Hot Fudge Pie is a rich, gooey dessert that combines the deep flavors of chocolate fudge with a buttery, flaky pie crust. It's a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pie brings together the best of both worlds: the dense, fudgy texture of brownies and the crisp, buttery crust of a classic pie. It's simple to make, yet delivers a decadent experience that's sure to impress. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite a chocolate lover's dream.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
¼ cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Fudge Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)

Directions

Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
Bake the Crust:
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights. Bake for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Fudge Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the flour until just combined. If using, mix in the chocolate chips.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the fudge filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly gooey.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Nutty Delight: I like to add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy texture.
Mint Chocolate: A teaspoon of peppermint extract gives the pie a refreshing twist.
Espresso Infusion: Incorporating a tablespoon of instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: I store leftover Hot Fudge Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It keeps well for up to 5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, I wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

FAQs

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

I check if the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, I often use a store-bought crust to save time. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking.

What can I serve with Hot Fudge Pie?

I love serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I reheat slices before serving.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Hot Fudge Pie is a decadent dessert that's simple to make yet delivers an indulgent experience. Its rich, fudgy filling and buttery crust make it a favorite for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it's a treat that never disappoints.