Description
This easy hot fudge recipe creates a rich, velvety chocolate sauce perfect for topping desserts like ice cream or strawberries. It’s a family-friendly indulgence that’s been perfected over years for deep flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.125 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until smoothly combined to prevent lumps.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and add the butter to the saucepan. Stir gently until the butter begins to melt and everything forms a creamy liquid, usually within 1-2 minutes over low heat.
- Simmer to Thicken: Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and looks glossy. If it looks gritty, simmer a minute longer, stirring, to ensure all sugar is dissolved and the texture is smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm over your favorite desserts for an instant gourmet upgrade.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use the thick part of a can of full-fat coconut cream and plant-based butter. Using high-quality cream, organic cocoa, and grass-fed butter can enhance the flavor and texture. For a spicier version, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper with the dry ingredients. For a lighter, thinner sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (reduce simmer time slightly).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Calories: 170 calories
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: hot fudge, chocolate sauce, dessert topping, easy recipe, stovetop, creamy, rich, quick indulgence