Hot Fudge Pie – Rich, Gooey, and Easy to Make

If you’re craving a rich, chocolatey dessert that comes together with minimal effort, this Hot Fudge Pie is exactly what you need. With its gooey, molten center and slightly crisp top, it’s like a brownie and a fudge cake had the most indulgent baby. Made with just a few simple pantry staples like cocoa powder, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—this pie delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold the next day, every bite melts in your mouth. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight treats, dinner parties, or anytime you’re in the mood for chocolate comfort.

Best of all, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a go-to for leftovers (if there are any!). No fancy equipment or complicated steps just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

this RECIPE

Instructions

Serve warm for a molten center, or let it cool for a firmer texture. Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Cream the butter and sugar in a medium bowl using an electric mixer or whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 2–3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Incorporate the dry ingredients. Add the cocoa powder and salt into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.

Fold in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the pie’s texture fudgy and soft.

Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. The batter will be thick.

Bake the pie for 25–30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still look slightly underbaked and jiggly—this ensures the gooey, fudge-like center.

Let the pie cool for about 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the texture to set.

Notes

• For extra indulgence, toss in a handful of chocolate chips before baking.
• Don’t overbake this pie is meant to be gooey in the middle!
• Easily made a day ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs blend more smoothly, creating a better batter texture and ensuring an even bake.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher pie instead of that rich, gooey center we all crave.
• Check Early: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking your pie at 25 minutes. You want the top to look set and slightly crisp, but the center should still be soft and fudgy. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs don’t wait for it to come out clean.
• Serve Warm: This pie is best served warm, ideally 10–15 minutes after baking. The center will be rich and molten-like. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dreamy dessert experience.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can bake the pie ahead of time and gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that melty fudge texture.
• Customize It: Want to jazz it up? Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before baking.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4. Reheat slightly before serving to restore its gooey glory.

Conservation and Storage

To keep your Hot Fudge Pie tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once the pie has cooled completely, you can cover it loosely with foil, plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container.

• Room Temperature: If you’re planning to enjoy the pie within 1–2 days, it’s perfectly fine to store it at room temperature. Just keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Cover it to prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to 4–5 days. Wrap it tightly or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore that gooey texture.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Hot Fudge Pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slightly before enjoying.
• Reheating Tips: For the best flavor and texture, reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5–8 minutes. This brings back that signature fudgy warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Fudge Pie is a decadent treat that shines all on its own but pairing it with the right sides and toppings takes it to the next level of indulgence.

• Classic & Cozy: Serve warm slices straight from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold and hot is pure dessert magic, especially as the ice cream melts into the fudgy center.
• Drizzle It Up: Take it up a notch with a drizzle of warm hot fudge, caramel sauce, or even raspberry coulis for a pop of fruitiness.
• Fresh & Fruity: Add a few fresh berries on the side—strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas offer a sweet-tart balance that complements the richness of the chocolate.
• Whipped Cream Dreams: A dollop of homemade whipped cream or a swirl from a can gives an airy, creamy topping that pairs beautifully with the pie’s dense texture.
• Elegant Twist: For a more refined presentation, dust each slice with powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. Add a mint sprig for color and freshness.
• Party-Perfect: Cut into small squares instead of slices for easy-to-serve, bite-sized dessert bars at parties or potlucks.
• Add Crunch: Top with crushed nuts like pecans, walnuts, or toasted almonds just before serving for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the Hot Fudge Pie a day in advance. Let it cool completely, cover it, and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. Warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.

Does this pie need to be refrigerated?
Not immediately. It can sit at room temperature for 1–2 days, covered. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.

Can I freeze Hot Fudge Pie?
Absolutely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Why is the center still gooey after baking?
That’s actually the goal! The pie is meant to have a fudgy, almost molten center. If the edges are set and the top has formed a crust, it’s done even if the center seems soft.

Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best, but you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. The texture may vary slightly.

Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, the base recipe contains no nuts. Always double-check ingredients if you’re baking for someone with allergies.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before baking.

What size dish should I use?
A standard 9-inch pie dish works best. Avoid smaller pans, as the center may not cook through properly.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s simple to make yet irresistibly rich and satisfying, this Hot Fudge Pie checks all the boxes. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single bowl, you’ll have a warm, fudgy masterpiece ready in under an hour. It’s the kind of pie that wins over guests, satisfies late-night cravings, and brings comfort with every gooey bite.

What makes this dessert truly special is its versatility. Dress it up with ice cream, berries, or a drizzle of caramel for special occasions, or enjoy it straight from the dish for a cozy night in. Whether you’re baking for a dinner party or just because it’s Tuesday, this recipe is a go-to for chocolate lovers and casual bakers alike.

The texture is the perfect marriage between a rich brownie and a molten cake—with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, almost pudding-like center. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours baking when it only took minutes to whip up.

Even better, this pie stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it over a few days (if it lasts that long!). And with all the tips, serving ideas, and variations, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

So go ahead grab your mixing bowl, turn on the oven, and treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate dessert. This Hot Fudge Pie might just become your new favorite indulgence.

Love this recipe? You might also enjoy our Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Pie for another timeless take on chocolate indulgence.

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