If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s pure chocolate bliss with minimal effort, Hot Fudge Pie is about to become your new favorite obsession. Imagine a decadent, gooey chocolate center surrounded by a delicately crisp top, all mingling with rich, buttery undertones. This classic, humble pie delivers an irresistible experience somewhere between brownies and molten chocolate cake. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, Hot Fudge Pie is the fast, fuss-free way to satisfy any chocolate craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to make something truly magical. Each component plays a crucial role—providing structure, flavor, or that unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Delivers richness and ensures the signature fudgy texture in every bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create the pie’s beautiful crackly top crust.
- Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moistness, yielding a tender, lush crumb.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The hero behind the deep chocolate flavor—choose a good quality for maximum impact.
- All-Purpose Flour: A little goes a long way; just enough to hold the pie together without losing that gooey center.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolatey notes and adds warm, aromatic undertones.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into balance and helps highlight the chocolate.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite 9-inch pie dish and give it a light coating with butter or a mist of nonstick cooking spray. This simple step makes serving (and cleanup) a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until they’re fully combined. This creates the sweet, buttery base that makes Hot Fudge Pie outrageously delicious and ensures that signature crackle on top.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Crack in the eggs one by one, whisking well after each addition. You want everything fully incorporated for a smooth, glossy batter. The eggs help give the pie lift and contribute to its luscious, gooey middle.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix just until the batter is smooth—don’t overdo it! This ensures your Hot Fudge Pie stays tender and fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the silky batter into your prepared pie dish and use a spatula to level it out. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes—just until the top is set, but the center still looks slightly underbaked. That’s the secret to the pie’s irresistible gooeyness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before diving in. This short cooling time allows the decadent center to firm up just enough for neat slices, while still keeping its molten heart. Serve warm for the ultimate Hot Fudge Pie experience!
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pie
Garnishes
This pie is a canvas for your creativity! A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream is heavenly—the creamy coldness against the warm chocolate is unbeatable. Try a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of warm caramel or extra fudge sauce if you’re feeling bold.
Side Dishes
Because Hot Fudge Pie is so rich, keep the sides simple. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a pop of tart brightness, while a small glass of cold milk or a shot of espresso balances out the intense chocolate without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual wedges in pretty ramekins or teacups and garnish each one as you please. Or, cut the pie into small bars for bite-size treats at a dessert buffet. You can even stack slices with alternate scoops of ice cream for a decadent chocolate “shortcake” spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to five days—just bring slices to room temp or warm before serving for best results.
Freezing
Hot Fudge Pie freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If reheating the whole pie, cover loosely with foil and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just omit the added salt in the recipe if using salted butter. The pie will still deliver the same wonderful fudgy flavor with a touch more depth.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely—this is your Hot Fudge Pie, after all! Stir in up to half a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts before pouring the batter into the pie dish for some extra texture and bursts of chocolate or crunch.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Go for a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder, either natural or Dutch-processed. Dutch-processed gives a deeper color and slightly smoother flavor, but both work beautifully in this pie.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The top should look set and slightly crackled, but a little jiggle in the center is ideal—this ensures that gorgeously gooey texture. If you prefer a firmer pie, give it an extra five minutes in the oven.
Is Hot Fudge Pie gluten-free?
As written, it’s not, but you can try swapping the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend for a similar result. The texture may change slightly, but the chocolate flavor will still shine.
Final Thoughts
If decadence had a name, it would be Hot Fudge Pie. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, serving it for a holiday, or just treating yourself after a long day, I can’t recommend this pie enough. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic—the chocolatey comfort and gooey richness will win you over every time!
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Hot Fudge Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent richness of Hot Fudge Pie, a delightful chocolate dessert that’s gooey on the inside and perfectly satisfying. This easy-to-make pie is a sure crowd-pleaser, especially when served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined.
- Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set on top and slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- This pie is best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel.
- For a firmer texture, bake an extra 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
