Mexican Cocoa Torte

Four yummy layers of cinnamon and mocha-flavored pastry are filled and topped with fluffy cocoa whipped cream and garnished with mini chocolate chips.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1/2 cup strong coffee
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (11-ounce) package pie crust mix
2 cups cold whipping cream
HERSHEY'S MINI CHIPS Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (garnish)

Cooking Directions:

1. In small saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, coffee, shortening and cinnamon. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy. Cool to room temperature.
2. Stir together pie crust mix and 3/4 cup of the cocoa mixture, blending well. Shape into smooth ball; refrigerate 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with foil; mark two 8-inch circles on each.
4. Cut pastry ball into 4 pieces; form each into small ball. Place balls of pastry on foil; press with fingers into marked circles.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost set; cool on cookie sheets.
6. In small bowl, combine whipping cream and remaining cocoa mixture; beat until stiff.
7. Place one pastry round on serving plate; spread with one-fourth whipped cream mixture. Repeat layering with remaining three rounds and whipped cream mixture, ending with whipped cream. Refrigerate several hours; cut in wedges to serve.
8. Garnish with small chocolate chips.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the Hershey Kitchens, and reprinted with permission of The Hershey Company. © The Hershey Company.