Decadent Hot Fudge Pie

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Sink your spoon into this indulgent hot fudge pie and you’ll understand why it has stood the test of time as a Southern dessert classic. With a brownie-like texture around the edges and a gooey, molten center, every bite is rich with deep chocolate flavor and satisfying warmth.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Whether you’re serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, this hot fudge pie transforms any ordinary night into something memorable. And best of all? It’s simple enough for even a beginner to master.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Hot Fudge Pie

Decadent hot fudge pie has everything going for it. It uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand, and it comes together in just one bowl. There’s no need to fuss with layers or special pans. It’s as easy to prepare as it is to love. The exterior bakes into a crisp, chewy shell while the inside remains beautifully gooey and molten.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for a lava cake-like experience, or chill it for a firm, chewy brownie texture. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a midweek chocolate craving.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

While the name might imply it needs hot fudge sauce, this pie is all about cocoa powder. For the richest flavor, use unsweetened natural cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa for an even deeper hue and smoother taste.

You can enhance the chocolate intensity by stirring in a handful of dark chocolate chips or chunks just before baking. The key is not to overbake—you want that center to stay irresistibly fudgy and soft.

Ingredients for the Decadent Hot Fudge Pie

This luscious dessert is as easy to make as it is to devour. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basic baking ingredients you probably already have sitting in your kitchen.

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Chocolate chips (optional but encouraged)

Each of these ingredients plays a key role in bringing the pie together. Butter gives it richness and structure, while sugar lends that classic sweetness. Cocoa powder is the heart of the chocolate flavor, and flour holds everything in place. Eggs give it the perfect dense texture. A touch of vanilla enhances the cocoa, and salt balances it all out. If you’re adding chocolate chips, they melt slightly into pockets of gooey bliss.

How To Make the Decadent Hot Fudge Pie

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium bowl, melt the butter either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Stir in the Cocoa and Sugar

Whisk the cocoa powder and sugar into the melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and glossy.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour and Salt

Gently fold in the flour and salt, stirring just until no dry spots remain.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Boost

If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in now. They’ll add even more rich flavor to the pie.

Step 7: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pie dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still soft. Don’t overbake—a slightly underdone middle is what makes it fudgy.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm for a molten effect, or let it cool completely for a denser, brownie-like slice.

How to Serve and Store Decadent Hot Fudge Pie

This pie is made to impress at any gathering, yet it’s simple enough for weeknight indulgence. It feeds around 6 to 8 people, depending on how generous your slices are. Serve it warm out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into its gooey center, or enjoy it at room temperature with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just be sure to warm it slightly in the microwave before serving to bring back that dreamy texture. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to a month.

What to Serve With Decadent Hot Fudge Pie?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The warm-cold contrast is unbeatable. Classic vanilla pairs perfectly with the pie’s rich chocolate flavor.

Fresh Strawberries

The bright, juicy bite of fresh berries cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing touch.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

A drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds a buttery sweetness that elevates every bite.

Whipped Cream

Light and airy whipped cream gives a lovely balance to the dense, fudgy texture.

Chopped Pecans

Add a little crunch and a nutty layer of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Espresso or Coffee

A strong cup of coffee brings out the depth of cocoa and is the perfect pairing for dessert lovers.

Mint Leaves

For a fresh, herbal contrast, garnish with a few mint leaves. They look lovely and add a surprising brightness.

Chocolate Shavings

If you’re going all in on chocolate, a few dark chocolate curls on top take it to another level.

Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

If this Decadent Hot Fudge Pie has your sweet tooth begging for more, you’ll love diving into these chocolatey favorites next:

• Try the rich and chewy layers in our Ooey Gooey Bars for another warm dessert with a fudgy center.

• Bake up a batch of Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies if you love the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter.

• These Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries bring creamy and fruity together for a sweet twist.

• Add some crunch with our Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars that mix chocolate with buttery shortbread.

• Or dive into a tray of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats for a different kind of chewy and sweet delight.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra chocolate chips or keep it classic? Did you serve it warm or chilled?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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