Introduction

This 5-minute homemade hot fudge is so easy to make with just a few pantry staples. The rich, glossy sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, brownies, or Meltaway Brownie Cookies Recipe. It’s a simple way to elevate any dessert with that classic chocolate fudge flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients

This easy hot fudge recipe creates a decadent, glossy sauce with deep chocolate flavor and luxurious texture that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream.

• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or salted butter, omitting the pinch of salt)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Timing

Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Easy Hot Fudge Recipe is ready in about 20% less time than traditional hot fudge recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Gather Your Ingredients

Measure out 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Having everything ready before you start ensures this easy hot fudge recipe comes together smoothly.

Step 2 — Combine Cream, Corn Syrup, and Sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, corn syrup, and brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. This creates the sweet, creamy base for your hot fudge sauce.

Step 3 — Whisk in Cocoa Powder

Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cocoa powder until no lumps remain. Continue whisking for about 1 minute to cook the cocoa powder slightly, which helps eliminate any raw flavor and deepens the chocolate taste.

Step 4 — Add Chocolate and Butter

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the chopped chocolate and butter until completely melted and smooth. The residual heat is sufficient to melt everything without returning to the stove, preventing the chocolate from seizing or burning.

Step 5 — Return to Heat and Simmer

Place the saucepan back over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The easy hot fudge recipe is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and a line drawn through it holds its shape.

Step 6 — Stir in Vanilla and Cool

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the hot fudge cool for 10-15 minutes before serving—it will continue to thicken as it cools. For a thinner sauce, use immediately; for thicker fudge, allow it to cool completely.

Step 7 — Store Properly

Transfer the cooled hot fudge to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	5g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	35mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Powder — Replace ¼ cup cocoa with vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a protein boost while maintaining rich flavor.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener — Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit for a lower-carb version with zero glycemic impact.
• Coconut Milk — Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative with subtle tropical notes.
• Almond Butter — Swap butter for almond butter to add nutty depth while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Dark Chocolate Chips — Choose sugar-free dark chocolate chips to reduce carbs while intensifying the chocolate flavor.
• Sea Salt Flakes — Garnish with sea salt flakes instead of regular salt for lower sodium and enhanced flavor contrast.
• Avocado Oil — Replace butter with avocado oil for a dairy-free option with neutral taste and healthy fats.
• Maple Syrup — Use pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative for a subtle caramel note in your Easy Hot Fudge Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle this Easy Hot Fudge Recipe over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a classic sundae.
• Pour it warm over brownies or your favorite cake for a decadent dessert.
• Use it as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
• Layer it in a parfait with whipped cream and crushed cookies.
• Add a spoonful to your morning coffee or hot chocolate for a mocha twist.
• Serve it alongside a cheese board with salty pretzels and nuts for a sweet and savory contrast.

This Easy Hot Fudge Recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for casual family desserts or for dressing up a special occasion treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-quality chocolate chips that don’t melt smoothly. Fix: Opt for high-cocoa baking chocolate or quality chocolate bars for superior texture.
• Mistake: Adding cold dairy directly to melted chocolate, causing it to seize. Fix: Always warm cream or milk slightly before incorporating it into the chocolate mixture.
• Mistake: Overheating the chocolate, which can scorch and create a grainy sauce. Fix: Use low heat and stir constantly until just melted and combined.
• Mistake: Skipping the salt, resulting in a one-dimensional sweet flavor. Fix: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Mistake: Not stirring enough, leading to uneven cooking and potential burning. Fix: Maintain consistent stirring from start to finish for a velvety smooth hot fudge.
• Mistake: Rushing the cooling process, which prevents proper thickening. Fix: Allow the sauce to cool gradually at room temperature to achieve ideal pouring consistency.
• Mistake: Storing in the refrigerator without proper sealing, causing crystallization. Fix: Transfer to an airtight container while still warm to preserve smoothness.
• Mistake: Using granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, creating a gritty texture. Fix: Powdered sugar dissolves completely for a silky finish in your easy hot fudge recipe.
• Mistake: Ignoring the importance of vanilla extract added at the wrong time. Fix: Stir in vanilla after removing from heat to preserve its aromatic flavor.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The easy hot fudge recipe will thicken when chilled.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches 165°F for food safety. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Always use a clean utensil to scoop out the sauce to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.

Conclusion

This Easy Hot Fudge Recipe is the perfect homemade topping for all your desserts. Try it over ice cream, brownies, or Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Easy. We hope you love it! Please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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FAQs

How long does this Easy Hot Fudge Recipe last in the fridge?

This Easy Hot Fudge Recipe will keep for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.

Can I make this Easy Hot Fudge Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this Easy Hot Fudge Recipe dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. The result will be a rich, creamy sauce perfect for those avoiding dairy.

Why did my hot fudge sauce become grainy?

A grainy texture usually occurs if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved or if the sauce is overheated. For the best results with this Easy Hot Fudge Recipe, stir constantly over medium-low heat and avoid boiling.