Hot Fudge Pie

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

1. 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.
2. Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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