Hot Fudge Sundae

A hot fudge sundae was never something I used to make from scratch. It was either a special treat at an ice cream shop, or something I would buy jarred and drizzle over ice cream. But that's before I realized how easy it was to make hot fudge myself.

Homemade hot fudge only requires a little whisking and a few minutes on the stove. With just six ingredients, many of which are probably already in your pantry, give it a try. It will transform any store-bought ice cream, and the only other thing you’ll need to grab to make a classic hot fudge sundae are some sprinkles and a maraschino cherry.

Ingredients for a Hot Fudge Sundae

The ingredient list for a hot fudge sundae is pretty straightforward and short:

• Heavy whipping cream: Forms a rich base for the hot fudge sauce. 
• Salted butter: Normally we suggest unsalted butter in desserts, but the added salt helps balance the sweetness in the sauce. 
• Vanilla bean paste: You can definitely use vanilla extract if you prefer, but the concentrated flavor of vanilla paste gives the sauce some extra oomph. 
• Cocoa powder: Both natural or Dutch-process will work in this recipe, but we prefer to use the latter when we can get it because it yields a super rich chocolate flavor. 
• Granulated sugar: As in most desserts, this lends sweetness to the chocolate sauce and balances the natural bitterness of the cocoa powder. 
• Dark brown sugar: We use dark brown sugar to also help sweeten the sauce, but to additionally provide caramel or molasses-like flavors. 
• Vanilla ice cream: What’s a sundae without ice cream! Store-bought is perfectly fine, but overachievers can use our Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream recipe to make it from scratch. 
• Sundae toppings: You can truly add whatever toppings you like, but crushed nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry top are some of the most classic choices. 

How To Make a Hot Fudge Sundae 

Once you prepare the hot fudge sauce, there’s not much left to do aside from assembling the sundae. Here's a brief outline of the recipe:

• Step 1: To make the hot fudge sauce, begin by heating the cream, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium-high, whisking often, until butter is melted. Then whisk in the cocoa and both sugars, cooking just until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens (it only takes 2 to 3 minutes).
• Step 2: Scoop as little or as much vanilla ice cream as desired into a small bowl or serving dish. Top with the hot fudge sauce, and garnish with sprinkles, a cherry, or whatever other sundae toppings you love. 

How To Store Hot Fudge

If you aren’t planning on serving the whole batch of hot fudge sauce in one go, let it cool and transfer it into an airtight container to keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. When ready to use, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, just like you would chocolate when melting it in the microwave. 

Hot Fudge Sundae Variations

There are plenty of ways to put your own spin on the classic treat. 

• Ice cream: Nobody said you have to use vanilla ice cream as the base. Feel free to use your favorite flavor, from salted caramel to rocky road. 
• Custom toppings: As noted, you can add as many or as few toppings as you like. A few fun additions might be shredded coconut, bananas, caramel sauce, brownie chunks, crushed cookies, or your favorite candies. 
• Add a boozy kick: A splash of coffee or Irish cream liqueur make for an all grown up treat.