Rich Gooey Hot Fudge Pie

This hot fudge pie transforms simple pantry ingredients into a decadent dessert that strikes the perfect balance between cake and molten chocolate. The crisp top gives way to a warm, gooey center that makes everyone reach for seconds.

I first made this on a rainy Sunday when my children were begging for something sweet but I didn't want to make a store run. The way their eyes lit up when they tasted that first warm, chocolatey bite made this an instant family classic.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect fudgy texture. Make sure it's fully melted but not hot when mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the crackly top layer.
• All purpose flour: Gives just enough structure without making the dessert cakey.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor. Dutch processed works beautifully if you have it.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the gooey interior.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for best results.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes. Flaky sea salt works wonderfully.
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: Create pockets of melty goodness throughout. Choose quality chips that melt well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your baking dish. Use butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal. The proper temperature ensures that crisp exterior forms while maintaining the gooey center.

Prepare the Batter:

Whisk together melted butter and sugar until completely smooth and slightly thickened. This creates the base for your fudgy texture. Add the remaining ingredients except chocolate chips, stirring just until combined. Overmixing will incorporate too much air and change the final texture. Fold in chocolate chips last using gentle motions to keep them evenly distributed.

Bake the Pie:

Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking. Watch carefully during the last few minutes. The edges should be set and slightly pulled away from the sides while the center remains soft. A toothpick test should reveal moist crumbs rather than wet batter or come out completely clean.

Serve Warm:

Allow the pie to rest briefly before serving. This short cooling period allows the texture to set slightly while maintaining that molten interior. The contrast between the warm pie and cold ice cream creates a magical sensory experience.

Pin it

This dessert reminds me of my grandmother who believed chocolate could fix almost anything. She taught me that baking is less about perfection and more about creating moments. When my daughter had a particularly rough day at school last month, we made this together and watching her troubles melt away with each bite of warm chocolate was pure magic.

The Perfect Scoop Pairing

While vanilla ice cream is the classic companion to hot fudge pie, consider experimenting with different flavors. Coffee ice cream enhances the chocolate notes while mint chocolate chip creates a refreshing contrast. For an elegant presentation, try a quenelle of lightly sweetened whipped cream dusted with cocoa powder.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The texture will firm up considerably when chilled, transforming into something more brownie like. To restore the gooey center, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 20 seconds or warm the entire pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can revive any piece that has dried slightly.

Variations Worth Trying

Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste. For a Mexican chocolate version, incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper. White chocolate lovers can swap half the semisweet chips for white chocolate chunks. For a holiday twist, add crushed peppermint candies to the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should I serve Hot Fudge Pie?

Hot Fudge Pie is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

→ Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm.

→ What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?

You can skip the chocolate chips or substitute them with dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor.

→ How do I know when the pie is done?

The edges should be set, and the center should remain slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.

→ Can I enhance the chocolate flavor?

For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder or add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter.