This Hot Fudge Sauce with cocoa powder and chocolate chips is extra thick and creamy, perfect for serving over ice creams, brownies, cakes and more. It also takes only a few minutes to prepare so it can be made ahead of time or at the very last minute.
This recipe will also give you a few simple flavor variations to try, so you can use it with all kinds of different desserts. If you’re looking something a little thinner, you can also try our Chocolate Syrup recipe.
Hot Fudge Sauce with Cocoa Powder
You’ll never go back to store-bought fudge sauces once you’ve tried our Hot Fudge recipe. This hot fudge sauce with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and evaporated milk, is extra chocolatey, super thick, and silky smooth.
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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.
Key Ingredients
- 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.
How to Make Hot Fudge Sauce
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve. Serve with ice cream, cheesecake, brownies and more. Enjoy!
Recipe 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Yes! Make sure it’s completely cooled, then store in freezer bags or an airtight container for up to 2 months.
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 Instructions
- 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.
Best Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup karo syrup
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 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!
Notes
Nutrition
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This homemade Best Hot Fudge Sauce is chocolatey, super thick and silky smooth. Drizzle over your favorite ice cream, brownies, cakes and more.
simple recipe and delicious