Easy Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe

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The velvety smooth texture of this sauce is going to blow you away. Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce is super easy to make and will take your ice cream game to the next level.

Simply serve over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or surprise your family tonight and make homemade brownie ice cream sundaes. So good!

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This sauce was gifted to me by a neighbor a few years ago. We loved it so much, now I give it to friends and family during the holiday season. It makes a great DIY gift that people love to receive! Also, it takes only 20 minutes to make with 5 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Why you will love this homemade hot fudge sauce recipe

• It’s so simple to make! Just 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• No artificial stuff. When you make your own homemade sauce, you know exactly what is in it. Making your own hot fudge sauce is so satisfying.
• Give as a gift. I love giving this large batch recipe to friends and family during the holidays.
• Velvety smooth texture. Freshly made hot fudge sauce has a warm, gooey, and luxurious texture that is perfect on so many desserts.
• Simple ingredients. You won’t find any corn syrup or heavy cream in this recipe because the ingredients are pantry staples you probably won’t even have to go to the grocery store.

Ingredients to make the best easy hot fudge sauce

You will find a complete list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

• Butter – I’ve used salted and unsalted butter to make the sauce. Use whatever you have on hand.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Use a high-quality cocoa powder like Ghirardelli if possible.
• Sugar – You’ll want granulated sugar, not brown sugar, for this recipe.
• Evaporated Milk – Do NOT use sweetened condensed milk for this recipe.

Kitchen tools needed to make Hot Fudge

Blender

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Saucepan

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Silicone Spatulas

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How to make hot fudge sauce

Step 1: In a medium size saucepan, melt the butter.

Step 2: Add sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and evaporated milk to the saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a full boil and boil for 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Step 3: Carefully pour the hot mixture into a blender. Be sure to vent the lid. Blend for 2 – 4 minutes. Add hot fudge to airtight containers and let cool before placing the lid on the container. Mason jars work perfectly to store.

Step 4: Serve immediately over your favorite flavor of ice cream or store in the fridge and microwave the amount of fudge you’ll need when ready to serve.

How to use chocolate fudge sauce

1. Ice Cream Sundae: The classic way to enjoy hot fudge sauce is drizzled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry for the perfect finish.
2. Brownie Sundae: Bake a batch of brownies and serve them warm with a generous drizzle of hot fudge sauce. Add a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent brownie sundae.
3. Banana Split: Create a classic banana split by cutting a banana in half lengthwise, placing scoops of different flavored ice creams in between, and topping it all with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries.
4. Waffle or Pancake Topping: Pour hot fudge sauce over freshly made waffles or pancakes for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Top with sliced bananas or strawberries for added flavor.
5. Milkshake Enhancement: Swirl hot fudge sauce inside the glass before pouring in a milkshake. It adds a rich and gooey layer, making the milkshake even more delicious.
6. Fondue Dip: Heat up hot fudge sauce and use it as a dip for fruits like strawberries, bananas, or marshmallows in a chocolate fondue setting.
7. Stuffed Crepes: Fill crepes with a combination of fruits and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce for a sweet and satisfying dessert.

Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy hot fudge sauce!

Hot fudge sauce variations

Hot fudge sauce is delicious, but you can always experiment with variations to add unique flavors. Here are some hot fudge sauce recipe variations:

Salted Caramel:

• Add a pinch of salt to your hot fudge sauce to create a salted caramel flavor. You can also incorporate caramel sauce for an extra layer of richness.

Peppermint:

• Mix in peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for a festive and refreshing twist. This variation works well during the holiday season.

Espresso or Coffee:

• Infuse your hot fudge sauce with a shot of espresso or strongly brewed coffee to add a hint of coffee flavor. This is perfect for coffee lovers.

Hot fudge recipe storage directions

Cool sauce to room temperature before storing in a mason jar or a tightly sealed air tight container.

When ready to use the sauce, reheat it in the microwave. When stored properly, the sauce will last in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Tips for making thick chocolate sauce

• Be super careful when blending the hot fudge sauce. You’ll want to vent the blender and it’s a good idea to place a kitchen towel over the blender lid for extra protection.
• Be super careful when blending the hot fudge sauce. You’ll want to vent the blender, and it’s a good idea to place a kitchen towel over the lid for extra protection.
• Store the fudge in a mason jar.

What’s the difference between hot fudge and chocolate syrup?

The difference between hot fudge sauce and chocolate syrup is the consistency and flavor of the sauce. Chocolate hot fudge is thicker and richer in flavor.

DIY gift

Everyone loves a homemade gift, especially around the holidays. Use small 8-ounce containers, add a pretty ribbon, and give directions on reheating the sauce.

More recipes you will love

Stuffed Strawberries – This is a good one you must try!

No Bake Energy Bites – Perfect little bite of sweet.

Strawberry Simple Syrup – I use this syrup for cocktails, desserts and to make lemonade.

Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae – Your family will love you extra for this one!

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