Are you craving a rich, intensely chocolatey dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Hershey Chocolate Pie recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s a classic for a reason – the deep chocolate flavor, the creamy texture, and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness make it a crowd-pleaser every time. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, offering a delicious homemade dessert without the fuss. Whether you need a quick dessert for a weeknight treat or a show-stopping finale for a special occasion, this Hershey Chocolate Pie is sure to impress. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (6 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (Hershey's is preferred!)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and milk.
- Stir constantly until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding the whipped cream.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble and Chill:
- Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust: Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular graham crackers.
- Add a touch of flair: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top before chilling.
- Make it boozy: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite liqueur (like Kahlúa or Baileys) to the filling for an adult twist.
- Customize your sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the crust or the type of chocolate chips to suit your preference.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 40-50g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Hershey Chocolate Pie is a truly delightful dessert – easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy every bite!