Hot Fudge Pie

Ingredients

To make this Hot Fudge Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the Temperature: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for an even bake.

2. Prepare the Pie Batter

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be smooth and creamy, which helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated. This adds a depth of flavor to the pie.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. This step ensures that the cocoa and flour are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in the batter.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and somewhat lumpy, which is expected. Overmixing can lead to a dense pie, so mix just until the flour is incorporated.

3. Pour and Bake

Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal, though this is optional. The greasing helps prevent the pie from sticking to the dish.
Pour the Batter: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pie dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, which ensures even baking.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the pie around the 25-minute mark. The pie should be set in the center and have a slightly cracked top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The baking time can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

4. Cool and Serve

Cool: Allow the pie to cool in the dish for at least 10-15 minutes. It will continue to set as it cools, making it easier to slice.
Serve: Cut into slices and serve warm. For an extra treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm pie pairs beautifully with cold, creamy toppings.

Tips for Perfect Hot Fudge Pie

Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter is easier to cream with sugar, which results in a better texture for the pie.
Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can make the pie dense and heavy.
Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, start checking the pie a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

Variations

Nutty Addition: Add a half cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Minty Twist: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract to give the pie a refreshing minty flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter before baking and swirl with a knife for a delightful peanut butter-chocolate combination.

This Hot Fudge Pie is a fantastic dessert for any occasion. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for a quick and easy treat, while its rich, chocolatey flavor ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the indulgence of this fudgy delight, and savor each bite of this easy, yet luxurious dessert.