Hershey's
Hershey's Baking Chocolate
What it is
This is unsweetened baking chocolate, a fundamental ingredient for creating rich and intense chocolate flavors in a variety of baked goods and desserts. It is made from 100% cacao, meaning it contains no added sugar, which allows for a pure and potent chocolate taste. Its solid form makes it easy to measure and incorporate into recipes where a deep chocolate essence is desired.
How people cook with it
Baking chocolate is a versatile ingredient that forms the backbone of many classic chocolate recipes.
- Chocolate cakes
- Brownies
- Chocolate frosting
- Hot cocoa
To use, this baking chocolate is typically melted. It can be melted gently over a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Once melted, it can be incorporated into batters, doughs, or used as a base for sauces and glazes. For recipes that call for cocoa powder, this solid form can be a substitute, though adjustments to sugar and fat content may be necessary to achieve the desired texture and sweetness.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike sweetened chocolate or chocolate chips, unsweetened baking chocolate has a very bitter and intense flavor due to the absence of sugar. This makes it ideal for recipes where you want to control the sweetness level precisely or achieve a profound chocolate profile.
Who it is for
Home bakers and professional chefs alike use this to achieve authentic chocolate flavors.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its quality, store any unused portion in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Proper storage will prevent it from becoming stale or absorbing unwanted flavors.