Hershey's chocolate pie is a classic dessert, loved for its rich, decadent chocolate flavor and creamy texture. This guide will walk you through making this beloved treat, from the perfectly flaky crust to the intensely chocolatey filling. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make dessert!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes one 9-inch pie.
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional, for topping)
- Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to pie plate: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Serving Your Hershey's Chocolate Pie:
Once chilled, your Hershey's chocolate pie is ready to serve! Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make dessert!
Tips for the Best Hershey's Chocolate Pie:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of your pie. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a richer, less acidic flavor.
- Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a less smooth texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to chill completely is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like fresh berries, chocolate ganache, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
This recipe is a fantastic starting point; feel free to adjust it to your liking. Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious homemade Hershey's Chocolate Pie!
