Description
This easy hot fudge sauce recipe transforms any dessert into pure magic with its rich, warm aroma and smooth texture. It’s quick to make, stores beautifully, and tastes much better than store-bought, perfect for cozy family dessert nights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (120 g), (or Dutch-processed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt, (reduce to 0.25 tsp if using salted butter)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (113 g), (1 stick)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml), (or whole milk, or full-fat canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract (5 ml)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, both granulated and light brown sugars, and fine sea salt until thoroughly combined with no lumps.
- Melt Butter and Add Liquid: Add the unsalted butter to the saucepan. Place it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until everything is fully combined and looks uniform.
- Simmer and Thicken: Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If it seems too thin after 5 minutes, simmer for another minute or two.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot fudge sauce from the heat. Stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract until well incorporated and fragrant. Enjoy your homemade hot fudge sauce immediately, best spooned over warm brownies or ice cream.
Notes
No need to sift cocoa if you whisk dry ingredients thoroughly. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat. For dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk or plant-based milk and vegan butter. For reduced sugar, start with 0.5 cup granulated sugar and adjust to taste. For intense chocolate, use high-quality dark or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. For extra richness, stick with heavy cream. For low-carb, substitute sugars with a sugar-free sweetener blend (consistency may vary). Check dates on cocoa and butter for optimal results. The sauce thickens further as it cools.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert Sauce
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 230 calories
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: hot fudge, chocolate sauce, dessert topping, easy recipe, homemade, cocoa, creamy, sweet treat, stovetop