• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Carefree Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Cheese
      • Dips
    • Breakfast
      • Quick Bread Recipe
      • Breakfast Casseroles
      • Eggs
      • French Toast
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Sides
      • Potatoes
      • Rice
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • No Bake
    • Breads
    • Sauces & Condiments
    • Drinks
    • Einkorn Flour
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Best Hot Fudge Sauce

    Best Hot Fudge Sauce

    Published: February 11, 2022 · Jill Baird · Leave a Comment

    easy hot fudge recipe

    Sharing is caring!

    167 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    easy hot fudge recipe
    easy hot fudge recipe
    old fashioned hot fudge recipe
    hot fudge recipe

    This is the Best Hot Fudge Sauce recipe to serve over ice creams, brownies, cakes and more.  It’s thick and creamy, made with both chocolate chips and cocoa powder and takes just a few minutes to make.

    Jump to:
    • Best Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe Ever
    • Ingredients in the Best Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce
    • How to Make the Best Hot Fudge Sauce
    • Hot Fudge Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing and Reheating
    • Best Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe
    • More of the Best Homemade Sauces and Syrups

    Best Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe Ever

    You’ll never go back to store-bought fudge sauces once you’ve tried our Best Hot Fudge Sauce.  This homemade fudge sauce is extra chocolatey, super thick, and silky smooth.  

    For the perfect hot fudge sundae, drizzle over vanilla ice cream and top with whipped cream and a cherry.  We also love spooning this hot fudge recipe over cakes, no-bake cheesecake and brownies, but we also wouldn’t judge you if you ate it with waffles for breakfast.

    Follow along for step-by-step instructions, suggestions for flavor variations, and answers to some of your most frequently asked questions. 

    A bowl of ice cream topped with whipped cream, a cherry, sprinkles and our Best Hot Fudge Sauce.

    Ingredients in the Best Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce

    • Butter - we like to use unsalted butter, but if you like your hot fudge a with a touch of salt, go ahead and use salted butter.
    • Sugar - this adds the necessary sweetness.  You could substitute brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
    • Cocoa Powder - the best cocoa powder makes the best hot fudge!  Try and use the best kind you can find (we like Guittard).
    • Karo Syrup - Karo corn syrup helps prevent the sugars from crystallizing and keeps the sauce extra smooth.
    • Evaporated Milk - this makes the sauce extra creamy, and adds a little volume.  You could substitute heavy whipped cream if you wish.
    • Chocolate Chips - this adds even more chocolate flavor and a touch of sweetness.  We’ll typically use milk chocolate chips, but semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate will taste great if you want to go for more of a dark chocolate fudge.
    • Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract tastes best.
    A saucepan with caramel cooking over a stove.

    How to Make the Best Hot Fudge Sauce

    1. Boil all but the chocolate and vanilla.  In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, karo syrup, and evaporated milk.  Bring to a rapid boil, stirring constantly, and boil for about 6 minutes.
    2. Stir in the chocolate.  Take the fudge sauce off the heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract.  Stir until all of the chocolate has melted and the sauce is smooth.
    3. Serve.  Serve with ice cream, cheesecake, brownies and more.  Enjoy!
    A glass mixing bowl full of old fashioned hot fudge sauce on a table.

    Hot Fudge Variations

    There are so many great ways to flavor and alter this old fashioned hot fudge sauce.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Flavor with peppermint extract, orange extract or coffee extract.
    • Add a little rum, whiskey or your favorite liqueur.
    • Whisk in a small amount of cayenne pepper with the sugar and cocoa powder.
    • Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg or other baking spices to the sugar and cocoa powder mixture.
    • If you like your sweets a little salty, add kosher or sea salt to taste.
    from scratch hot fudge sauce

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What if my hot fudge is too thin?

    The best way to fix a thin fudge sauce is to put everything back into a saucepan and bring the mixture up to 225-230 degrees F.  This will help to thicken it up rather quickly.

    How can I thin out my hot fudge?

    If your sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more heavy cream or evaporated milk.  You’ll want to let the mixture chill, then double check the thickness before adding more or leaving as is.

    Can I freeze hot fudge?

    Yes!  Make sure it’s completely cooled, then store in freezer bags or an airtight container for up to 2 months.

    Why is my hot fudge grainy?

    Chances are you either scorched the chocolate while cooking it, or you didn’t melt the chocolate enough.  Make sure you add the chocolate off of the heat, and be sure to whisk while cooking over the heat.  To fix the graininess, strain your sauce through a fine mesh strainer.

    Storing and Reheating

    • Refrigerator: store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
    • Freezer: hot fudge sauces can be frozen in freezer bags or another airtight container for up to 2 months.  To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
    • To reheat: either warm slowly in the microwave, or place in a saucepan over medium low heat and warm while stirring frequently.  If it’s a little too thick, add a splash of cream.
    from scratch hot fudge sauce
    Print

    Best Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe

    This is the Best Hot Fudge Sauce recipe to serve over ice creams, brownies, cakes and more.  It’s thick and creamy, made with both chocolate chips and cocoa powder and takes just a few minutes to make.
    Course Dessert, Sauce
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 334kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Butter
    • 2 cups Sugar
    • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
    • ¼ cup Karo Syrup
    • 12 oz Evaporated Milk or heavy cream
    • 12 oz Milk Chocolate Chips Guittard brand is preferred
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    Instructions

    • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, karo syrup, and evaporated milk. Bring to a rapid boil, stirring constantly, and boil for about 6 minutes.
    • Take the fudge sauce off the heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir until all of the chocolate has melted and the sauce is smooth.
    • Serve with ice cream, cheesecake, brownies and more. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

    More of the Best Homemade Sauces and Syrups

    • Homemade Caramel Sauce
    • Apple Cider Syrup
    • Lemon Curd
    • Easy Homemade Blackberry Syrup
    • Chocolate Fondue
    • Lemon Syrup
    • Homemade Chocolate Syrup
    • More Dessert Recipes
    • More Sauces

    More Chocolate Recipes

    • Chewy Chocolate Brownies
    • Chocolate Parfait
    • Chocolate Cream Pie
    • Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    This homemade Best Hot Fudge Sauce is chocolatey, super thick and silky smooth. Drizzle over your favorite ice cream, brownies, cakes and more.

    « Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
    Best Chewy Fudge Brownie Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Jill.

    I love sharing my love of food with you and helping you find easy solutions for all of your family's meals and delicious treats.

    Learn More

    Let's Be Friends!

    • Facebook
    • Instragram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Most Popular Posts

    • Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken 
    • Cheesy Bean Dip
    • Ramen Cabbage Salad
    • Classic Parker House Rolls
    • Easy Taco Soup Recipe
    • Carne Asada
    • Air Fryer Squash
    • Chipotle Chicken Burrito {How to Make a Chipotle Burrito at Home}

    Explore More Recipes

    Footer

    About The Carefree Kitchen

    The Carefree Kitchen is where I get to share my love of food with you! Every recipe is tested and approved by my family and friends. These recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer • Terms and Conditions

    167 shares