Hershey’s
Hershey's Baking Chocolate
What it is
This is a bar of unsweetened baking chocolate made by Hershey's. It is a solid block of pure chocolate liquor, which is cocoa solids and cocoa butter combined. It does not contain added sugar, making it very intense and bitter on its own. This product is designed specifically for use in recipes where other sweeteners and flavorings are added to balance its strong chocolate taste. It melts smoothly and incorporates well into batters and doughs.
How people cook with it
Baking chocolate is a fundamental ingredient for creating rich chocolate desserts. It provides the deep chocolate flavor that defines many classic treats.
- Chocolate cakes
- Brownies
- Chocolate frosting
- Hot cocoa
To use this baking chocolate, it is typically melted before being incorporated into other ingredients. You can melt it gently in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternatively, it can be melted in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent scorching. Once melted, it can be whisked into cake batters, folded into brownie mixes, or used as a base for ganaches and frostings. Its unsweetened nature means you will need to add sugar and other flavorings to achieve the desired taste in your finished product.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike sweetened chocolate bars meant for snacking, this baking chocolate is unsweetened, offering a pure, intense cocoa flavor. It contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and cocoa butter, which contributes to its rich taste and smooth melting properties, making it ideal for baking applications where sweetness is controlled by other ingredients.
Who it is for
Home bakers and professional chefs use this ingredient to achieve authentic, deep chocolate flavors in their creations.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its quality, store any unused portion of this baking chocolate in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Ensure it is tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture or other flavors from the environment. Proper storage will help preserve its texture and taste for future baking projects.