Hershey's chocolate pie is a classic dessert, loved for its rich, decadent chocolate flavor and surprisingly simple preparation. This guide will walk you through making this beloved pie, ensuring a perfect result every time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. You'll need:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
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For the Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup Hershey's cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get started on creating this irresistible chocolate pie!
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Add Melted Butter: Gradually add the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
- Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to ensure an even layer.
- Chill the Crust: Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to firm up before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth. There shouldn't be any lumps.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This will create a creamy texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream.
Assembling and Chilling the Pie:
- Pour Filling into Crust: Carefully pour the chocolate filling into the chilled graham cracker crust.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. The longer it chills, the more firm and delicious it will be.
Serving Your Hershey's Chocolate Pie:
Once chilled, slice and serve your Hershey's chocolate pie. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries, if desired. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Tips for the Perfect Hershey's Chocolate Pie:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The flavor of the cocoa powder will significantly impact the taste of your pie.
- Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air and result in a less creamy texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to chill completely ensures a firm and set filling.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to personalize your pie.
FAQs about Hershey's Chocolate Pie:
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust, an Oreo crust, or even a homemade pastry crust.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! This pie is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
This recipe for Hershey's chocolate pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of making it and savor the delicious results! Let us know in the comments how your Hershey's chocolate pie turned out!
