Hot Fudge Sauce

Oct 9, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Pantry Sauces syrups glazes Vanilla: Extract Easy

A small glass jar of thick, glossy hot fudge sauce with a spoon, beside a milkshake topped with whipped cream and a drizzle o

Thick, glossy hot fudge made with cocoa and bittersweet chocolate, simmered with cream, brown sugar and corn syrup so it clings to ice cream and milkshake glasses.

Prep 5 min

Cook 10 min

Cooling 10 min

Total 25 min

Servings 16

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

⅔ cup (160.0 ml)heavy cream
⅓ cup (80.0 ml)light corn syrup
⅓ cup (71.0 g)dark brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (21.0 g)Dutch-process cocoa powder
¼ tsp (1.5 g)fine sea salt
6.0 oz (170.0 g)bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped, divided
2.0 tbsp (28.0 g)unsalted butter
2.0 tsp (10.0 ml)pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Combine the cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa, salt and half of the chocolate in a medium saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, whisking, until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
Bring to a simmer and cook gently, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes, until thick and glossy.
Remove from the heat and add the rest of the chocolate, the butter and the vanilla; stir until smooth.
Cool for 10 minutes before using; it thickens as it cools.

Tips

Adding half the chocolate at the end keeps the fudge flavor deep and the texture glossy.
Rewarm leftovers in the microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring between each.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make hot fudge sauce?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, plus 10 minutes to rest. The recipe makes about 2 cups (16 servings).

How should I store hot fudge sauce?

Refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. Rewarm gently before using.

Can I make hot fudge sauce ahead?

Make it up to 2 weeks ahead.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (10 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Thick, glossy hot fudge made with cocoa and bittersweet chocolate, simmered with cream, brown sugar and corn syrup so it clings to ice cream and milkshake glasses.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 16 servings this recipe makes.

151 Calories / serving

9.7g Fat

15.7g Carbs

1.3g Protein

9.3g Sugar

Whole recipe (16 servings): ~2416 cal · 155g fat · 251g carbs · 21g protein · 149g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.