Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (2024)

This easy, hot fudge sauce recipe tastes just like the old fashioned sundae topping of your childhood, but it’s made with coconut milk so it’s dairy free and vegan. It’s creamy, gooey and full of chocolate flavor. Use it with your favorite toppings for an indulgent ice cream sundae treat.

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Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (1)

A sweeter birthday celebration

Today is my birthday (and my twin sister’s birthday too!). This year, we’ve decided celebrate it with an ice cream sundae bar.

It’s perfect for celebrating our birthday as moms with little kids. We get an indulgent treat, the kids get to have a ton of fun creating their own sundaes, and I don’t even have to make my own birthday cake (like I did last year). It’s a win-win-win in my opinion.

And, thanks to this hot fudge sauce and a few strategic topping choices, I was able to make this birthday celebration even sweeter by creating an ice cream sundae bar that that everyone can enjoy.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (2)

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own sundae bar:

Start with ice cream. For our sundae bar, I went with birthday cake, cherry fudge, and chocolate. You can even grab some of their regular ice cream for those who aren’t eating dairy free.

Next, choose your toppings. I decided to keep all of mine dairy free so there wouldn’t be any confusion, but you can easily separate or label if there’s something you want to include that isn’t dairy free. As always, make sure you read the labels.

An ice cream sundae bar wouldn’t be complete without hot fudge sauce. It’s a nostalgia thing for me, and the warm, gooey texture can’t be beat.

Since there’s obviously nothing dairy free on the market, I decided to let this be the one topping I would make from scratch.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (3)

Why I love this hot fudge sauce

When I decided to make hot fudge sauce, I knew I didn’t just want a dairy free alternative. I wanted to make something that would take me back to my childhood. I imagined a warm, gooey hot fudge sauce that sticks to your cold spoon and gets thicker when it hits cold ice cream.

What is hot fudge made of? Since traditional hot fudge sauce uses heavy cream, I replaced that with creamy, canned coconut milk and I decided to skip the butter all together. To replace that buttery flavor, I opted for brown sugar instead of white. The results were nothing short of what I had imagined, and I still haven’t gotten over how great the hot fudge sauce turned out.

I’m already imagining different ways to use it, and I have quite a few ideas in mind, including topping off this grasshopper pie and my favorite turtle sundae.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (4)

Here’s what we chose:

  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Chocolate chips
  • Shredded coconut
  • Gummy bears
  • Angel food cake
  • Chocolate chip cookie pieces
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Hot fudge sauce
  • Salted caramel sauce
  • Vegan whipped topping

You’ll also need bowls to serve your toppings and something to serve your ice cream in. I decided to go with mugs. We always ate our ice cream from mugs when we were kids so I thought it would be fun to do as adults. They also have built in handles so they’re super kid friendly.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (5)

How to make hot fudge sauce

Mix the ingredientsin a large pot and put it on the stove over medium heat. Stir the ingredients as the chocolate melts, until the sauce is smooth. You may need to use a whisk to get the sauce super smooth.

Let the sauce cool. Remove the pot of sauce from the stove and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a container. I store ours in a mason jar, but you could put it right into your serving dish if you want. Just make sure the container is microwave safe so you can warm it up before serving.

Can you reheat hot fudge sauce? Yes. In fact, if you’re making this recipe ahead of time, you’ll want to reheat the hot fudge sauce before serving it. You want to serve it warm, but not hot. I recommend popping it into the microwave for about 30 – 45 seconds. You could also keep it warm in a small slow cooker or electric sauce warmer.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (6)

FAQs about hot fudge sauce

What’s the difference between hot fudge and chocolate sauce?The main difference between the two sauces is the texture. Hot fudge sauce tends to be thicker due to the fat content of ingredients like cream or butter (or in this case coconut milk), while chocolate sauce is thinner because it’s more of a water/sugar based syrup.

How long does hot fudge last in the refrigerator?This recipe should last in the fridge for about 2 weeks, but use your best judgment. If it smells or looks funny, it’s time to toss it.

Can hot fudge sauce be frozen?Yes, you can definitely freeze hot fudge sauce, but since this recipe is made with coconut milk, you may see some separation when you thaw it. If that’s the case, just whisk it back together when reheating.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (7)

More birthday friendly treats:

  • One layer cake with chocolate frosting
  • Vanilla cupcakes
  • 1234 cake

Even more chocolate recipes:

  • Chocolate pudding
  • Olive oil brownies
  • Chocolate chocolate chip cookies
  • Dairy free hot chocolate
  • Microwave fudge

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Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (8)

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe

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This easy, hot fudge sauce recipe tastes just like the old fashioned sundae topping of your childhood, but it’s made with coconut milk so it’s dairy free and vegan. It’s creamy, gooey and full of chocolate flavor. Use it with your favorite toppings for an indulgent ice cream sundae treat.

  • Author: Melissa Belanger
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: about 2 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2/3 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Heat the ingredients, stirring frequently, until chocolate chips have melted and sauce is smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and transfer to a container. Serve warm or refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. To reheat: microwave for 30 – 45 second intervals, until warm (but not hot).

Notes

  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 119
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 8 mg
  • Fat: 5.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.9 g
  • Fiber: 1.3 g
  • Protein: 1.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Published: August 23, 2019. Updated: August 30, 2023.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I will never recommend a product I don’t use or trust.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is hot fudge sauce made of? ›

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, whisk the chocolate, sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, cocoa powder, and salt together until the chocolate is melted. Whisking occasionally, allow the mixture to come to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes.

What makes hot fudge taste different? ›

Hot fudge is made by boiling together cream, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes butter—the traditional ingredients for fudge—into what is essentially just an undercooked, unset version of the confection. It differs from plain old chocolate sauce by virtue of being gooier and more viscous.

Why is my homemade hot fudge sauce grainy? ›

Be sure to serve warm, and, when reheating, reheat only the amount of sauce you intend to use; repeated heating and chilling can make the sauce grainy.

Why is my hot fudge too thick? ›

To fix oily, hard or grainy fudge, scoop the fudge back into a pot with about a cup of water. Cook it over low heat until the fudge dissolves. Then bring the fudge back up to the temperature specified in the recipe and follow the remaining steps. The flavor may be slightly diluted, but the texture will be improved.

What is Dairy Queen hot fudge made of? ›

Artificially Flavored Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream: Milkfat And Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Mono And Diglycerides, Artificial Flavor, Guar Gum, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate, Chocolate Flavored Hot Fudge Topping: Corn Syrup, Skim Milk, Sugar, Hydrogenated (Palm Kernel or Coconut Oil), ...

What are the ingredients in Smuckers hot fudge sauce? ›

Corn Syrup, Nonfat Milk, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali And Cocoa, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Fully Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Mono And Diglycerides, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Vanillin (artificial Flavor).

How long is homemade hot fudge good for? ›

Hot Fudge Recipe

Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes before using (it will thicken as it cools). Store in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it's pourable but still thick.

What happens if you overheat fudge? ›

Too cooked

This fudge was cooked to a temperature of 118 °C (244 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge.

What's the difference between hot fudge and chocolate sauce? ›

The main difference is the texture. Hot fudge is thicker and more rich while chocolate sauce is thinner and more pourable. Chocolate sauce stays sauce in the refrigerator, while hot fudge gets cold and thick…like fudge.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

How to fix split hot fudge sauce? ›

Add more liquid

If it is half-broken, add half as much again as the amount of oil that was used to break it in the first place. If it is completely broken, add equal volumes of oil and liquid. Start with a little bit and keep adding until the sauce comes back together into an emulsion. This may take a few iterations.

Why is fudge so hard to make? ›

Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft. A temperature of 112°C to 114°C (234°F to 237°F) must be maintained. This will ensure the fudge has the ideal concentration of water and sugar. Fudge is difficult to make.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

Can I reboil fudge that didn't set? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

What is the difference between chocolate sauce and hot fudge? ›

The main difference is the texture. Hot fudge is thicker and more rich while chocolate sauce is thinner and more pourable. Chocolate sauce stays sauce in the refrigerator, while hot fudge gets cold and thick…like fudge.

What is McDonald's hot fudge made of? ›

Hot Fudge Topping

Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Nonfat Milk, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa (processed With Alkali), Corn Syrup, Salt, Disodium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids. Contains: Milk, Soy.

What is fudge made of? ›

Fudge is a dense, rich confection typically made with sugar, milk or cream, butter and chocolate or other flavorings. The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals.

What is the sauce called that is made from chiles and chocolate? ›

This authentic mole sauce is made with hot chiles, rich chocolate, spices, and tomatillos for a delicious topping on enchiladas and stewed meats.

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