Best Hot Fudge Sauce (2024)

The Best Hot Fudge Sauce is easy to make and beats store bought options. It turns out thick, gooey, fudgy and delicious—perfect every time!

Best Hot Fudge Sauce (1)

If you have been frustrated trying to make your own hot fudge sauce in the past, let your mind be at ease. If you follow these simple instructions to the tee—you will be delighted with the sauce and yourself for mastering this simple recipe. This sauce is perfect as an ice cream topper, drizzled over a cake or pie, used to make chocolate milk, or even used as a fudge layer in other recipes. Once you learn how to make your own, you will never reach for store-bought fudge sauce again!

Can I make this in the microwave?

There are recipes out there for microwave hot fudge, but the best results for homemade hot fudge sauce are achieved through cooking on a traditional stovetop. The heat in microwaves just isn’t as reliable. This recipe is best made on the stovetop—it is still simple and quick to make.

Cooking Tips:

The cooking allows the sugar to bind with the other ingredients; too hot, and the sugar burns, too cool or too short, and the sugar could end up grainy or crystallized. The blending has to do with working air into the sauce or aerating it. The smooth, creamy texture is a result of this blending, so be sure to blend for the full two minutes, even if it seems pretty well blended before that. Also, an immersion blender doesn’t work great for this step. Both the temperature and the time are key here, so be ready with your ingredients and a timer—you will love the result!

A common mistake in candy making is cooking the sugar too fast. When a candy recipe says “bring to a boil” you should warm it at low-medium heat until everything is melted, then turn the heat up to medium-high until boiling begins. Then, always reduce the heat to medium to sustain a simmering boil. If you just flip the heat up to high, you risk burning or otherwise ruining your sugar.Doubling a candy recipe can be difficult as it affects the cooking time, pot size, and more. Substitutions are unpredictable in candy making because each ingredient has a very specific purpose. This is cooking chemistry. Unless you are an experienced candy maker, just stick to the recipe.

Will the sugar crystallize?

Crystallizing is pretty common when working with sugar, but by heating the sugar just right, you can avoid that crystallization. Be sure to follow the cooking and blending very closely.

Does hot fudge sauce need to be refrigerated?

We recommend storing the fudge sauce in the refrigerator. There is probably enough sugar in it to keep fine at room temperature, but it is always safer in the fridge and will keep fresher. Reheat in the microwave in small, 20-30 second increments of time.

Best Hot Fudge Sauce (2)

Storage Instructions:

This sauce can be used for up to one month if kept in the refrigerator. If you bottle this to store it, using professional bottling techniques after you make it, it will last from 6-12 months, unopened, in the fridge.

If you like this yummy hot fudge recipe, you may also be interested in these other fudgy delights:

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.

Best Hot Fudge Sauce
Rating

Servings

3 cups

Best Hot Fudge Sauce (3)

The Best Hot Fudge Sauce is easy to make and beats store bought options. It turns out thick, gooey, fudgy and delicious—perfect every time!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 12 ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan combine butter, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, sugar, and evaporated milk. Stir to combine over medium-low heat.

  • Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 7 minutes, stirring constantly.

  • Remove from heat and add vanilla.

  • Pour the mixture into a blender and blend the mixture for 2 whole minutes.

  • Serve immediately or pour into a heat safe airtight container to store.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Reheat portions by spooning into a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 10 second increments until warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Hot Fudge Sauce

Best Hot Fudge Sauce (2024)

FAQs

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

The big difference between hot fudge and chocolate sauce is the texture. Hot fudge tends to be thicker and more indulgent, while chocolate sauce is noticeably thinner. Chocolate sauce also has sugar and water or corn syrup, while hot fudge uses heavier ingredients like cream and butter.

What kind of hot fudge does Dairy Queen use? ›

What does Dairy Queen use for hot fudge? Dairy Queen uses a hot fudge made with chocolate, milk, sugar, and butter.

What makes hot fudge taste different? ›

Sugar (or corn syrup), cocoa powder, and water are commonly used in chocolate sauce, which is thin and sweet. The cream and butter in hot fudge sauce give it a richer flavor and thicker texture.

What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's hot fudge sauce? ›

Sugar, cream (cream, carrageenan), sweetened condensed milk (whole milk, sugar), glucose (tapioca), butter (cream, salt), chocolate liquor, cocoa powder, water, cultured dextrose (maltodextrin [color], cultured dextrose [for freshness]), salt.

Why is my homemade hot fudge sauce grainy? ›

Why is my hot fudge sauce grainy? A common mistake is overcooking or overheating the sauce which can turn it grainy. Cooling the sauce too quickly can also cause it to become grainy. It's best to let it cool at room temperature until it's completely cool before refrigerating it.

Does hot fudge sauce need to be refrigerated? ›

Does hot fudge sauce need to be refrigerated? We recommend storing the fudge sauce in the refrigerator. There is probably enough sugar in it to keep fine at room temperature, but it is always safer in the fridge and will keep fresher. Reheat in the microwave in small, 20-30 second increments of time.

Can you buy hot fudge from Dairy Queen? ›

Hot fudge blended with milk and creamy DQ® soft serve into a classic DQ shake garnished with whipped topping. Available at participating DQ® locations.

What is a Mackinac Island fudge? ›

Vanilla ice cream with chewy fudge pieces and swirled with butter fudge sauce.

What is the most expensive hot fudge? ›

Serendipity3′s Diamond Frrrozen Hot Chocolate costs $250,000 and will only be available on Valentine's Day.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger. You can control the process by carefully following these directions.

Why does hot fudge get hard when it cools? ›

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 is Trader Joes equivalent Franks hot sauce? ›

It does make a great marinade and a fantastic buffalo sauce. Frank's RedHot is a common go-to for making a buffalo wing sauce but if one wants to impress their buffalo wing friends, replace Frank's RedHot with Trader Joe's Jalapeño Pepper Sauce.

What are the ingredients in Smuckers hot fudge sauce? ›

Sugar, Nonfat Milk, Corn Syrup, Soybean Oil, Cocoa, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Contains 2% or Less of: Fully Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Natural Flavor.

Who invented hot fudge sauce? ›

Clarence Clifton Brown, owner of C.C. Brown's Ice Cream Shop, is thought to have created the hot and cold concoction. He experimented with several hot fudge recipes before hitting on the right formula.

What is the secret to perfect fudge? ›

It's the size of sugar crystals that makes the knees of fudge lovers buckle…the smaller the crystals, the less they are perceived on the tongue and the more the fudge tastes smooth and creamy. Cooking, and beating after cooking, is the key to successful fudge.

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

The key to successful, nongrainy fudge is in the cooling, not the cooking. The recipe calls for heating the ingredients to the soft-ball stage, or 234° F, then allowing it to cool undisturbed to approximately 110° F.

How do you thicken hot fudge sauce? ›

If you follow the instructions correctly the chocolate sauce should not turn out runny. It thickens up as it cools down. If you want it to be thicker even after it has cooled then try adding a little more powdered sugar to it. You will need to reheat it as you add it in.

How long will homemade hot fudge sauce last? ›

How long does homemade hot fudge last? Homemade hot fudge will keep for about one month when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator. While there is likely enough sugar to store your hot fudge safely at room temperature, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator for best results.

Does hot fudge sauce go bad? ›

How To Store Hot Fudge Sauce. Once the sauce has cooled, place it in a sealed container such as a mason jar or tightly sealed plastic container and store it in the fridge until ready for use. When stored properly, it will last up to 4 months in the fridge.

Does homemade hot fudge go bad? ›

Store in jars in the fridge. If you used fresh dairy, the hot fudge sauce will keep for a good 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. If your dairy was close to the expiration date, use the sauce up within 5-7 days.

Does hot fudge get hard? ›

Recipe tips

It's hard to tell if your sauce is overcooked until it has cooled. Unfortunately if it has been cooked for too long the hot fudge will be very, very hard and too tough to eat. I may have made a batch or two that look beautiful until it was poured over ice cream. It became rock hard.

Is chocolate fudge the same as hot fudge? ›

Although the two are often interchanged, there actually is a difference between hot fudge and chocolate syrup. Hot fudge has a thicker consistency similar to a ganache and is typically made of cream, sugar, chocolate, butter and vanilla. It is rich and decadent in taste.

Why is it called hot fudge? ›

Heated-sauce

The hot fudge sundae is a variation on the classic sundae and is often a creation of vanilla ice cream, sprinkles, hot chocolate sauce (hence the "hot fudge"), whipped cream, nuts, and a single bright-red maraschino cherry on top.

What is the best way to heat up hot fudge? ›

How do you reheat hot fudge? You can reheat hot fudge sauce in the microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring it between microwave periods. But to avoid potential burning, I recommend using a sauce pan over medium-low heat on the stove.

Do you heat up hot fudge? ›

so delicious hot fudge topping

Also, you can warm it up before using it, or even eat cold like this, my kids love eating with a spoon from the whole jar, they just love it, as it is so delicious.

How do you wrap fudge nicely? ›

Wrap It Right

Unlike hard candy, fudge can dry out and become crumbly when exposed to air. To keep it soft and fresh, wrap fudge tightly in plastic after it cools.

Why is Mackinac fudge so good? ›

With 13 fudge shops on Mackinac Island, more than 10 tons of sugar is used per week to make the sweet treat during a busy summer season. Benser said Original Murdick's Fudge is made with “only the freshest, all-natural ingredients, most from Michigan including the sugar, butter, cream, and maple sugar.

Where is the fudge capital of the world? ›

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Did you know the fudge capital of the world is a 3.8 square mile island between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan? Mackinac Island – a National Historic Landmark – has been known for its fudge since the 1880′s.

What state is known for fudge? ›

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is known as “America's Fudge Capital,” which basically makes Murdick's the confectionery equivalent of the White House.

How much should I charge for 1 lb of fudge? ›

You should plan on spending at least \$16 a pound when purchasing fudge from the majority of the most popular online retailers who carry it.

Which fudge is best? ›

  • Shop All Chocolate.
  • Rose & Strawberry Barks.
  • Choco Butterscotch Barks.
  • Bombay's 3-Layer Chocolate Fudge.
  • Indie Bar - Peanut Patissa.
  • Indie Bar - Coconut Patissa.
  • Indie Bar Celebration Box.
Feb 18, 2022

Do you store fudge in the refrigerator? ›

Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.

What causes fudge to get too hard? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature. Don't throw out the whole pan, because you may be able to melt the fudge down and try again.

Is it better to use margarine or butter in fudge? ›

When making fudge, be sure to use good quality butter and do not substitute margarine. Margarine contains more water and can prevent the fudge from setting up properly. Also, be sure to use the quantity called for in the recipe, too much may prevent it from firming up properly.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

Combine sugar and milk in a small pot and cook over medium high heat. Stir continuously while the mixture boils for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes of boiling, check to see if the 'soft ball stage' has occurred.

Can you remelt fudge? ›

If your fudge is too soft, you can remelt it and add more melted chocolate. Just be careful to not overheat the chocolate.

Is Louisiana hot sauce better than Franks? ›

Frank's RedHot

It has a stronger vinegar kick than Louisiana, and seems slightly milder even though several websites claim that the Scoville rating is about the same. This is probably due to the addition of garlic powder, which provides a rounder, sweeter base.

What is the difference between Texas Pete and Franks hot sauce? ›

Texas Pete hot sauce is 747 on the Scoville scale, making it hotter than Louisiana Hot Sauce and Frank's RedHot. Texas Pete hot sauce cost $2.39 for 12 fluid ounces at Stop and Shop.

What hot sauce is like Taco Bell? ›

Diablo. If you're looking for the hottest sauce Taco Bell offers, go with Diablo. It's essentially the restaurant's in-house version of Tabasco or Frank's Red Hot. Diablo – Spanish for “devil” – is packed with different peppers, including aji panca, chipotle, and chili.

Do you refrigerate Smuckers hot fudge sauce? ›

Let open bottle stand for 1 minute before serving (Microwave wattage & temperatures vary). Caution: Bottle and contents will be hot. Do not shake hot bottle. Refrigerate after opening.

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

Smuckers hot fudge is made with chocolate, milk, and sugar, while chocolate fudge is made with just chocolate and sugar. Smuckers hot fudge is smoother and has a richer flavor, while chocolate fudge is more dense and has a stronger chocolate flavor.

Why were ice cream sodas banned on Sundays? ›

Many people call desserts “sinful,” but in the 1890s many municipalities took it literally and banned selling the rich sweet refreshment of ice cream sodas on Sundays because such an indulgence couldn't be anything other than a sin.

Why is a hot fudge sundae called a Sunday? ›

A pharmacist named Charles Sonntag created the treat, naming it the “sonntag” after himself. Sonntag means Sunday in German, and so the name was translated to Sunday, and later spelled as “sundae”.

Why was fudge called fudge? ›

The exact origin and inventor of this delicious confection are hotly debated. However, many believe the first batch of fudge was created by accident when American bakers “fudged” a batch of caramels. Hence the name “fudge.”

What is the difference between chocolate and fudge? ›

Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.

What is the difference between chocolate sauce and chocolate syrup? ›

These terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, chocolate syrup is usually made with water and without added fat, whereas chocolate sauce usually includes some kind of fat (milk, butter, cream, etc.). Both terms refer to pourable chocolate sauce that's thinner than hot fudge.

What is chocolate fudge sauce made of? ›

Heat Ingredients: Combine sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt and water to a saucepan and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring well. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the syrup and stir until smooth.

What is the hot sauce with a chocolate flavor called? ›

Chocolate Lightning is an award winning hot sauce made from a Chocolate Habanero mash and a custom Volcanic Pepper Dust blend, including; Smoked Habanero, Bhut Jolokia (Ghost) and Moruga Scorpion.

Why is fudge unhealthy? ›

Fudge is delicious, but it isn't the healthiest dessert option. Since it's high in saturated fat, sugar, and calories, you should limit your intake to a couple pieces per day.

Does fudge go bad? ›

Fudge has the potential to go bad, but not necessarily in the ways other foods experience spoilage. It's not considered a potentially hazardous food, but the quality of fudge can certainly be affected, with a change in texture, appearance and flavor.

What is the name of the sauce that is based on chocolate? ›

Chocolate sauce: Sometimes called fudge sauce, chocolate sauce is generally made from cream (or milk), butter, and chocolate, and can be served hot or cold. The proportion of each of the ingredients will affect the thickness of the final product.

Is sauce or syrup better? ›

Sauces have a thicker consistency than syrups, but syrups work better in cold drinks, like iced coffee. You can also use syrups in more non-coffee applications, such as baked goods and ice cream toppings.

Is Hershey's chocolate syrup chocolate sauce? ›

There is probably not a single soul who does not like a lavish layering of chocolate sauce on their cold vanilla ice cream or brownie. The chocolate syrup from the house of Hershey is a family favourite and is a must-add for milk and milkshakes.

Is hot fudge just ganache? ›

Ganache is often used as a filling or an icing, while Fudge can be enjoyed all by itself. 3. Though fudge is commonly made with chocolate, it can also be flavoured with countless other ingredients like peanut butter, vanilla, coffee etc. Unlike Fudge, chocolate is indeed the main ingredient in a Ganache.

What do Mexicans call hot sauce? ›

Mexican hot sauce is called salsa picante in Mexico.

What is Chick Fil A special sauce called? ›

Chick-fil-A® Sauce

Our classic dipping sauce with notes of honey mustard and a smoky tang.

What is the hottest name brand hot sauce? ›

1) Mad Dog 375 Plutonium No.

The hottest hot sauce in the world is called Mad Dog 357 Plutonium No. 9 and comes in at 9 million Scoville Hotness Units (SHUs). This pepper extract is one of the hottest and purest in the entire world.

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