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The Kitchen Table

Best cocoa for baking

15 years ago

For years, I have been using Droste's cocoa when I bake the family's favorite chocolate cake, and it makes such a huge difference. If you are baking something chocolate that uses cocoa powder, don't use the Hershey's cocoa. Try the Droste's, and you will be amazed. Sometimes the grocery store sells it with the other cocoas, but usually I find it with the foreign and gourmet foods.

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Comments (14)

Granlan_TX
15 years ago
I've never heard of Droste's, but did discover I prefer Nestle's over Hershey's for brownies, cakes, etc.

Thanks for the info. about another choice in cocoa powder.
iowagirl2006
15 years ago
They don't carry that around here - but I use Ghirardelli and it is wonderful. I used to use Hersheys - but the Ghirardelli is so much better.
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wildchild
15 years ago
Actually Drostes is not the same as Hersheys for a reason. Drostes is a Dutch processed cocoa while Hersheys is a natural cocoa powder.

Dutch processed is alkalized which gives it a more delicate flavor. Natural cocoa is far more intense and slightly bitter.

Both have their place in baking and neither is really superior to the other since they serve different purposes.

Natural cocoa is used in recipes calling for baking soda. Baking soda is alkaline and since Dutch processed already had been alkalized adding baking soda could mess up the recipe.

Ghirardelli is not Dutch processed so is a fine substitute for Hersheys.
carla35
15 years ago
I don't think I can remember all that. So, what boxed brownie mix is best? :-)
sheilajoyce_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
No, the Droste's is a much more intense chocolate flavor than the Hershey's by far. And our favorite chocolate cake uses the baking soda too, and it works out just great. Such a deep, dark color and flavor!
azzalea
15 years ago
I really think it depends upon what you've grown up with. I've tried Dutch Process cocoa and found the taste flat, and the products made with it much drier than the same recipe made with Hershey's. I'm well aware that purists prefer Dutch Process, but I'm used to the Hershey's and prefer it's taste. But that's why there are choices at the supermarket--so we can each get the products we like best.
LuAnn_in_PA
15 years ago
"I've tried Dutch Process cocoa and found the taste flat, and the products made with it much drier than the same recipe made with Hershey's."

I agree!
wildchild
15 years ago
My previous post is based on facts not opinion. Cooking is science and chemistry. Both types of cocoa have their place. they are not freely interchangeable whenever baking soda is part of a recipe. They are sometimes interchangable when baking powder is an ingredient. But baking powder is more acidic and also contains some baking soda so it may or may not turn out as well.
glenda_al
15 years ago
My family and I enjoy my brownies made with Hershey's.
Not scientific, just down right good. My opinion and sticking to it.
sheilajoyce_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
Gosh, I thought I was sharing something yummy with everyone. I have used Droste's cocoa for our family birthday cake (everyone likes the same recipe) for over 30 years, and the recipe uses baking soda. Once I made the cake with Hershey's, and what a disappointment -- it was paler in color and no where near as chocolatey in taste. I wasn't trying to give anyone a bum recommendation, honest. I thought I was being nice in sharing something we love at our house. Heck, I even baked and mailed the cake to my kids when they were away at college and to the youngest, who lives in NYC, as recently as this week. I can only recommend Droste's and no other cocoa.
liz
15 years ago
Carla...I'm right there with you...LOL..I prefer the ghiradelli boxed brownies...they are to die for...but it's been months since I've baked them...

I keep Hershey's cocoa around for my chili...

Sheila...I appreciate your recommendation...I'll look for some Droste next time I'm at Whole...I want to try and make my Mom's homemade chocolate pie for family reunion in July and I want it to be OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!! (my sister thinks she cooks like Mom the best...I'll show her...LOL)
joyfulguy
15 years ago
Fry's.

ole joyful
nizza
15 years ago
Sheila, I would love to have the recipe for your chocolate cake. If you don't mind sharing. If you do no hard feelings. My MIL loves chocolate cake and I made a choc cake for her birthday, but, I didn't think it was really good. So, I would love to try and make yours for her. Thanks!
marie_ndcal
15 years ago
Where can you get Drostes' brand? Sounds great and thanks for sharing. Each of us has our own favorites but it is good to share ideas. What is popular in one area is a complete unknown in another. That is what makes life interesting.

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