Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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This hot fudge sauce recipe is rich, decadent and easy to make in minutes. It’s the best fudgy homemade sauce for topping ice cream sundaes or drizzling over other desserts!

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Best Hot Fudge Recipe

Ditch the store-bought toppings and try making your own homemade fudge sauce, strawberry sauce, caramel sauceand whipped cream at home!

This hot fudge sauce is SO easy to make and only takes 5 simple ingredients! This hot fudge is more of a thick chocolate sauce (and way better than chocolate syrup). It tastes amazing on all types of desserts, like vanilla ice cream, cakes or pies.

The best part about this chocolate fudge sauce is that you can whip it up in less than 10 minutes and reheat it later! I like to keep a jar in my fridge at all times, because you just never know when you’ll need it.

Table of Contents

  • Best Hot Fudge Recipe
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Variations
  • How to Make Hot Fudge
  • Expert Tips
  • Favorite Ways to Use Hot Fudge
  • FAQs
  • Storage
  • More Chocolate Recipes To Try
  • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe Printable Recipe

Ingredients Needed

This sauce is simply the best and so easy to make with only a few ingredients!

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (3)
  • Chocolate chips: I prefer to use Guittard semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Sugar: We use a granulated sugar which adds the sweetness.
  • Evaporated milk: This adds the perfect creaminess to this fudge sauce.
  • Butter: I prefer to use salted butter, but if you’re using unsalted butter just add in a pinch of salt at the end.
  • Vanilla: I like to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Variations

  • Chocolate: I love semi-sweet chocolate chips but you can use bittersweet chocolate or unsweetened chocolate. Instead of chips you can use chopped up baking bars as well. The quality of your chocolate does make a difference!
  • Milk: I love evaporated milk as it is a pantry staple, but half and half should work for a 1:1 substitution.

How to Make Hot Fudge

This takes only 10 minutes from start to finish! While store bought may be convenient, the taste of homemade is so good and just can’t be beat.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (4)
  1. Melt. Add all ingredients (except vanilla) to a medium sauce pan and cook over medium-heat until melted, about 6 to 7 minutes.
  2. Boil. Bring to light boil, stirring constantly. Once lightly boiling, remove from heat immediately. Then stir in vanilla.
  3. Cool. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools.

Expert Tips

  • Stir in the vanilla after you’ve removed the pan from heat. This way the vanilla flavor stays strong and doesn’t evaporate.
  • The sauce will thicken as it cools, so wait about 5 to 10 minutes to use it if you like a thicker sauce.
  • For a thinner consistency, remove the mixture from the heat immediately after it melts and let cool (do not boil).
  • This recipe makes about 3 cups of hot fudge sauce. You can cut it in half or double the recipe depending on how much you need.
Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (5)

Favorite Ways to Use Hot Fudge

Around Christmas time, I love making a hot fudge sundae with peppermint ice cream and candy canes on top. SO delicious! Here are some other ways we love to use it.

  • Drizzle over a banana split or a bowl of homemade ice cream.
  • Serve as a topping over a chocolate soufflé, slow cooker chocolate cake or pizookie
  • Drizzle over a warm cup ofhot chocolate.
  • Use it to make a classic ice cream cake, Oreo ice cream cake or this Mississippi mud pie!
  • Drizzle over chocolate strawberry kabobs or homemade brownies.

FAQs

What is hot fudge made of?

While recipes can vary common ingredients include chocolate chips or cocoa powder, milk, butter, sugar and vanilla.

Can I make this in the microwave?

For this hot fudge sauce recipe, you need to use the stovetop. While there are methods to make microwave hot fudge, this recipe will have best results using the stove.

Will the sugar crystallize?

Crystallization is a common issue when working with granulated sugar. Follow my directions on how to heat the sugar and it should dissolve into your liquid without any crystallization or grainy texture.

Can I make this in advance?

This is great to make ahead especially in the summer when you will want to use it all the time for ice cream sundaes or to make an ice cream bar! Cool then store covered in the refrigerator for 3 weeks, follow directions to reheat before serving.

What is the difference between hot fudge and chocolate sauce?

Hot fudge has a thicker consistency similar to a ganache and is typically made of cream, sugar, chocolate, butter and vanilla.

It is rich and decadent in taste. Chocolate sauce is typically made with corn syrup (or sugar), unsweetened cocoa powder, water, salt and vanilla. It has a thinner syrup consistency and spreads a little easier.

Storage

Make sure to store your homemade hot fudge in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I like to store it in a glass mason jar. The fudge will last up to 1 month in the fridge.

To reheat it, place in microwave and cook in 30 second intervals until warmed throughout. You can also reheat it in a saucepan until it is a thin and pourable consistency.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (6)

More places you can use your sauce include drizzling it on cheesecake dip, making s’mores ice cream with it or topping oreo peanut butter pie!

More Chocolate Recipes To Try

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Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (11)

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe

5 from 47 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

This hot fudge sauce recipe is rich, decadent and easy to make in minutes. It's the best fudgy homemade sauce for topping ice cream sundaes or drizzling over other desserts!

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 9 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 24

PrintRatePin

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the chocolate, sugar, milk and butter in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium-heat until melted (about 6-7 minutes).

  • Bring to a light boil, stirring constantly (about 5 minutes). Once it has come to a light boil, immediately remove from heat. Then stir in vanilla. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools.

  • Store in a closed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Reheat in microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Notes

Serving: This hot fudge makes about 3 cups. Serving size is 2 Tablespoons.

Make ahead: You can make this recipe ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to 1 month. When ready to use, reheat on the stove on low heat or microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and cook an additional 15 to 30 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Categorized as: American, Candy + Fudge, Chocolate, Desserts, No-Bake, Stovetop, Toppings

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (12)

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

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Add a comment

51 comments

    • Karen Van Orman
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (17)

    The best! Easy and delicious.

    • Reply
    • Car girl
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (18)

    I am making this right now. Looks delish!! Can’t wait to try it!!

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      Enjoy it! I am excited for you to enjoy this hot fudge sauce.

      • Reply
    • Karen Van Orman
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (19)

    Everyone loves this yummy, fudgy sauce! My favorite.

    • Reply
    • KO
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (20)

    It’s a winner! Made exactly as written. Don’t forget the pinch of salt, which somehow makes it taste very smooth.
    This recipe makes A LOT.
    When I make again, I’ll try cutting ingredients in half.

    • Reply
    • Dana G
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (21)

    So easy to make! We make sundae bars and this is always a hit!

    • Reply
      • Jamielyn Nye

      Sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed the hot fudge sauce recipe!

      • Reply
    • Olivia
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (22)

    This hot fudge is SO good! It was the perfect addition to my hot chocolate. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
    • Anna
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (23)

    This is the best fudge sauce I’ve ever made! Silky, rich and perfect for so many desserts. Thank you for the recipe!

    • Reply
    • Pat
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (24)

    Made on Christmas Day, my nieces and nephews were over of course they’re all grown adults now but they’re all I have for family and they take great care of me if I need anything always checking on me we did our normal Christmas day lasagna then I made a fudge cake mix up we cut the pieces in half put mint chocolate chip ice cream in it topped with this hot fudge and Ready whip oh my God it was so good they loved it so much because when I went to the store they were completely sold out a hot fudge thanks for the recipe it Is now a family favorite

    • Reply
      • Jamielyn Nye

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the hot fudge. Sounds like the perfect Christmas!

      • Reply
    • Kim

    I’m getting ready to make this—3 batches is the plan. Could I make 2 batches at once, or stick to one at a time?

    • Reply
      • Jamielyn Nye

      Yes you can double the batch in a large pot :)

      • Reply
    • Susan
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (25)

    Easy and delicious. I used fat free evaporated milk and it turned out fine.

    • Reply
      • Jamielyn Nye

      Glad to hear :D

      • Reply
    • KEITH THOMPSON
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (26)

    Made it several times. I put a whole vanilla bean (split) into the pot at the start. I also made one batch leaving the vanilla bean in the finished sauce. If using salted butter forget the pinch at the end of the recipe. Use evaporated milk only. I tried using 2-3 Tblsp. heavy cream as part of the liquid measure and the sauce was thinner. Also, not all chocolate chips are created equal. I have used both Ghirardelli and Guittard with the latter resulting in a thicker and richer sauce. I also tried slight turns of both the white pepper and nutmeg mills during the melting process. But make the recipe exactly as it is given the first time. Then do your own experimentation.

    • Reply
      • Jamielyn Nye

      Thanks so much for your review Keith! I’m so glad to hear it has turned out well for you. Love the idea of adding a vanilla bean, going to have to try that!

      • Reply
    • Donna

    I just discovered lactose-free evaporated milk and can’t wait to try this!

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      Nice! Let me know how it goes if you give it a shot :)

      • Reply
    • Janine
    • Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (27)

    Great recipe. Thanks for sharing 💕

    • Reply
    • Shirley

    I hope to make this with my granddaughter next week. My question is do I remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a light boil or do I let it boil for 5 to 7 minutes? Thanks!

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      Remove from heat as soon as it reaches a light boil :)

      • Reply

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Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5 ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime (2024)

FAQs

What is hot fudge sauce made of? ›

In medium saucepan, combine cream, butter, sugars and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer 45 seconds. Add chocolate, and whisk to dissolve.

What are the ingredients in Smuckers hot fudge sauce? ›

Corn Syrup, Nonfat Milk, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali And Cocoa, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Fully Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Mono And Diglycerides, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Vanillin (artificial Flavor).

What is Dairy Queen hot fudge made of? ›

Artificially Flavored Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream: Milkfat And Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Mono And Diglycerides, Artificial Flavor, Guar Gum, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate, Chocolate Flavored Hot Fudge Topping: Corn Syrup, Skim Milk, Sugar, Hydrogenated (Palm Kernel or Coconut Oil), ...

What is the difference between chocolate syrup and hot fudge? ›

Ingredients: Hot fudge sauce is typically made with chocolate, sugar, butter, and cream or milk, while chocolate syrup is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and water or milk. Consistency: Hot fudge sauce has a thicker and creamier consistency than chocolate syrup, which tends to be thinner and more liquidy.

Why is my homemade hot fudge sauce grainy? ›

Graining can be caused by stirring the fudge mixture during the cooling process or not adding enough fluid to dissolve the sugar. The trick to fixing graininess is to melt the sugar crystals to give them another chance at setting properly.

What makes hot fudge taste different? ›

Hot fudge is the thickest and richest

It's the addition of heavy cream (in place of water or milk) and butter that creates hot fudge. Cream and butter give hot fudge its lush texture, flavor complexity, and dense richness. In addition to cocoa, chunks of chocolate are sometimes added for even more chocolatey goodness.

What is in Mackinac Island fudge? ›

Ingredients. Milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, whey, water, chocolate liquor, hydrogenated coconut oil, peanut oil, alkalized cocoa, mono and diglycerides, buttermilk, butter, natural flavors, soy lecithin, pectin, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, annatto (color), vanilla.

What's the difference between hot fudge and fudge? ›

Hot fudge is made by boiling together cream, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes butter—the traditional ingredients for fudge—into what is essentially just an undercooked, unset version of the confection.

Why did my hot fudge sauce crystallize? ›

Grainy Fudge

If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon. You can use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar that sticks to the sides of the pot.

Why is fudge called fudge? ›

The story goes, a baker was trying to make chocolate caramels. However, they didn't get the recipe quite right. When the candy came out as the creamy treat we know today, they said, “Oh, fudge!” and that's how the candy got its name. The first recorded mention of fudge came from 1888.

What is a peanut buster? ›

Our Peanut Buster® Parfait Royal Treat® has loads of peanuts, mounds of creamy, smooth DQ soft serve and tons of rich hot fudge layered high for one tempting treat. Available at participating DQ® locations.

What is soft ball fudge? ›

According to most recipes, the ingredients of fudge are cooked to what is termed in kitchen parlance the soft ball stage, that point between 234 and 240 °F (112 and 115 °C) at which a small ball of the candy dropped in ice water neither disintegrates nor flattens when picked up with the fingers.

How long does homemade hot fudge last? ›

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Enjoy on top of ice cream, in a chocolate or Oreo milkshake, in a dessert crepe, fondue, or with a spoon!

Does hot fudge sauce need to be refrigerated? ›

Just pop it in the microwave and heat in 45 second intervals until smooth! Storage: This is just fine kept at room temp for a day, but if you are going to keep it overnight or for an extended period of time, pop it in the fridge and just reheat in the microwave.

Is fudge healthier than chocolate? ›

Fudge typically contains more sugar than chocolate, so it may not be the best choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake. On the other hand, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation.

What is the main ingredient in Louisiana hot sauce? ›

Louisiana hot sauce is usually made from vinegar, and one of two peppers, cayenne or tabasco.

How does hot fudge taste? ›

It's super-duper dark and rich with a high quality cocoa flavor. It almost tastes like homemade hot cocoa before you add the milk. It's so close to being the best chocolate sauce, but since you absolutely have to heat it up in order to use it as a topping, I'm keeping it in the two slot.

What is the sauce called that is made from chiles and chocolate? ›

Mole sauce is a rich and savoury traditional Mexican sauce made of hot chiles and rich chocolate. It's cooked slowly and flavoured with fresh herbs and spices. It goes well with chicken or with enchiladas.

Why did my hot fudge sauce separate? ›

If the butter gets too hot, it can separate, causing the fudge to become oily on top. This is easy to prevent by monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer, but separated fudge can also be fixed. To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water.

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