Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe with Rich and Smooth Filling

Why You’ll Love This Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie

Imagine creating a dessert that wows your family and friends without much fuss. This Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie stands out as an easy favorite. You’ll find it ready in no time, making it perfect for busy days.

One of the best parts is how simple the steps are, using basic ingredients to build layers of creamy delight. It’s not just tasty; it also offers ways to tweak it for different tastes, like adding a bit of variety with related recipes such as no-bake chocolate treats. Plus, the rich, smooth filling brings back happy memories of gatherings around the table.

This pie shines because it’s adaptable for everyone. Whether you’re short on time or want to try healthier swaps, it fits right in. Dive into making it and see why it’s become a go-to choice.

Essential Ingredients for Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie

Let’s break down the key items that make this pie so wonderful. Every ingredient plays a role in creating that dreamy texture and taste. To keep things clear, I’ll list them out just as they are needed.

Crust Ingredients

• 30 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
• 6 tablespoons melted butter

Vanilla Cream Layer Ingredients

• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Cream Layer Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (regular or chocolate)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces whipped topping

Whipped Cream Topping Ingredients (Choose One Option)

• Option 1 (Homemade):
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Option 2 (Whipped Topping):
  • Sufficient whipped topping
• Garnish:
  • ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

This structured list ensures you have everything measured out just right. Don’t skip any item, as each one helps build the pie’s layers perfectly. If you’re exploring other desserts, check out chocolate cake options for more ideas.

How to Prepare the Perfect Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with this Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie is a breeze. First, gather and prepare all ingredients, ensuring the milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and vanilla extract are measured accurately. This sets you up for success right away.

Next, in a medium saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and cornstarch to combine the dry ingredients smoothly. Then, gradually add cold milk to the dry mix while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 7-10 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.

Pour the chocolate filling into a prebaked crust evenly and refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Finally, garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings before serving, adapting toppings as preferred.

To make it even easier, follow these directions closely:

1. Prepare Crust: Finely crush the chocolate sandwich cookies. Combine with melted butter and press evenly into a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Chill in the refrigerator.
2. Make Chocolate Pudding: In a saucepan over low-medium heat, combine milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir constantly every 30 seconds until thickened. Remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally.
3. Make Vanilla Cream Layer: Beat softened cream cheese and 8 ounces whipped topping until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Spread evenly over the chilled crust. Refrigerate.
4. Assemble Chocolate Layer: Gently fold the chilled chocolate pudding with the remaining 8 ounces whipped topping until smooth. Spread or pipe this mixture over the vanilla layer in the pie.
5. Make Whipped Cream Topping: If homemade, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe rosettes around the pie edge if desired. Otherwise, use sufficient whipped topping to cover the top.
6. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top and optionally drizzle with melted chocolate. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Preparation time adds up like this:

With these steps, you’ll have a pie that’s sure to impress. Remember, tips like using a piping bag can make layering neat and fun.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie

Making this pie work for your needs is simple and rewarding. Substitute whole milk with plant-based milks such as soy, almond, or oat to handle lactose intolerance or vegan diets.

Use arrowroot or tapioca starch as an alternative to cornstarch for thickening, which keeps things smooth. For a fresh twist, try flavored extracts like mint or orange, or go for dairy-free toppings and nut-based crusts.

Seasonal fruit toppings can add a burst of flavor too. These changes let everyone enjoy the pie without worry, keeping the classic taste intact.

Mastering Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some pro techniques to elevate your baking game. Temper the chocolate and milk mixture to achieve a silky smooth texture, and use a double boiler to control heat precisely and prevent scorching.

Flavor variations are endless add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor or incorporate a hint of chili powder for a spicy note. For presentation, garnish with fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder to make it look as good as it tastes.

Make-ahead options help on busy days; prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble before serving. Here are some quick tips to remember:

• Use instant pudding mix and whipped topping to save time.
• A piping bag makes for neat layering.
• Clean your knife with warm water for perfect slices.
• Substitute chocolate milk to intensify flavor.
• Opt for gluten-free cookies for a safe version.
• Try a graham cracker crust if you want something different.
• Whipped topping works well instead of heavy cream.
• Add instant vanilla pudding mix to whipped cream for stability.

This approach turns a simple recipe into something truly special. For more inspiration, think about how these tips apply to other desserts.

How to Store Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie: Best Practices

Keeping your pie fresh is key to enjoying its creamy goodness. Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

For longer storage, freeze the pie wrapped tightly in plastic and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so skip reheating to keep the texture just right.

Meal prep ideas include making individual portions for easy grab-and-go treats. This way, you can savor the pie whenever you like without any hassle.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie

Hershey Chocolate Cream Pie

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🍫 Indulge in the rich and smooth flavors of this Chocolate Cream Pie, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
🍰 This layered dessert combines creamy vanilla and chocolate fillings with a crunchy cookie crust for a delightful treat.

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Ingredients

– 30 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed

– 6 tablespoons melted butter

– 4 ounces softened cream cheese

– 8 ounces whipped topping

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 cups milk (regular or chocolate)

– ½ cup granulated sugar

– ¼ cup cocoa powder

– 3 tablespoons cornstarch

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 8 ounces whipped topping

– 1 cup heavy whipping cream

– ¼ cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– Sufficient whipped topping

– ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

1-Prepare Crust: Finely crush the chocolate sandwich cookies. Combine with melted butter and press evenly into a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Chill in the refrigerator.

2-Make Chocolate Pudding: In a saucepan over low-medium heat, combine milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir constantly every 30 seconds until thickened. Remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally.

3-Make Vanilla Cream Layer: Beat softened cream cheese and 8 ounces whipped topping until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Spread evenly over the chilled crust. Refrigerate.

4-Assemble Chocolate Layer: Gently fold the chilled chocolate pudding with the remaining 8 ounces whipped topping until smooth. Spread or pipe this mixture over the vanilla layer in the pie.

5-Make Whipped Cream Topping: If homemade, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe rosettes around the pie edge if desired. Otherwise, use sufficient whipped topping to cover the top.

6-Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top and optionally drizzle with melted chocolate. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

🎂 Use instant pudding mix and whipped topping to save time when making the chocolate layer.
🍴 Clean your knife with warm water between cuts for neat and perfect slices.
🌟 Substitute chocolate milk for regular milk to intensify the chocolate flavor in the pudding.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilling, Mixing, Whipping
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice

Keywords: Chocolate cream pie, Smooth chocolate pie, Creamy dessert, Layered chocolate pie