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    Home > Recipes > Dessert

    Homemade Hot Fudge

    Published: Jun 10, 2021 · Modified: Mar 12, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

    homemade hot fudge
    homemade hot fudge

    adding hot fudge to a bowl of vanilla ice cream

    Ice cream season is here, and it couldn’t be easier to make rich, creamy Homemade Hot Fudge to top your next scoop. Just six ingredients (that you probably already have) and 10 minutes is all you need to take your next bowl of ice cream up a notch. 

    Near the end of my oldest daughters’ school year in May, we got in the habit of going for a scoop of ice cream after school at least once a week. Two-year-old June can reliably hold onto a cup of ice cream without spilling it (haven’t attempted the messiness of a cone yet) and the warmer weather has us all wanting to sit outside with something cold and sweet. We’ve also been buying our fair share of pints to bring home and, as if a pint of my favorite isn’t enough on its own we’ve lately been topping it with homemade hot fudge. 

    You guys - if you haven’t made homemade hot fudge, treat yourself! It’s so rich, so satisfying, and so easy too! Next time a craving strikes, just whisk everything together on the stove and 5 minutes later, creamy, rich, warm hot fudge is ready to serve. Here’s all you need...

    brown sugar and a stick of butter in a saucepan

    Ingredients

    • Unsalted Butter- Salted butter works just fine, but keep in mind that it will be more...well...salty. 😉
    • Brown Sugar - Light or dark brown sugar work just fine. You’ll get a bit more of that rich molasses flavor from dark brown sugar.
    • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Any type works - Dutch process or not. I just use regular ole’ Hershey’s. 
    • Heavy Cream - I make this both with heavy cream and regular milk, but the heavy cream is a clear winner. The result is just that much more thick and rich. In a pinch, regular milk will work too, but know that the result will be slightly more thin.
    • Light Corn Syrup - There are many substitutes for light corn syrup (I listed a few below), but when I tested this recipe nothing gave the same rich, creamy result as corn syrup. 
    • Pure Vanilla Extract - Whisk this in at the end to add a hint of vanilla flavor. 

    Substitute for Light Corn Syrup

    Honey, maple syrup, and agave can often be used as substitutes for light corn syrup. However, I tested them in this recipe, and none of them even came close to the rich, thick, pourable result I got from light corn syrup. 

    I don’t use corn syrup often, but in this recipe, it really gives you the best result. 

    pouring hot fudge into a small glass jar

    How to Store Homemade Hot Fudge

    Homemade hot fudge will keep almost indefinitely in the refrigerator. Warm it briefly (20 to 30 seconds) in the microwave before using. 

    More Summer-Friendly Desserts

    • Summer Berry Cobbler
    • Rainbow Yogurt Popsicles
    • Pink Lemonade Bars
    • Muffin Pan Strawberry Shortcakes
    • Mango Pudding
    • Mini Cheesecakes
    • Semolina Yogurt Cake
    • Frozen Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pie
    • Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Cookies
    • No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie
    • Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes

    Favorite Tools

    • All Clad Saucepan

    pouring hot fudge over a bowl of vanilla ice cream

    pouring fudge sauce into a small glass jar
    Print Recipe
    4.6 from 5 votes

    Homemade Hot Fudge

    It couldn’t be easier to make rich, creamy Homemade Hot Fudge. Just five ingredients (that you probably already have) and 10 minutes is all you need to take your next bowl of ice cream up a notch.
    Prep Time3 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time8 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Keyword: chocolate, dessert topping, easy sauce, homemade sauce, ice cream topping, simple dessert
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 180kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $3.00

    Equipment

    • Saucepan

    Ingredients

    • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (½ cup)
    • 1 cup packed Brown Sugar (can use light or dark)
    • ⅓ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
    • ¼ cup Heavy Cream (heavy cream will give you the most rich, creamy result, but any type of milk will work)
    • ¼ cup Light Corn Syrup
    • ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
    • Pinch of Salt

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute, whisking very well for the entire minute.
    • Remove pan from heat and whisk in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
    • Serve warm.
    • Hot fudge can be refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat it briefly in the microwave before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 308IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

    *This post contains affiliate links*

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

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    Welcome! We're Jess and Frank. Since 2010, we have been serving up easy, original recipes here on Inquiring Chef.

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