Burger King Desserts – Why This Recipe?

As Chef Greeny, I’ve always had a soft spot for fast food desserts. There’s something nostalgic about enjoying a sweet treat after devouring a savory burger and fries. My fascination with Burger King desserts began during my college years when I would reward myself with a chocolate shake after final exams. What started as an occasional indulgence evolved into a culinary curiosity about how these commercial desserts could be recreated at home with a gourmet twist.

Burger King’s dessert menu might not be as extensive as some other fast food chains, but what they offer has a loyal following. From their iconic HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie to their seasonal treats, these desserts have become comfort food for many. In this blog post, I’ll share my insights on Burger King’s most popular desserts, how to recreate them at home, and even how to elevate them with chef-inspired modifications.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of Burger King’s dessert offerings, nutritional information to make informed choices, and delicious homemade versions that might just be better than the originals. Whether you’re a fast food enthusiast or simply curious about recreating commercial favorites, this guide will satisfy your sweet tooth and culinary curiosity.

Burger King Desserts – Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients List

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For our homemade version of the iconic HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie:

• 1 pre-made chocolate cookie crust (9-inch)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup HERSHEY’S® chocolate syrup, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted and cooled
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or additional whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings

Substitution options:

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cookie crust
• Vegan: Substitute with vegan cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free chocolate
• Low-sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate syrup and sugar substitutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the filling base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Combine mixtures: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream.
4. Add chocolate: Divide the mixture in half. To one half, add the chocolate syrup and melted chocolate chips, folding gently until fully combined and the mixture is a uniform chocolate color.
5. Layer the pie: Spread the chocolate mixture evenly in the bottom of the cookie crust. Then carefully spread the white cream mixture on top as the second layer.
6. Add toppings: Drizzle additional chocolate syrup over the top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for that authentic Burger King look.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
8. Serve: Cut into slices and serve cold for the best texture and flavor.

Notes and Tips

• Storage: This homemade version will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture is best within the first 24 hours.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare this pie up to 2 days in advance for parties or gatherings.
• Serving suggestion: For an extra indulgent experience, serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or additional whipped cream.
• Pro tip: For a cleaner slice, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut.

Burger King Desserts – Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

For Original Burger King HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie:

• Calories: (~310)
• Carbohydrates: (34g)
• Protein: (3g)
• Total Fat: (18g)
• Saturated Fat: (9g)
• Unsaturated Fat: (8g)
• Trans Fat: (0g)
• Fiber: (1g)
• Sugar: (23g)
• Cholesterol: (20mg)
• Sodium: (190mg)

For Homemade Version (Per Slice, 1/8 of pie):

• Calories: (~375)
• Carbohydrates: (28g)
• Protein: (4g)
• Total Fat: (26g)
• Saturated Fat: (16g)
• Unsaturated Fat: (9g)
• Trans Fat: (0g)
• Fiber: (1g)
• Sugar: (19g)
• Cholesterol: (75mg)
• Sodium: (160mg)

While the homemade version is slightly higher in calories and fat, it contains less sugar and sodium than the original. Plus, you have control over the ingredients and can make adjustments based on dietary preferences.

Burger King Desserts – History and Cultural Significance

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Burger King introduced desserts to their menu in the 1970s, starting with simple offerings like fruit pies and ice cream. The HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie, which has become one of their signature desserts, was introduced in the 1990s as part of a collaboration with the iconic chocolate brand.

Fast food desserts like those at Burger King represent an interesting cultural phenomenon in American dining. They epitomize the American preference for convenience combined with indulgence – a sweet reward after a quick meal. This concept has spread globally as Burger King expanded internationally, with some regions receiving special dessert items tailored to local tastes.

In countries like Brazil and Mexico, Burger King offers unique desserts like Brigadeiro Pie and Dulce de Leche shakes that aren’t available in the US market. These regional variations reflect how fast food chains adapt their sweet offerings to suit cultural preferences while maintaining brand consistency.

The popularity of these desserts has even spawned a subculture of “copycat” recipes, with food bloggers and enthusiasts around the world attempting to recreate and often improve upon the original recipes. This community shares tips, modifications, and reviews, creating a unique intersection of commercial fast food and home cooking.

Burger King Desserts – Creative Variations

1. Gourmet HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie

Take the classic sundae pie to the next level with these gourmet modifications:

• Add a layer of salted caramel between the chocolate and vanilla layers
• Incorporate espresso powder into the chocolate layer for a mocha flavor
• Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor
• Use a high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) for a more intense flavor

2. Vegan Chocolate Shake

Recreate Burger King’s chocolate shake without any animal products:

• 2 cups dairy-free vanilla ice cream (coconut or almond-based works well)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (check for vegan ingredients)
• 1 tablespoon coconut cream for extra richness
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 frozen banana for extra creaminess

Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve immediately with dairy-free whipped cream on top.

3. Low-Carb Cinnamon Roll

A keto-friendly version of Burger King’s occasional cinnamon roll offering:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar substitute

For the glaze:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

This variation has approximately 5g net carbs per serving compared to the 45g in the original version.

Burger King Desserts – Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I freeze homemade Burger King dessert recreations?

Yes, most homemade versions of Burger King desserts can be frozen, particularly the pie recipes. For best results with the HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie recreation, freeze it before adding the final toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the recipes?

For those who need to avoid heavy cream, several substitutions work well depending on your dietary needs:

• Coconut cream provides a similar richness and will whip up nicely
• Cashew cream works well for a nutty undertone
• Silken tofu blended with a bit of non-dairy milk can work in pie fillings
• Evaporated milk can be whipped as a lighter alternative

How long does it take to prepare these desserts?

Preparation times vary by dessert:

• HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie: 30 minutes active preparation plus 4+ hours chilling time
• Chocolate Shake: 5 minutes
• Cinnamon Roll: 45 minutes preparation plus 20 minutes baking time

The pie requires the least active work but the longest waiting time due to chilling requirements.

Are Burger King desserts made fresh in the restaurant?

Most Burger King desserts are not made fresh in the restaurants. Items like the HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie arrive pre-made and frozen, while soft serve ice cream is made from a mix in the restaurant’s ice cream machine. This is why homemade versions often taste fresher and can be customized to your preferences.

Burger King Desserts – Final Thoughts

Burger King desserts occupy a special place in the fast food landscape – they’re convenient, consistently satisfying, and have developed a loyal following over the years. While the original treats certainly hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet after your Whopper, recreating these desserts at home allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and often results in an even more delicious experience.

The recipes and variations we’ve explored today demonstrate how commercial favorites can inspire homemade creations that elevate the original concept. Whether you’re looking to recreate the exact taste of the HERSHEY’S® Sundae Pie or want to experiment with healthier or more gourmet versions, I hope this guide has given you the tools and inspiration to satisfy your sweet tooth.

I encourage you to try recreating these Burger King desserts at home and make them your own. Add different flavor extracts, experiment with toppings, or adjust the sweetness to your preference. The beauty of homemade versions is that you can tailor them exactly to your taste.

Have you tried recreating any fast food desserts at home? Leave a comment sharing your experience or your favorite Burger King dessert! I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures and any special twists you’ve added to make these treats your own.

For more information about the history of fast food desserts and their cultural impact, check out this Wikipedia article on fast food.