If you’re a chocolate lover, this Hot Fudge Pie is the ultimate dessert indulgence! With its rich, gooey center and deep chocolate flavor, this pie is like a blend of brownies and molten lava cake. It’s an easy recipe that requires just a few pantry ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or an extra-special dessert on a cozy night in. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complete this indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Fudgy: The gooey center gives you an intense chocolate experience in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With only 7 ingredients and minimal prep, this pie comes together in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Chocolate lovers will adore this dessert, and it’s easy to double if you’re serving a crowd.
- Perfect Pairing: It’s heavenly when served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can make the pie too dense.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture.
- Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. For an extra-special treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9-inch pie dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This pie is best enjoyed warm, so the center remains soft and gooey. Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
- Storage: Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
- Freezing: This pie can also be frozen! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch.
- Espresso Flavor: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Double Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the pie before baking for a salted caramel twist.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to ensure a light, fudgy texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the pie as it bakes to avoid overbaking, which can make it lose its gooey center. It’s better to take it out a bit underdone for a perfect fudgy texture.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them blend more easily into the batter, creating a smooth and uniform texture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten suggests adding a touch of vanilla or espresso to chocolate recipes for depth of flavor.
- Gordon Ramsay recommends using high-quality cocoa powder for a richer taste and darker color.
- Nigella Lawson advises serving chocolate desserts with a cold element, like ice cream, to balance the richness and intensify the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the pie a day in advance. Reheat slices in the microwave for a warm, gooey center when ready to serve. - What if I don’t have a pie dish?
You can use an 8-inch square baking pan or a similarly sized baking dish. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed. - How can I make this pie gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio for a gluten-free version. - Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup, but this may slightly affect the pie’s fudginess and texture. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey center, or warm the entire pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
This Hot Fudge Pie is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, offering an irresistible combination of a gooey center and a rich, fudgy flavor. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a perfect go-to recipe whenever you need a decadent, homemade dessert.
Hot Fudge Pie with a Gooey Center
This Hot Fudge Pie is the perfect indulgence for chocolate lovers, featuring a rich, gooey center and a lightly crackly top. With simple ingredients, it bakes up to be fudgy and decadent, offering a comforting warmth that’s ideal for cozy evenings. Each slice melts in your mouth, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup 30g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup 30g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture fudgy.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set but the center remains slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. For the best experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to ensure a light, fudgy texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the pie as it bakes to avoid overbaking, which can make it lose its gooey center. It’s better to take it out a bit underdone for a perfect fudgy texture.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them blend more easily into the batter, creating a smooth and uniform texture.