What is Hershey Sundae Pie Made Of? Ingredients, Recipe & Tips

Hershey Sundae Pie is a decadent, mouthwatering dessert beloved by many for its rich chocolate flavor, creamy texture, and delightful crust. But what exactly goes into making this delicious pie? From its luscious chocolate filling to the macaroon crust and fluffy whipped topping, this dessert is an indulgence that both children and adults can’t resist.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore every component that makes the Hershey Sundae Pie a favorite dessert. We’ll delve into the ingredients, the recipe, and the tips to perfect your pie at home. If you’re interested in homemade desserts and curious about what makes Hershey’s chocolate so special, this is the article for you.

Introduction to Hershey Sundae Pie

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Hershey Sundae Pie, you know the combination of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and crunchy cookie crust is pure dessert perfection. Originating from the iconic Hershey brand, the pie is a modern spin on traditional chocolate desserts, offering a sundae-like experience in pie form. It is especially loved for how easy it is to make while maintaining that indulgent flavor we all crave.

The Origin of Hershey Sundae Pie

Though Hershey is best known for its chocolates, the company’s involvement in pies, particularly sundae pies, has gained attention for its simple yet satisfying nature. The Hershey Company has a long-standing tradition of creating chocolate-based products that are not only delicious but easy to make at home. This recipe is a testament to how well Hershey has mastered the art of chocolate desserts.

Want to know more about the Hershey Sundae Pie recipe? You can visit the official Hershey’s Sundae Pie Recipe page to see how Hershey itself crafts this dessert.

What is Hershey Sundae Pie Made Of? Ingredients Breakdown

The secret to the deliciousness of the Hershey Sundae Pie lies in its simple yet effective ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dessert so irresistible:

Macaroon Cookie Crust: This forms the crunchy base of the pie and is typically made from macaroon cookie crumbs, walnuts, and butter. It provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft filling.
Chocolate Filling: The heart of the pie is the chocolate filling made with Hershey’s chocolate syrup, milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and a dash of vanilla extract.
Whipped Topping and Garnishes: To top it off, you have a whipped cream layer combined with garnishes like maraschino cherries and Hershey’s chocolate bar pieces.

Ingredients for Hershey Sundae Pie:

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup Hershey’s chocolate syrup
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetened whipped cream (optional)
Maraschino cherries (optional)
1 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar (optional)

Macaroon Crust: The Base of the Pie

One of the standout features of Hershey Sundae Pie is its macaroon crust, which gives the pie a delightful crunch and balances the creamy filling perfectly. The crust is made with coconut macaroon cookies, walnuts, and melted butter. Once baked, the crust holds the filling together and provides a slightly chewy texture, ensuring each bite is a mix of crunchy and smooth elements.

How to Make the Macaroon Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix together 1-1/4 cups of macaroon cookie crumbs, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup of melted butter in a medium-sized bowl.
Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.
Allow the crust to cool completely before filling it.

The macaroon cookie crust sets the stage for the chocolate filling that will come next.

Chocolate Filling: The Star Ingredient

The chocolate filling is the main attraction of the Hershey Sundae Pie. Its rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor come from the Hershey’s chocolate syrup combined with milk, sugar, and egg yolks. This filling is what gives the pie its signature indulgent flavor.

Steps to Make the Chocolate Filling:

In a medium saucepan, stir together brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the milk and Hershey’s chocolate syrup while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the beaten egg yolks to the mixture and continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and boils.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
Pour the filling into the prepared macaroon crust and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

This filling is not only rich but incredibly smooth, thanks to the combination of Hershey’s syrup and the use of egg yolks.

Whipped Topping and Garnishes

To add the final touch, whipped cream is spread over the pie just before serving. You can also add some delightful garnishes such as maraschino cherries and pieces of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar. The whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense chocolate filling, while the cherries and chocolate pieces provide pops of sweetness and texture.

Nutritional Value of Hershey Sundae Pie

For those curious about how this dessert fits into their diet, here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a single slice of Hershey Sundae Pie (149g serving):

Calories: 370
Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugars: 37g (28g added sugar)
Protein: 5g

While this pie is undeniably indulgent, it’s a treat worth enjoying in moderation.

If you’re looking for more information on the nutritional value of chocolate desserts, Healthline has an excellent resource that breaks down the health aspects of chocolate consumption. You can check it out here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hershey Sundae Pie

Here’s a simple recipe to make your very own Hershey Sundae Pie at home.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cool Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 6-8 hours

Ingredients:

Macaroon crust (see instructions above)
Chocolate filling (see instructions above)
Whipped cream and garnishes (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Crust: Follow the steps to create the macaroon crust and allow it to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Filling: Combine all the ingredients as described in the chocolate filling section and pour it into the cooled crust.
Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the filling to prevent skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for 6-8 hours to allow it to set properly.
Add the Whipped Topping: Just before serving, spread a layer of whipped cream on top and add your garnishes of choice, such as cherries and chocolate pieces.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve!

Tips for Perfecting Your Hershey Sundae Pie

Here are some expert tips to make sure your Hershey Sundae Pie turns out perfectly every time:

Avoid Overcooking the Filling: Cook the chocolate filling just until it boils and thickens. Overcooking can cause it to become too firm.
Use Quality Chocolate: Since Hershey’s syrup is a key ingredient, using a high-quality chocolate syrup ensures that the flavor is rich and authentic.
Refrigeration is Key: Allow the pie to chill for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to give the filling enough time to set and develop its flavor.
Customize the Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or even caramel drizzle for an extra layer of flavor.

Why Hershey’s Chocolate is Ideal for Sundae Pie

The choice of Hershey’s chocolate is not random. Hershey has been a leader in the chocolate industry for decades, and its products are synonymous with quality and flavor. Hershey’s syrup, in particular, is smooth and easy to work with, making it the perfect ingredient for a chocolate pie filling. Its unique flavor profile offers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, ensuring that your sundae pie is as indulgent as possible.

Serving Suggestions for Hershey Sundae Pie

The beauty of Hershey Sundae Pie is that it’s versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Add Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries can add a tart contrast to the richness of the pie.
Serve with Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or espresso pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pie.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftover Hershey Sundae Pie, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. You can also freeze the pie for longer storage. However, be sure to let the pie thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main ingredients in Hershey Sundae Pie?

The main ingredients are a macaroon cookie crust, a creamy chocolate filling made with Hershey’s syrup, and a whipped topping with optional garnishes like cherries and chocolate pieces.

2. Can I make Hershey Sundae Pie without baking?

Yes, you can opt for a no-bake version by using a pre-made cookie crust and simply preparing the chocolate filling on the stovetop.

3. How many calories are in a slice of Hershey Sundae Pie?

One slice of Hershey Sundae Pie contains approximately 370 calories.

4. What is the difference between Hershey Sundae Pie and other chocolate pies?

The main difference is the use of Hershey’s syrup, which gives the pie a distinct flavor and creamy texture that sets it apart from traditional chocolate pies.

5. Can I substitute Hershey’s syrup with another brand?

While you can substitute, using Hershey’s syrup is recommended for an authentic taste. Other syrups may alter the flavor profile.

6. How long does Hershey Sundae Pie last in the fridge?

The pie can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored.

7. What other toppings go well with Hershey Sundae Pie?

You can add caramel drizzle, crushed nuts, fresh berries, or even cookie crumbles for extra flavor and texture.

8. Is Hershey Sundae Pie gluten-free?

The pie is not inherently gluten-free due to the use of macaroon cookie crumbs. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cookies for the crust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hershey Sundae Pie is a delicious, rich dessert that combines the best elements of a pie and a sundae. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit. With its macaroon crust, chocolate filling, and light whipped topping, it’s an easy yet indulgent dessert anyone can enjoy.

So, why not give it a try? You can follow this recipe or explore more variations on the official Hershey recipe page. Happy baking!