Hot Fudge Pie Recipe
If you’re in the mood for the ultimate chocolate indulgence, Hot Fudge Pie is truly the answer. Imagine a dessert that’s equal parts gooey brownie, decadent cake, and melty chocolate lava — all tucked into a rustic pie dish and ready to steal the show at any gathering (or just your average Tuesday night). Whether you eat it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneak a sliver cold from the fridge, this dreamy treat will have you swooning after the very first bite. No fancy pastry skills needed, just a handful of pantry staples and a craving for something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hot Fudge Pie lies in its simplicity — every ingredient is a workhorse that brings something wonderful to the table. Together, they create a fudgy, slightly chewy, and delightfully rich dessert. Here’s what to gather before you begin:
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and creates that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture the pie is famous for.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens every bite and helps form the signature crackly top.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and amp up the pie’s lush, gooey structure.
- All-purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Just enough to give the pie a bit of structure without sacrificing fudginess.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup): The soul of the pie, delivering deep, pure chocolate flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the chocolatey goodness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor — totally skip or swap, as you like.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for serving): Take it over the top with a cool, creamy contrast to all that gooey chocolate.
How to Make Hot Fudge Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your batter is. Grab a 9-inch pie dish and give it a light coat of grease with butter or a baking spray — this ensures every fudgy slice comes out easily with those gorgeous, crisp edges intact.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar. This step is key! Mixing these two until smooth ensures that iconic, glossy top and a super-satisfying chew in every bite.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each. Each egg helps create the soft, rich, almost brownie-like crumb you want in a Hot Fudge Pie. Stir in the vanilla extract at this point for that sweet background note.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mixing these before adding to the wet ingredients ensures that the cocoa gets evenly distributed — so every bite is perfectly chocolatey instead of dry or bitter in spots.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix, which might make the pie less tender. Now’s the moment to fold in those chopped nuts if you’re adding them — totally optional, but they’re a fantastic touch!
Step 6: Bake
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pie dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is set but the center is still a little soft and fudgy (just how a Hot Fudge Pie should be). The aroma will drive everyone wild.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool slightly for easier slicing and ultimate goo factor — it will continue setting as it cools. Serve warm, ideally with scoops of vanilla ice cream or swirls of whipped cream for that classic, dreamy combination.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Pie

Garnishes
For that bakery-style finish, a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of warm chocolate sauce makes your Hot Fudge Pie look as incredible as it tastes. Top with a cherry or a handful of fresh raspberries for a burst of color and a tangy contrast to all the chocolatey richness.
Side Dishes
While Hot Fudge Pie is a showstopper all on its own, pairing it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a pile of freshly whipped cream is classic for a reason. For something extra special, serve alongside a dish of macerated berries or even a cup of rich espresso.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the pie in mini ramekins for an elegant dinner party dessert, or cut it into small squares to serve at a casual gathering, brownie-style. You can even pile slices into parfait glasses with layers of ice cream, whipped cream, and crushed nuts to create Hot Fudge Pie sundaes that everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, move it to the fridge, where it stays moist and fudge-like for up to five days.
Freezing
Hot Fudge Pie freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the whole pie or individual wedges tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge all over again.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds (keep an eye out — you want gooey, not bubbling). You can also reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, which restores the pie’s original coziness and aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Fudge Pie without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are completely optional in this recipe. Skip them for a classic, smooth texture or get creative with different add-ins like chocolate chips or toffee pieces.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Look for a set, glossy top that cracks slightly when tapped — the very center should still look a bit underdone, which is the secret to that irresistible, fudgy middle. The pie will continue to set as it cools.
Can I use gluten-free flour in Hot Fudge Pie?
Yes, a good 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour will work just fine. The pie might be ever-so-slightly less chewy but will still be wonderfully gooey and chocolatey.
How should I serve Hot Fudge Pie for a party?
It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties. Bake in advance, let it cool, and right before serving, warm it slightly and garnish with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit to impress your guests.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so watch for that glossy, just-set top as your guide.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy, unforgettable, and destined to become a family favorite, Hot Fudge Pie is the answer. With its mile-deep chocolate flavor and luscious, gooey center, every bite is pure comfort — so give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds.
Print
Hot Fudge Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of this Hot Fudge Pie that boasts a fudgy center and a crisp top. Served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Mix butter and sugar: Whisk together melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Finish batter: Fold in nuts, if using. Pour batter into pie dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- The pie will continue to set as it cools.
- For a gooier center, slightly underbake and serve warm.
- This pie reheats well in the microwave for a quick chocolate fix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg