Hot Fudge Pie

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish to prevent the pie from sticking.

#### 2. Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **melted butter** and **granulated sugar**, whisking until smooth. Add in the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract**.

#### 3. Add Dry Ingredients
To the butter and sugar mixture, sift in the **flour**, **cocoa powder**, and **salt**. Stir until everything is combined and you have a smooth batter. The batter will be quite thick.

#### 4. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the **semi-sweet chocolate chips** to the mixture. The chocolate chips will melt slightly as they bake, creating pockets of molten chocolate throughout the pie.

#### 5. Bake the Pie
Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes** or until the top is set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). The center should still look slightly soft and fudgy, as it will firm up while cooling.

#### 6. Optional: Make It Extra Creamy
For an extra indulgent touch, heat the **heavy cream** in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Pour it over the pie just before serving to create a rich, creamy topping that complements the fudgy texture.

#### 7. Let It Cool Slightly
Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

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### Serving Suggestions

1. **With Ice Cream**: Serve warm slices of Hot Fudge Pie with a scoop of creamy **vanilla ice cream**. The contrast of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
2. **Whipped Cream**: Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for an added layer of richness.
3. **Nuts and Berries**: Add a sprinkle of **chopped nuts** (like pecans or walnuts) or fresh **berries** (such as raspberries or strawberries) for an added texture and burst of flavor.
4. **Extra Fudge**: For even more chocolate decadence, drizzle the pie with extra **hot fudge sauce** just before serving.

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### Tips for Perfect Hot Fudge Pie

1. **Use Quality Chocolate**: The better the chocolate chips you use, the richer and more flavorful the pie will be. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness and richness.
2. **Don’t Overbake**: For the perfect fudgy center, make sure you don’t overbake the pie. The center should still be a bit soft when you take it out of the oven; it will continue to cook as it cools.
3. **Make Ahead**: Hot Fudge Pie can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving for a warm, gooey experience.
4. **Experiment with Flavors**: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of **coffee** or **rum** to the batter for a unique flavor twist.

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### Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of **Hot Fudge Pie** lies in its simplicity and the way it balances both texture and flavor. The **rich chocolate chips** melt into the batter, giving you pockets of gooey fudge throughout the pie. The combination of **unsweetened cocoa powder** and **butter** creates a velvety texture, while the addition of **eggs** helps bind everything together perfectly. As it bakes, the pie develops a crispy, slightly crackled top, while the inside remains soft, gooey, and irresistible.

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### Conclusion

**Hot Fudge Pie** is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, combining a rich, gooey fudge filling with a slightly crisped top. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed by the whole family and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a holiday, at a dinner party, or simply enjoying it as an after-dinner treat, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients and make this rich, decadent pie today—it’s the perfect way to satisfy any chocolate craving!