Indulge in Our Dreamy Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Recipe

Hot fudge sundaes represent the ultimate dessert indulgence that captures childhood memories and pure sugar-coated bliss.

Sweet, creamy textures dance together in a symphony of decadent ingredients waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Cold vanilla ice cream serves as the perfect canvas for rich, warm chocolate sauce that cascades like liquid velvet.

Dessert lovers understand the magical moment when hot and cold sensations collide in one spectacular treat.

Silky chocolate drizzles refine simple ingredients into a sensational experience that sparks joy and nostalgia.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the delicate balance of temperatures and flavors in this classic dessert.

Rich, velvety chocolate combines with smooth, chilled cream to create an irresistible combination that promises pure deliciousness.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Hot Fudge Sundae

• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy base that creates smooth, luxurious texture with creamy consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet component that balances chocolate's intense flavor and helps create glossy sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky smooth texture with deep flavor undertones.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of chocolate and sugar.

• Chocolate: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate provides deep, intense chocolate flavor for the sauce.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate taste and contributes to deep, rich color of the sauce.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic creamy base for hot fudge sundae with smooth, cold contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy topping that adds creamy texture and visual appeal.
• Maraschino Cherry: Bright, sweet garnish that provides classic sundae finishing touch.
• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast to smooth ice cream and sauce.
• Sprinkles: Colorful decorative element that brings playful visual interest to dessert.

How to Layer the Perfect Classic Hot Fudge Sundae

Step 1: Create Fudge Base

Combine cream, sugar, salt, and butter in a small pot. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until butter completely melts and mixture starts to simmer.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate

Simmer the mixture for just under 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chocolate and stir until it melts smoothly into the mixture.

Step 3: Enhance Fudge Texture

Remove pot from heat and whisk in cocoa powder. Return to low heat and cook for about 30 seconds until the sauce becomes glossy and ultra-smooth.

Step 4: Cool Fudge Sauce

Let the fudge sauce cool slightly to reach a perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 5: Assemble Sundae

Pour a layer of warm fudge sauce into the bottom of a bowl or glass. Add scoops of cold ice cream. Drizzle additional fudge sauce over the top.

Step 6: Add Delightful Toppings

Garnish with whipped cream, sprinkle chopped nuts, add colorful sprinkles, and crown with a bright red maraschino cherry.

Tips for Gooey Fudge and Perfect Ice Cream

• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: Select premium dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a rich, intense fudge sauce that elevates the entire sundae experience.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer when melting ingredients to prevent burning or separating the delicate sauce.
• Whisk Consistently: Stir the mixture continuously to ensure smooth texture and prevent lumpy or grainy fudge sauce.
• Chill Glassware First: Freeze serving glasses briefly to keep ice cream from melting too quickly and maintain the perfect sundae presentation.
• Layer Strategically: Add fudge sauce in layers between ice cream scoops for maximum flavor distribution and a stunning visual effect.

Storing Leftover Sundae? Here’s the Scoop

• Refrigeration: Store leftover hot fudge sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Cool the sauce completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheating: Gently warm the fudge sauce in the microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Alternatively, place the container in a warm water bath, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled fudge sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Pairing Ideas to Enhance Your Hot Fudge Sundae

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon to complement the rich chocolate fudge sauce, creating a luxurious dessert experience that balances sweetness with wine's tannic depth.
• Match with Coffee Liqueur: Drizzle a shot of kahlúa or baileys irish cream over the sundae, enhancing the chocolate's complexity and adding a sophisticated adult twist to this classic dessert.
• Serve with Crisp Biscotti: Add crunchy almond or chocolate biscotti on the side, providing a delightful textural contrast to the smooth ice cream and creating a perfect dipping companion for the sundae.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the sundae, cutting through the richness with their bright, tart flavor and adding a fresh, colorful element to the presentation.

Sundae Variations That Go Beyond Basic

• Salted Caramel Chocolate Sundae: Swap regular sugar with brown sugar and add a pinch of sea salt to create a rich caramel undertone in the hot fudge sauce.
• Berry Chocolate Sundae: Mix in 2 tablespoons of raspberry or strawberry puree into the chocolate sauce for a fruity flavor profile that complements the chocolate.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Sundae: Stir 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the hot fudge sauce while melting for a nutty, decadent variation that adds complexity to the classic dessert.
• Espresso Chocolate Sundae: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the chocolate sauce to introduce a deep, robust coffee note that enhances the chocolate's richness.

Classic Hot Fudge Sundae That Satisfies Every Time

• Create a Rich Chocolate Experience: This classic hot fudge sundae delivers an intense chocolate moment that melts in your mouth, blending smooth, glossy fudge with creamy ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Quick and Easy Dessert Magic: Whip up this indulgent dessert in just minutes, using simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques that even beginner home cooks can master with confidence.
• Totally Customizable Treat: Personalize your sundae with endless topping combinations like crunchy nuts, colorful sprinkles, fluffy whipped cream, and a bright red cherry to make each serving uniquely yours.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Enjoy a nostalgic dessert that brings back childhood memories and provides instant happiness with its luxurious texture and irresistible chocolate flavor.

Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Classic Hot Fudge Sundae delivers pure dessert bliss with layers of creamy vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate sauce, and crunchy toppings. Homemade elegance meets nostalgic charm, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this timeless American treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sundae Base:

• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (approx. 240 ml / 8 fluid ounces)

Toppings and Garnishes:

• ¼ cup whipped cream (60 ml)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts
• 1 maraschino cherry

Sauce:

• ¼ cup hot fudge sauce (60 ml)

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Instructions

1. In a compact saucepan, amalgamate heavy cream (240 milliliters / ), granulated sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and unsalted butter over medium temperature.
2. Continuously stir the mixture until butter completely dissolves and the liquid begins to bubble gently around the edges.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and introduce chopped chocolate, stirring methodically until the chocolate transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat source and vigorously whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder, creating a rich, glossy texture.
5. Return the saucepan to low heat, cooking for approximately 30 seconds while maintaining a smooth, velvety appearance.
6. Allow the homemade fudge sauce to cool and slightly thicken for 3-5 minutes at room temperature.
7. Select a serving bowl or elegant glass and generously spread a layer of warm fudge sauce across the bottom.
8. Scoop premium vanilla ice cream directly onto the fudge foundation.
9. Cascade additional warm fudge sauce over the ice cream, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Embellish with freshly whipped cream, chopped roasted almonds or pecans, colorful sprinkles, and a vibrant maraschino cherry for the quintessential sundae experience.

Notes

• Classic hot fudge sauce transforms ordinary ice cream into a decadent dessert experience.
• Melt butter and sugar together slowly to create a rich, glossy chocolate base that coats every spoonful.
• Whisking cocoa powder provides deep, intense chocolate flavor and beautiful smooth texture.
• Cook sauce briefly to develop complex flavors without burning delicate ingredients.
• Customize your sundae with fun toppings like crunchy nuts, colorful sprinkles, and sweet maraschino cherries.
• Store leftover sauce in refrigerator for up to one week, gently reheating before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg