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup creme de menthe flavoring syrup or creme de menthe; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; Green food coloring, optional; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons baking cocoa; 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted; GLAZE:; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, melted; 2 to 3 tablespoons water; Crushed spearmint candies, optional

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling YIELD: 12 servings.

Mint pairs with a silky, mild chocolate flavor for this colorful, beautiful cake that will be the talk of the holiday buffet. —Heidi Kelly, Norwood, Missouri

Ingredients

1 package white cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons water, divided
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
1/4 cup creme de menthe flavoring syrup or creme de menthe
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring, optional
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, melted
2 to 3 tablespoons water
Crushed spearmint candies, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-in. fluted tube pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, 1/2 cup water, cream cheese, oil and eggs; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Remove 1-1/2 cups batter to a small bowl; stir in creme de menthe syrup, extract and, if desired, food coloring until blended.
3. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons water and cocoa powder until smooth; add to untinted batter. Add melted chocolate. Spoon half the chocolate batter into prepared pan. Carefully top with green batter; do not swirl. Top with remaining chocolate batter.
4. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40-50 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, chocolate and enough water to reach a drizzling consistency. Spoon over cake; if desired, sprinkle with crushed candies.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 436 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.