If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate fix, look no further than Hot Fudge Pie. This classic American dessert is equal parts decadence and comfort, featuring a rich, gooey center that teeters between brownie and molten lava cake. The crackly, sugar-crusted top gives way to a fudgy, warm middle that’s impossible to resist, especially when paired with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. Hot Fudge Pie is a celebration cake for chocoholics and a weeknight staple for anyone craving something a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hot Fudge Pie is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create magic. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing to the soft chew, glossy finish, and pure chocolate bliss of every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter is the first step to achieving a luxurious, fudgy base.
- Granulated Sugar: Not only sweetens but also helps the classic crackly top to form.
- Large Eggs: They give the pie structure and that irresistible tenderness in the center.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor—use a good quality cocoa for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to hold the pie together without losing that gooey texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash amplifies the chocolate and adds aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and highlighting the richness of the chocolate.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan—this ensures the Hot Fudge Pie releases like a dream and helps develop those golden, crispy edges everyone fights over.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, allow the unsalted butter to melt gently. You’re aiming for silky smooth texture here; avoid browning the butter so the chocolate flavor stays front and center.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugar and Eggs
Once the butter is melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and crack in the eggs. Whisk everything together until the mixture turns satiny and lightens ever so slightly in color.
Step 4: Add Cocoa, Flour, Vanilla, and Salt
Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and flour to eliminate any lumps, then splash in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Stir—or whisk—until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, like the richest hot fudge you can imagine.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Pan and Bake
Pour the fudge batter into the prepared pie pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be set, but don’t overbake—the center should still look slightly gooey for that signature Hot Fudge Pie meltiness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes so it sets just enough to slice, but stays warm and irresistible. The gooey center firms up as it cools, so dig in while it’s still warm for the ultimate chocolate experience.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pie
Garnishes
Elevate each slice by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mountain of freshly whipped cream. For extra flair, sprinkle hot fudge sauce, chocolate shavings, or a handful of toasted nuts right before serving—the contrast of temperatures and textures is simply divine.
Side Dishes
Hot Fudge Pie is rich enough to command the spotlight, but for an extra-special dessert plate, pair it with fresh berries or a cooling fruit salad. A light espresso or cappuccino on the side also brilliantly balances all that chocolate goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Hot Fudge Pie into mini desserts by baking in ramekins for individual servings or turn slices into an over-the-top sundae bar, with bowls of toppings like crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or candied pecans. You’ll be the host everyone raves about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the pie pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture becomes a tad denser but remains deliciously fudgy and sweet.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the cooled Hot Fudge Pie into slices and wrap them individually in plastic wrap before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and can be thawed at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds until warm and gooey—the chocolate comes alive all over again. Or, heat slices in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes to enjoy the classic crust and melty center.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Fudge Pie gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend. The texture stays decadent and fudgy, with virtually no difference in flavor.
Should I use Dutch-process or natural cocoa?
Both work, but natural unsweetened cocoa powder gives the pie a deeper, more classic cocoa punch. Dutch-process will make it a bit sweeter and darker—either way, you’ll end up with an amazing Hot Fudge Pie.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely! Since the steps are so simple—mostly stirring and pouring—Hot Fudge Pie is a wonderful recipe for little hands (with adult supervision for melting and baking, of course).
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Go for it! Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or even bits of toffee can be added for crunch and extra indulgence. Fold them in after mixing the batter, just before baking.
How can I tell when Hot Fudge Pie is done baking?
The edges will look set and pull just slightly from the pan, while the center should still jiggle a bit when gently shaken. This perfect balance ensures the gooey chocolate experience Hot Fudge Pie is famous for.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking and sharing Hot Fudge Pie with your favorite people. It’s the sort of dessert that turns any night into a celebration, and once you try it, I promise it’ll become a treasured recipe in your kitchen too.
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Hot Fudge Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Fudge Pie is a decadent and gooey chocolate dessert that is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. This rich pie is best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect indulgence.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan.
- Melt butter and mix ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pie pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
Notes
- Hot Fudge Pie is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra richness.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for that freshly-baked texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
