Hot Fudge Pie Recipe

Posted on May 2, 2025

Close-up of a freshly baked Hot Fudge Pie with a crackly top and gooey chocolate center, served in a pie dish with a slice missing.

If you’re a chocolate lover (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this Hot Fudge Pie is about to become your new obsession. It’s rich, fudgy, and ridiculously easy to throw together — no fancy techniques or special tools required! With a crackly top and molten center, it tastes like a cross between a brownie and a lava cake, all baked into one dreamy pie crust. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy night in, or a spontaneous chocolate craving, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Hot Fudge Pie

This Hot Fudge Pie is everything you want in a chocolate dessert — rich, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. It comes together in one bowl with basic pantry staples, making it a no-stress, high-reward kind of treat. The center stays soft and fudge-like while the edges get slightly chewy, giving you the perfect texture combo. It’s great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests!

Ingredients

You won’t need anything fancy for this Hot Fudge Pie — just a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

This Hot Fudge Pie couldn’t be easier to make — just melt, mix, and bake! Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a quick chocolate fix.

Step-by-step:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Let it cool slightly.
Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until fully combined. Mix until no streaks remain, but don’t overmix.
Fold in nuts if using.
Pour the batter into your prepared pie dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crackly but the center is still a bit gooey.
Cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm!

Servings and Timing

This Hot Fudge Pie serves up chocolate bliss in every bite — and it’s perfect for sharing (or not!).

Servings: Makes 6 to 8 generous slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this Hot Fudge Pie your own? Here are a few fun and tasty ways to customize it:

Add espresso powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso deepens the chocolate flavor.
Go gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Make it nutty: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds for extra crunch.
Double the chocolate: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for pockets of gooey goodness.
Top it off: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle twist.

Storage

Got leftovers? (Lucky you!) This Hot Fudge Pie stores beautifully, so you can keep enjoying it for days.

Room Temperature: Cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and store it on the counter for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Freezer: You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Fudge Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake it a day in advance and store at room temp or in the fridge. Warm before serving for best results.

Do I need a pie crust?

Nope! This recipe creates its own soft, brownie-like base — no crust required.

Can I use boxed brownie mix instead?

Technically yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. This homemade version is richer and fudgier!

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter alternative and serve with dairy-free toppings.

What type of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works perfectly. Dutch-processed will make it a bit darker and richer.

Why is the center still gooey?

That’s the magic! The gooey center is intentional — think of it like a molten lava cake in pie form.

How do I know when it’s done?

The edges should be set and the top crackly. The center will still jiggle slightly — that’s what you want!

Hot Fudge Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite — simple to make, deeply chocolatey, and always a hit. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just treating yourself, this pie brings the wow without the work.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

More Creamy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

1. Love chocolate pies? Try our Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie for a nutty twist on a classic!

2. Craving something a little different but still chocolaty? Check out our Brazilian Carrot Cake with its silky chocolate topping.

3. For an adventurous chocolate dessert, don’t miss our Pistachio Kunafa Brownies — rich, crunchy, and totally unforgettable