The Best Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe – Easy Homemade Chocolate Dessert Topping
The best hot fudge sauce recipe is a must-have for dessert lovers! This rich, velvety sauce made with cocoa, butter, and cream is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, brownies, or fruit. Quick to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s the ultimate homemade chocolate topping for any sweet treat.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Heatproof spatula
- Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
- Add Cocoa & Sugar: Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in Cream: Slowly add heavy cream, whisking continuously.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- Add Chocolate & Vanilla: Stir in chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until glossy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sauce thickens as it cools.
- Serve: Drizzle over ice cream, cakes, or brownies.
Notes
- Salted caramel twist: stir in caramel and sea salt.
- Mocha version: add espresso powder.
- Peanut butter swirl: mix in smooth peanut butter.
- Vegan option: substitute coconut milk for cream.
- Store in fridge up to 2 weeks; freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently; add splash of cream if too thick.