Hot Fudge Sauce

Velvety smooth and rich in flavor, this hot fudge sauce is simple to make at home with soft fluffy marshmallows, dark chocolate and cream. It’s the perfect topping to elevate any ice cream sundae or decadent dessert all summer long!

Forget the store bought stuff, this hot fudge sauce is thick, creamy and so easy to make at home from scratch with only 3 ingredients. It will be your new go-to favorite all summer long for ice cream sundaes or any other dessert that needs an indulgent chocolate sauce to make it outstanding. 

Treating yourself to the ultimate hot fudge sundae made with this homemade fudge sauce is simply the best! Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream to a bowl, top it with this warm sauce, some whipped cream and a cherry and it’s the perfect ending to a meal. 

Whether you are out of the jarred stuff or just need an excuse to make something rich and chocolatey to accompany your ice cream or fresh fruit, this is the ultimate dessert topping. Other ice cream toppings we love to make all summer long include this homemade caramel sauce and strawberry sauce! 

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe Ingredients

This hot fudge topping recipe contains only 3 simple ingredients that you may already have on hand!

• Marshmallows: I prefer to use 1 cup of mini marshmallows but 6 regular marshmallows or 2 jumbo marshmallows that are cut into pieces could also be used. 
• Dark chocolate: Quality chopped dark chocolate bar is preferred and will result in the best taste and smooth texture. 
• Half and half cream: A small amount adds both creaminess and thickness.

Variations

• Marshmallow fluff: Use a ½ cup of marshmallow fluff in place of marshmallows.
• Chocolate: While I love bittersweet chocolate, you can feel free to use semi-sweet chocolate, unsweetened chocolate or a combination of the two. I prefer quality chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips for best results. 
• Vanilla extract: Add up to a teaspoon vanilla extract to balance the chocolate flavor.
• Sugar: If you prefer your hot fudge sweeter, add a small amount of granulated sugar when melting the chocolate. Ensure that the sugar dissolves completely.
• Butter: Adding butter into the melted chocolate adds to the richness of the homemade fudge sauce.

How to Make Hot Fudge Sauce

This easy hot fudge is ready in only 20 minutes in only a few easy steps! 

Place ingredients in a bowl: It is best to melt your chocolate on the stovetop using the bain-marie method. Place marshmallows, chopped dark chocolate and cream in a bowl.

Melt chocolate: Place the bowl over a pot with simmering boiling water, make sure the bowl does not touch the water in the pot.

Stir constantly: Stir the chocolate mixture until all ingredients are melted and smooth.

Serve: Cool slightly then serve your fudge sauce warm over ice cream or your favorite dessert. Enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Serve warm: When cold the sauce is very thick and fudgy. Warming it up makes it pourable and easier to serve with your sundaes or desserts. 
• Skip the microwave: This homemade hot fudge is best made on the stovetop with a bain-marie or double broiler rather than in the microwave. 
• Stir constantly: For the smoothest texture, stir your chocolate constantly while it is melting.
• Avoid overcooking the chocolate: Cooking your chocolate over too high of heat or cooking it too long can result in a grainy texture.
• Instant coffee or espresso: Add up to a ½ teaspoon of either to intensify the chocolate flavor. 

Ways to Use Homemade Hot Fudge

While an ice cream sundae is the classic choice, even better would be to create an ice cream sundae bar complete with all your favorite ice cream toppings including warm hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, chopped nuts, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for the top.

You can also try this sauce over any of your favorite desserts to make it even more indulgent! Spoon it over chocolate fudge cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it on top of this chocolate milkshake. Serve a slice of this chocolate chip cookie pie with warm fudge sauce and it’s to-die-for delicious! 

We also love the sauce over any flavor of ice cream including this strawberry cheesecake ice cream and strawberry ice cream.

How to Store Hot Fudge Sauce

Refrigerator: Once cooled, store your hot fudge in the refrigerator sealed in an airtight container or mason jar with lid for up to 3 weeks. 

Freezer: Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. You may want to store it in portion sized containers for ease in removing to thaw just what you need when the craving hits for an ice cream sundae! 

FAQs

Can I make hot fudge in advance? 

Yes! This is perfect to make ahead so you always have some on hand to use as an ice cream topping all summer long. Make a batch of this hot fudge recipe and store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

How do I reheat the sauce? 

Remove the desired amount of chocolate fudge sauce from the fridge and place in a microwave safe bowl. Reheat in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring until heated through. 

Can I use evaporated milk instead of half and half? 

That should work and is a great way to be able to make this anytime you want since evaporated milk is shelf stable. Use the same amount as called for with the half and half. 

What is the difference between hot fudge and chocolate sauce? 

The main differences are both the texture and ingredients used. Hot fudge is thick while chocolate sauce is thinner. Hot fudge also uses richer ingredients like cream or butter while chocolate sauce uses water or corn syrup and sugar. 

More Chocolate Recipes to Try

• Marble Pound Cake
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Double Chocolate Bread
• Chocolate Chip Brownies
• Chocolate Water Cake