This Hot Fudge Sauce is creamy and decadent but super simple to make in just 10 minutes!
This homemade sauce is super quick because it has no cream but instead uses cornstarch as a thickener
You can make it on the stove in a pan in 10 minutes, or make it in 5 minutes in the microwave! (Directions for the microwave version included in the recipe card as well as below)
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Ingredients for Homemade Hot Fudge
This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have on hand:
- Sugar
- High quality Dark Cocoa Powder – we like Ghiradelli brand 100% cocoa, but choose your favorite. Make sure to use 100% cocoa, not hot cocoa mix
- Cornstarch – this is the thickening agent
- Salt – sea salt is our choice and it helps balance the sweetness
- Butter – choose unsalted for best results, but salted will work too
- Vanilla Extract – you can make your own like we do, or buy a high quality pure vanilla extract at the market or online
How to make homemade Hot Fudge Sauce with Cocoa Powder
This recipe is super quick and easy to make. It’s ready in 10 minutes.
- Combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt. Whisk until no lumps remain
- Add the water and blend well
- Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, until sauce starts to thicken
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, stirring until completely melted
- Whisk in the vanilla extract
- Pour carefully into a glass jar to store
Microwave instructions
Note: microwaves vary in strength. Ours was made with an 1100 watt microwave
- In a large microwave safe bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt
- Stir in the water and whisk until very smooth
- Microwave for 1 minute. Whisk and microwave for 1 more minute
- Remove and add the butter. Return to microwave and cook for 45 seconds
- Remove from microwave, and whisk until completely smooth and combined
- Whisk in vanilla extract
- Pour into glass jars to store
We are big believers that hot fudge sauce and salted caramel sauce are the very best toppings for ice cream. In fact, we could just skip the ice cream altogether and eat homemade hot fudge or caramel sauce straight up!
If you love classic hot fudge but also love the idea of making it quick and easy then this is the sauce recipe for you. It’s great when that chocolate craving hits but you don’t want to stand over the stove forever.
It’s thick but still pourable so great on top of ice cream, drizzled over brownies, or blended into milk.
What’s the difference between Hot Fudge and Chocolate Sauce?
The main difference is the texture and the thickness of the sauce.
- Hot fudge is thick and rich, and usually has dairy, such as butter or cream. Our hot fudge sauce recipe is easy to pour even when chilled, but even better when warmed up.
- Chocolate sauce is thinner, quick to pour, usually has more water and often includes corn syrup.
Storing and reheating
- If not using the hot fudge right away, keep the sauce stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- We suggest using a canning jar with a lid. The sauce will keep for about 1 month (if you can resist eating it for that long!)
- To reheat simply rewarm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Give it a stir and let cool slightly before pouring over ice cream.
Gifting this sauce
This sauce is a great gift to give. Just pour into a beautiful glass jar, add a ribbon and a tag and you’re good to go! Be sure to include instructions for refrigerating the sauce.
Other amazing desserts to try
- Easy Salted Caramel Sauce
- Mixed Berry Cobbler
- One Bowl Espresso Brownies
- Baked Churro Donuts
- Giant Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
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10-Minute Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- 2½ Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup water
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Stovetop Directions:
- In a medium saucepan whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sea salt until no lumps remain.
- Add water and whisk until combined.
- Bring mixture to a low boil over medium heat stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and butter. Whisk until smooth and butter is completely melted.
- Pour sauce into a heat-proof jar and let cool. If not using right away, let cool completely and store tightly sealed in refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- To reheat, place the amount needed in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Microwave Directions:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water and whisk until smooth.
- Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and microwave 1 more minute.
- Add the butter pieces. Cook for an additional 45-seconds.
- Remove from microwave and stir until butter is melted and blended. Stir in vanilla extract.
Sandra Shaffer
This would make a great gift for my father for Father’s Day. He’s an ice cream fanatic and I think this might last him a week or two. Thanks you!
Biana
This sauce looks amazing, perfect with ice cream in the summer!
veenaazmanov
Perfect and tempting. Best for my Chocolate cravings.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
This sauce looks amazing! Would go so well on ice cream. Bookmarked for later, thanks for the recipe!
Anita
Hot fudge sauce is a must on ice cream. This recipe is easy and delicious. Definitely use the best quality cocoa powder you can find.