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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Hot Fudge Sundae

    Hot Fudge Sundae

    Published: June 14, 2017 · Modified: Apr 18, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    A classic dessert, this Hot Fudge Sundae is a delicious combination of ice cream and rich hot fudge. Top it with whatever your heart desires or go with the classic whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, and a cherry. You cannot go wrong with whatever you pick!

    A glass of a hot fudge sundae made with vanilla ice cream with whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry on top.
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    Pinterest graphic of a bowl of chocolate hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and sprinkles.
    Pinterest graphic of the overhead view of a sundae with whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of a glass with hot fudge drizzled on the inside alongside vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of a glass of vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of two glasses of hot fudge sunday with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of an overhead view of sundaes with whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of a cherry being placed on top of a glass of hot fudge sundae.
    Pinterest graphic of two hot fudge sundaes beside a bowl of nuts and sprinkles on the table.
    Pinterest graphic of two glasses of hot fudge sundaes.

    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

    Ingredients needed to make a hot fudge sundae.

    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

    Set of two photos showing cream, sugar, salt, and butter cooking in a pot before adding chocolate.

    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.

    Set of two photos showing vanilla ice cream added to a glass and then fudge being poured over top.

    3. Scoop your ice cream of choice into a glass.

    4. Drizzle fudge over top.

    Set of two photos showing whipped cream added to a hot fudge sundae and topped with a cherry.

    5. Add some whipped cream.

    6. Top with sprinkles, nuts, and a cherry.

    Two hot fudge sundae in a classic sundae glass with one in focus and with whipped cream on top and sprinkles on the table.

    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.

    A hot fudge sundae in a glass bowl topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, and a cherry.

    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!

    • A stack of chocolate brownies next to a glass of milk.

      Brownie Recipe

    • A vanilla milkshake, a strawberry milkshake, and a chocolate milkshake with toppings on top with sprinkles around the table.

      How to Make a Milkshake

    • Pink homemade sprinkles in glass bowls on a marble counter.

      Homemade Sprinkles

    • A jar of homemade caramel with a giolden spoon in the foreground.

      Caramel

    • Golden dulce de leche in a glass jar next to a pink napkin.

      Dulce de Leche

    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!

    A classic sundae glass with a hot fudge sundae topped with sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry in front of a black background.
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    5 from 10 votes

    Hot Fudge Sundae

    An easy and delicious hot fudge sundae made from scratch! Top with your favorite toppings!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 433kcal
    Author John Kanell

    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

    Serving: 1sundae | Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 973IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!

     

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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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