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Hershey’s Easy Pizza Brownie: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

I remember the first time I made this brownie pizza. It was at a sleepover in middle school, and we were attempting to recreate something we’d seen in a magazine. Our version, naturally, involved copious amounts of sprinkles, melted chocolate, and a whole lot of giggling. The final result was far from perfect, but the joy of creating (and devouring) that sugary masterpiece is a memory I cherish. To this day, the aroma of baking brownies instantly transports me back to that carefree night, and this easy recipe allows me to relive a little bit of that magic.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Yield: 1 pizza brownie
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

¾ cup margarine, melted
1 ½ cups sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
½ cup cocoa
¾ cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Your favorite toppings: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, coconut, toffee bits, caramel bits, cherries, etc.

Equipment Needed

Pizza pan
Mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking and prevents the brownie from becoming overly dry or undercooked.
Generously grease your pizza pan. This will ensure the brownie doesn’t stick and that you can easily remove it once it’s cooled. You can use butter, margarine, or cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted margarine and sugar. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of your brownie, so ensure the sugar is properly incorporated.
Add the vanilla and eggs. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the brownie.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistent texture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough brownie. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Pour the batter onto the greased pizza pan and spread it evenly. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the brownie springs back lightly when touched. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness. An inserted toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Remove the brownie from the oven and let it cool slightly.
While the brownie is still warm, sprinkle your favorite toppings on top. Get creative! Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, coconut, toffee bits, caramel bits, cherries – the possibilities are endless. Press the toppings gently into the warm brownie so they adhere well.
Let the brownie cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the brownie to firm up and make it easier to cut into neat slices.
ENJOY!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a fudgier brownie, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
For a cakier brownie, add an extra egg to the batter.
To prevent the brownie from sticking to the pan, line the pizza pan with parchment paper before greasing it. Leave an overhang of paper on the sides to easily lift the brownie.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Toast the coconut flakes before adding them as a topping for a nutty flavor and crunch.
If you don’t have a pizza pan, you can use a baking sheet, but you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Make it ahead: The brownie can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Add the toppings just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Hershey’s Easy Pizza Brownie warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a delicious addition. You can also drizzle it with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. The brownie will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave individual slices for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	389.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	45%
Total Fat	19.5 g	30%
Saturated Fat	3.6 g	17%
Cholesterol	79.3 mg	26%
Sodium	394 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	49.9 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	37.7 g	150%
Protein	4.8 g	9%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for binding.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free margarine and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nut-Free: Omit the peanut butter chips and toffee bits. Use other toppings like sprinkles, coconut flakes, or dried fruit.
Vegan: Replace the margarine with a vegan butter alternative, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use vegan chocolate chips.
Spiced Brownie: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Peppermint Brownie: Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed peppermint candies.
S’mores Brownie: Top with marshmallows and graham cracker pieces during the last few minutes of baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use butter instead of margarine?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. Butter will give the brownie a richer flavor.

Q: How do I know when the brownie is done?
A: The brownie is done when it springs back lightly when touched and an inserted toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this will make the brownie dry.

Q: Can I add nuts to the batter?
A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be delicious additions to this brownie.

Q: Can I freeze the brownie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the brownie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have a pizza pan?
A: If you don’t have a pizza pan, you can use a baking sheet. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Hershey’s Easy Pizza Brownie is more than just a dessert; it’s a blank canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, or simply a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to deliver. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a sweet masterpiece that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors – the only limit is your imagination. And most importantly, have fun! Share your creations and feedback; I’d love to hear about your own unique twists on this classic recipe. Perhaps pair it with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Happy baking!

Hershey’s Easy Pizza Brownie Recipe