Who isn’t a fan of a delicious chocolate fudge sundae? While you can pick up a jar of hot fudge at the store, you can actually make your own with only a handful of simple ingredients from your kitchen! It only takes a couple of minutes to make this smooth and creamy hot fudge. Plus there are no stabilizers or oil in my homemade version of chocolate sauce so you can dig into a big bowl of this hot fudge sundae without any worries.
Even better, you can technically prepare this sundae ahead of time as the chocolate fudge will keep well and can be frozen so can enjoy your favorite dessert whenever the craving strikes! Want a couple more freezer-friendly desserts? Try my Lofthouse Cookies or my Ice Cream Sandwiches so you can fill your freezer with goodies!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Hot Fudge – trust me when I say it’s worth making a homemade version of hot fudge.
Ice cream – feel free to use whatever flavor you have on hand, but my go-to is vanilla.
Toppings – I lean towards using the classics: whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and cherries.
HOW TO MAKE A HOT FUDGE SUNDAE
1. Combine the cream, sugar, salt, and butter and simmer.
2. Add the chocolate in and stir until melted before whisking in the cocoa powder.
3. Scoop your ice cream of choice into a glass.
4. Drizzle fudge over top.
5. Add some whipped cream.
6. Top with sprinkles, nuts, and a cherry.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
- Check out my How to Make Hot Fudge Post for all the tips and tricks.
- You can also drizzle the chocolate fudge inside the sides of your glass or bowl before adding the ice cream in.
- For an extra cold dessert, you can place your glass or bowl in the freezer beforehand.
- Don’t have a can of whipped cream at home? Make your own with my homemade whipped cream recipe.
- Transfer extra fudge sauce to a mason jar and refrigerate for later use, when ready to use reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- ¼ cup of corn syrup added at the beginning will give you an extra glossy fudge that stays soft at a cooler temperature.
- Feeling extra indulgent? Break up a piece of brownie and add between each scoop of ice cream or before you drizzle the sauce over top.
- Make sure you keep your ice cream in the freezer until the last possible minute. Since the fudge is warm, the more frozen it is, the slower it’ll melt when you add the fudge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What else can I top with?
There are so many things you can top your sundae with! Here are some favorites: crushed Oreos, M&Ms, Reeses Pieces, chocolate chips, caramel chips, butterscotch chips, toffee bits, mini marshmallows, gummy bears, graham cracker crumbs, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, banana slices, and more!
What ice cream should I use?
The classic combination uses vanilla but you can use whatever you have on hand. Neapolitan, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate are popular choices. I highly suggest you purchase ice cream that is made from real dairy and not “frozen dessert.” The better quality the ice cream you use, the tastier your sundae will be.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Hot Fudge Sundae then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Hot Fudge Sundae
Equipment
- Small pot
Ingredients
For the Hot Fudge:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened, natural preferred
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional
- 6 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
For the Sundae:
- Ice Cream
- Whipped Cream
- Sprinkles
- Nuts
- Cherries
Instructions
- Combine the cream, sugar, salt, and butter in a small pot then place over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter melts and the mixture starts to simmer.
- Simmer for just under a minute then reduce heat to medium-low then add the chocolate in and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder then return to heat and cook on low for about 30 seconds or until glossy and smooth. Allow to cool slightly before using.
- Pour some fudge into the bottom of your bowl or glass then add ice cream and drizzle more fudge over the top. Top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry if desired.
Notes
- Check out my How to Make Hot Fudge Post for all the tips and tricks.
- You can also drizzle the chocolate fudge inside the sides of your glass or bowl before adding the ice cream in.
- For an extra cold dessert, you can place your glass or bowl in the freezer beforehand.
- Don’t have a can of whipped cream at home? Make your own with my homemade whipped cream recipe.
- Transfer extra fudge sauce to a mason jar and refrigerate for later use, when ready to use reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- ¼ cup of corn syrup added at the beginning will give you an extra glossy fudge that stays soft at a cooler temperature.
- Feeling extra indulgent? Break up a piece of brownie and add between each scoop of ice cream or before you drizzle the sauce over top.
- Make sure you keep your ice cream in the freezer until the last possible minute. Since the fudge is warm, the more frozen it is, the slower it’ll melt when you add the fudge.
Nutrition
This hot fudge sundae is so good. I’ll never go to an ice cream shop again!!