Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hot fudge recipe is a homemade version that beats store-bought in both flavor and texture. With its smooth consistency, deep chocolate taste, and perfect balance of sweetness and richness, it is the ultimate topping for all your favorite desserts. The best part? It’s quick and simple to make, and you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a gooey, indulgent chocolate treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t burn at the bottom.
- Once simmering, add the butter and stir until it melts completely.
- Add the chocolate chips and salt. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the fudge cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of hot fudge, which should be enough for 4-6 servings, depending on how much you use per dish. The preparation time is roughly 10 minutes, and it takes about 5 minutes of simmering to reach the perfect consistency.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Hot Fudge: Stir in 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter when adding the butter for a delightful peanut butter twist.
- Spicy Hot Fudge: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a warm, spicy kick to balance out the sweetness.
- Coffee-Infused Hot Fudge: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules when combining the cocoa powder and sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Vegan Hot Fudge: Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter in place of heavy cream and unsalted butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover hot fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the fudge in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it’s back to the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Using milk instead of heavy cream will result in a thinner, less creamy hot fudge. Heavy cream provides the rich, smooth texture that makes hot fudge so decadent.
Can I make this hot fudge recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze hot fudge?
Yes, you can freeze hot fudge. Store it in an airtight container, and it will last for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, milk chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter, milder fudge. Just keep in mind that the fudge will be sweeter compared to using semi-sweet chips.
How do I make hot fudge thicker?
If your hot fudge is too thin, simmer it for a bit longer until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also increase the amount of cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
Can I use chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can chop up a chocolate bar into small pieces and use it in place of chocolate chips. This will give the fudge a slightly different texture but still delicious results.
How do I make hot fudge smoother?
To make the fudge smoother, be sure to melt the chocolate chips completely, and whisk the mixture well while it’s heating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
How long does hot fudge last?
Hot fudge can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute sugar with an alternative sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the fudge.
Conclusion
This homemade hot fudge recipe is a delicious, rich, and creamy topping that’s perfect for any dessert. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you can easily whip it up for an indulgent treat. Whether you’re using it on ice cream, brownies, or cakes, it’s guaranteed to elevate your desserts and satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Hot Fudge Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this homemade Hot Fudge recipe! Rich, gooey, and perfectly sweet, it’s the ideal topping for ice cream, cakes, and more. Quick and easy to make, this homemade fudge sauce is a treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
- Category: Dessert, Sauce, Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Let the hot fudge sauce cool slightly before pouring over your favorite desserts.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker fudge, let the sauce cool down a little longer before using.
- This hot fudge sauce can also be drizzled over brownies, cakes, or even fruit.
