Dreamy Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Recipe: Homemade Bliss

Life gets sweeter when you master this classic hot fudge sundae recipe that melts hearts faster than ice cream on a summer day.

Rich, velvety chocolate sauce cascades over perfectly scooped vanilla ice cream like liquid silk.

Every spoonful promises pure indulgence with its decadent layers of creamy goodness.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create an iconic dessert loved by generations.

Cool vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with warm, intense chocolate sauce.

Drizzle some chopped nuts on top for a delightful crunch that elevates this timeless treat.

Get ready to become the dessert hero at your next gathering with this irresistible sundae.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What Makes a Classic Hot Fudge Sundae So Good

• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel for the sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth, glossy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor depth and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky smooth texture.
• Chocolate: Delivers intense, deep chocolate flavor and creates decadent sauce.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate taste and provides deeper color.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic, creamy base that perfectly complements chocolate fudge.
• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds elegant finishing touch.
• Maraschino Cherry: Bright, sweet garnish that provides pop of color.

• Chopped Nuts: Adds delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor profile.
• Colorful Sprinkles: Brings playful, celebratory element to classic dessert.

Equipment Checklist for a Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Bar

• Small pot: Perfect for simmering ingredients and melting chocolate.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining cocoa powder and ensuring a glossy texture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients while heating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure delicious results.
• Bowl or glass: Serves as the base for your sundae presentation.
• Spoon: For enjoying your delectable hot fudge sundae.

Instructions to Build a Classic Hot Fudge Sundae

• Fudge Foundation

Blend rich cream, granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and creamy butter in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until butter transforms into a silky liquid and the mixture begins to bubble softly.

• Chocolate Transformation

Reduce heat to medium-low and introduce velvety chocolate pieces. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely into a smooth, glossy mixture. Sprinkle in cocoa powder and continue cooking briefly to enhance the deep, luxurious flavor.

• Sundae Assembly

Select a beautiful glass or bowl as your canvas. Drizzle a generous layer of warm chocolate fudge along the bottom. Carefully place scoops of cool, creamy ice cream on top. Crown your creation with an artistic swirl of additional fudge sauce. For the final touch, garnish with fluffy whipped cream, a sprinkle of crunchy nuts, colorful confetti sprinkles, and a vibrant maraschino cherry perched on top.

Fun Flavor Twists for Hot Fudge Sundae Fans

• Mix up classic toppings with unique additions like toasted coconut flakes, crushed pretzels, or crumbled cookies for added texture and flavor.
• Double or triple the hot fudge sauce recipe and store extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for richer, more complex flavor, and ensure chocolate melts completely for a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Serve hot fudge sauce slightly warm for maximum drizzling and to create a delightful contrast with cold ice cream, creating that classic sundae experience.

How to Serve a Sundae That Wows

• Drizzle with Decadence: Pour warm hot fudge sauce generously over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, creating a luxurious chocolate waterfall that cascades down the creamy scoops.
• Garnish with Glee: Sprinkle chopped roasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a delightful crunch, then crown the sundae with a bright red maraschino cherry that adds a playful pop of color.
• Layer for Luxury: Start with a base of hot fudge sauce, add multiple scoops of different ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry for a stunning visual and taste experience that delights every spoonful.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with additional toppings like colorful rainbow sprinkles, crushed candy bars, caramel sauce, or a dusting of cocoa powder to make the sundae uniquely yours.

Storing Leftover Sundae Ingredients (If Any!)

• Refrigerate Remaining Sauce: Store extra hot fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Gently reheat in the microwave or using a double boiler when ready to use.
• Quick Serving Tip: Prepare the hot fudge sauce ahead of time and keep it warm in a small slow cooker or warming tray during dessert parties for easy guest serving.
• Smart Freezing Method: Transfer cooled sauce to freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Temperature Matters: Always let hot fudge cool slightly before adding to ice cream to prevent immediate melting and ensure the best texture and flavor experience.

Indulgent Hot Fudge Sundae Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Indulgent classic hot fudge sundae recipe from American diners offers pure nostalgic delight. Sweet chocolate sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream create a quintessential dessert experience you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) hot fudge sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whipped cream
• 2 tbsps chocolate sprinkles
• 2 tbsps chopped nuts
• 1 maraschino cherry

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and mixture bubbles gently at the edges.
2. Chocolate Integration: Reduce heat and add chopped chocolate, stirring methodically until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder, creating a rich, glossy texture.
3. Sauce Refinement: Return to low heat for 30 seconds, maintaining a smooth appearance, then remove and allow sauce to cool and slightly thicken for 3-5 minutes.
4. Sundae Assembly: Spread a generous layer of warm fudge sauce in a serving bowl or glass, then add premium vanilla ice cream directly onto the fudge foundation.
5. Final Garnishing: Cascade additional warm fudge sauce over the ice cream, covering completely. Top with freshly whipped cream, chopped roasted almonds or pecans, colorful sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry to complete the classic sundae experience.

Notes

• Master Chocolate Melting: Chop chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure smooth, quick melting without burning or creating lumps.
• Temperature Control Matters: Keep heat low and steady when incorporating chocolate to prevent seizing or developing a grainy texture.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Let sauce rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to achieve perfect drizzling thickness without being too runny or too thick.
• Serving Secret: Pour warm fudge sauce at the bottom of the dish first, then add ice cream, creating a delicious hidden chocolate layer that surprises with each spoonful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg