Are you craving a rich, chocolatey dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Hershey's Chocolate Pie recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth. It's a classic for a reason – the intensely chocolatey filling, the flaky crust, and the effortless preparation make it a winner for both beginner bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make homemade pie! This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals (with a few tweaks!), or simply a delicious dish to enjoy any time.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 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 cup Hershey's chocolate chips
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 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 for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cook the mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
- Stir in chocolate chips: Remove from heat and stir in the Hershey's chocolate chips until melted and completely incorporated.
- Pour and chill: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Tips for the Best Hershey's Pie:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: For the richest chocolate flavor, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Don't overbake the crust: Overbaking can result in a tough crust. Keep a close eye on it while it's baking.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to chill completely ensures a set filling and prevents a runny mess.
Variations:
- Add a touch of coffee: For a more intense chocolate flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee to the filling.
- Top with whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Use different chocolate: Experiment with other types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to customize the flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This Hershey's Chocolate Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver incredible results. Enjoy this simple yet decadent dessert, perfect for any occasion! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire of best recipes.