Hot Fudge Pie Recipe
If you’ve never indulged in a slice of Hot Fudge Pie, you’re in for a treat that’s as rich and comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day. This decadent dessert brings together the best of brownies and classic fudge pie: a crisp, delicately crackled top, a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center, and that deep chocolate flavor we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) crave. With a quick prep and a handful of pantry staples, Hot Fudge Pie is the ultimate answer for last-minute gatherings, family celebrations, or any time your sweet tooth calls out for something extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hot Fudge Pie lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in creating that irresistible fudgy finish. These are honest, everyday essentials, each chosen to deliver a flawless balance of sweetness, richness, and that hint of nostalgia baked into every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): The backbone of gooey richness, it melds with chocolate and sugar for that signature fudgy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the pie and helps achieve those beautifully crackled edges you dream about in a chocolate pie.
- Large Eggs (2): Not only bind everything together but also provide structure and give the pie its custardy, soft middle.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Just enough to hold things together without making the pie cakey—this keeps it true to its fudgy nature.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup): Delivers pure chocolate depth; be sure to use a good quality cocoa for the very best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolatey notes and rounds out the sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sugar and chocolate, making every bite pop with flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts take this pie over the top—these finishing touches add contrast and excitement each time you serve.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pie
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—getting the temperature just right is crucial for that perfect gooey center. While the oven heats up, grease a 9-inch pie dish to make sure you can easily slide out each glorious slice of Hot Fudge Pie without any sticky surprises.
Step 2: Whisk Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glistening. This sets the foundation for a fudgy filling—mixing these two well helps create that signature top crust and chewy texture everyone falls in love with.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, giving the batter a good whisk after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step is all about building richness and ensuring the pie rises just enough to deliver a custardy, tender bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. By blending these dry ingredients first, you’ll avoid any lumps and ensure an even chocolate flavor throughout the pie. This little step makes a big difference in the final texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry, Then Pour
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your Hot Fudge Pie fudgy, not cakey. Pour the silky batter into your greased pie dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake (but Don’t Overbake!)
Slide your pie dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sides are set but the center still jiggles just a bit. This gooey core is what makes Hot Fudge Pie so unforgettable. Let the pie cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—it sets up slightly and becomes even more delicious.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pie
Garnishes
Classic never goes out of style with Hot Fudge Pie, so a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts are all you need to elevate this dessert even further. Each garnish adds its own flair, whether it’s creamy contrast, airy decadence, or a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
Pairing Hot Fudge Pie with something light is key. Fresh berries bring a refreshing pop of tartness, or try a citrusy fruit salad on the side. If you’re really channeling that diner or bistro spirit, brew up a pot of strong coffee or serve some cold milk for the ultimate treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the pie into small squares and serving them in mini cupcake liners as bite-sized nibbles at parties. Or, transform scoops of warm pie into a “sundae bar”—let everyone choose their favorite ice cream and toppings. However you serve it, Hot Fudge Pie is always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there’s any pie left (that’s a big “if”), cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator—it’ll stay fudgy and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Hot Fudge Pie. Once it’s completely cool, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or overnight in the fridge, before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked magic, gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If you’re heating several pieces, an oven set to 300°F for about 10 minutes does the trick. Warmed-up Hot Fudge Pie is perfect for activating that gooey center again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch! Just omit the extra salt in the recipe to keep the flavors balanced. The results will still be irresistibly decadent.
Will the center really stay gooey even after it cools?
Absolutely! The beauty of Hot Fudge Pie is that, if you avoid overbaking, the middle remains wonderfully gooey, with a satisfying chew around the edges. Even as it cools, the fudgy center is delightfully soft and chocolatey.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee bits right before baking. These extras will make every slice of Hot Fudge Pie uniquely yours.
What’s the best kind of cocoa powder to use?
Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa will give you a darker, smoother pie, but natural cocoa works just as well for a classic taste.
Is this recipe easy to double for a crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and split the batter between two pie dishes, or use a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time slightly if making a larger pie—watch for those classic gooey cues in the center.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a special occasion to make Hot Fudge Pie, but it’s sure to turn any day into a celebration. This recipe is pure chocolate joy, easy enough for a weeknight indulgence and memorable enough for holidays. I can’t wait for you to share this classic treat with your family and friends—for many, it just might become your new go-to, too!
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Hot Fudge Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Hot Fudge Pie, a rich and gooey chocolate dessert that’s a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix butter and sugar: Whisk together melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs and flavor: Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Blend wet and dry: Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Bake: Pour batter into a greased pie dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving with optional toppings.
Notes
- For a more decadent pie, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Do not overbake; the pie should be gooey in the center.
- Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
