Hot Fudge Pie – Rich, Gooey, and Dangerously Easy

Some desserts are so simple, so decadent, and so unforgettable that they become instant classics. This Hot Fudge Pie is one of those recipes. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single bowl, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like a cross between a brownie, a molten lava cake, and a slice of chocolate heaven.

It’s the kind of dessert that church ladies pass down, that shows up at every family gathering, and that disappears within minutes of hitting the table. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this pie is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Pie

Fudgy and rich – Like a brownie in pie form, with a gooey center and crisp edges.
Ridiculously easy – One bowl, no mixer, no fuss.
Pantry-friendly – Uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Perfect for any occasion – Dress it up for holidays or keep it simple for weeknights.
Customizable – Add nuts, espresso, or a scoop of ice cream on top.

Ingredients

This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, serving 8.

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (to deepen the chocolate flavor)

½ cup chocolate chips for extra gooeyness

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Whisk or hand mixer
9-inch pie plate
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine:

1 stick softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar

Beat with a whisk or hand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add:

2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

### Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in:

¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Optional: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips at this stage.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pie plate and smooth the top.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.

Tip: Don’t overbake—this pie is meant to be fudgy and gooey in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A drizzle of hot fudge or caramel
A dollop of whipped cream
A sprinkle of sea salt or cocoa powder

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Calories: ~320 kcal per slice (approximate)

Tips for Success

Use good-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
Don’t skip the salt—it balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
Let it rest before slicing to help the pie set.
Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for a crowd.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations to Try

Mocha Fudge Pie: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to the batter.
Nutty Fudge Pie: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and swirl with a knife. Perfect For…
Potlucks and church gatherings
Holiday dessert tables
Valentine’s Day or date night
Birthday parties
Just-because baking

Final Thoughts

This Hot Fudge Pie is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep close—tucked into your recipe box, scribbled on a notecard, or saved in your favorites folder. It’s rich, simple, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or sneak a slice straight from the pan, one thing’s for sure: you won’t want to lose this recipe.