Need Answer On Cocoa Quick Please

Decorating By Lenette Updated 24 Apr 2007 , 12:37pm by Lenette

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Lenette Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 1:33pm
post #1 of 10

I am all out of dutch process cocoa, has anyone used the Hershey's special dark cocoa? It's all I have on hand. I hate subbing for my tried and true ingredients. TIA for any help!

9 replies
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mom2seven Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 1:43pm
post #2 of 10

I have not but found this info online........

If a recipe calls for Dutch Process Cocoa Powder and you use Natural: add liquid to formula. Adjust leavening by increasing baking soda levels and/or reduce other acidic ingredients. For instance, if your recipe uses Dutch process cocoa powder and you switch to Natural, adjust the 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. It will help round the cocoa's flavor. But, it does not mean the recipe will work automatically - you have to test it to see if the adjustment in leaveners and the new cocoa powder works.
Cocoa can easily replace unsweetened baking chocolate. The standard conversion is to use 3 tablespoons cocoa + 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil to equal one square of baking chocolate.

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BlakesCakes Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 5:36pm
post #3 of 10

As I read the can and the website, Hershey's Special Dark is Dutch Process, so I don't see the need to alter any recipes.

I've used it as and addition to chocolate cakes and I like it alot.

Rae

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smbegg Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 5:43pm
post #4 of 10

I have always interchanges them and not had a problem.

Stephanie

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mom2seven Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 5:44pm
post #5 of 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlakesCakes

As I read the can and the website, Hershey's Special Dark is Dutch Process, so I don't see the need to alter any recipes.

I've used it as and addition to chocolate cakes and I like it alot.

Rae




Here is what Hershey's web site says -
HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
A premium cocoa that adds rich chocolate flavor to any recipe. Crafted using a special blend of natural and dutched cocoas, the smooth and sophisticated taste will intensify and enrich your desserts.

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step0nmi Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 5:51pm
post #6 of 10

Oh yes! How I LOVE dark chocolate cocoa!!! It has the best flavor. But, there are two different types I noticed just last night. One is the dutch cocoa that uses dark choc. and I think its just like regular cocoa. But, one is a SPECIAL Dark! This will make your frosting color just like a dark choc. candy color. IF you are not wanting that, just add a little at at time till you get what you like...that's what I did! All the more to taste!!

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BlakesCakes Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 6:04pm
post #7 of 10

Looks like Hershey's may have more than one Dark Cocoa product. The one I have is in the right hand photo in this link. The upper banner says, "Dutch Processed". Maybe it's a battle of the percentages and then I don't know how you'd decide to "compensate". As for me, it doesn't seem to have mattered.

http://www.hersheys.com/products/details/cocoa.asp?id=3763-2015

Rae

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mom2seven Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 6:22pm
post #8 of 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlakesCakes

Looks like Hershey's may have more than one Dark Cocoa product. The one I have is in the right hand photo in this link. The upper banner says, "Dutch Processed". Maybe it's a battle of the percentages and then I don't know how you'd decide to "compensate". As for me, it doesn't seem to have mattered.

http://www.hersheys.com/products/details/cocoa.asp?id=3763-2015

Rae




I would think as long as it's a percentage that it wouldn't matter in a cake. Right?!?!

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BlakesCakes Posted 19 Apr 2007 , 6:29pm
post #9 of 10

Probably wouldn't matter much.

I guess in large quantities, it could affect taste and moistness, but most cake recipes don't require a lot when compared to the other ingredients.

Rae

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Lenette Posted 24 Apr 2007 , 12:37pm
post #10 of 10

I just want to thank everyone for their replies. I did use the Special Dark cocoa and it is VERY dark. The cake had the color of oreos. As for taste, I do prefer the cocoa I normally use but it worked in a pinch. icon_wink.gif

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