Warm Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This rich and velvety hot fudge sauce is the perfect indulgence for any dessert lover. Made with real cocoa and a touch of espresso powder, it delivers a deep chocolate flavor that’s wonderful drizzled over ice cream, brownies, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 ounces (43g) unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1/2 cup (113g) half-and-half
- 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (43g) Dutch-process cocoa
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- pinch of table salt
- 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened baking chocolate together, stirring until smooth.
- Step 2: Whisk in the half-and-half until fully combined.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, Dutch-process cocoa, espresso powder, and salt. Gradually whisk this dry mixture into the butter and chocolate mixture.
- Step 4: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Serve the sauce warm over your favorite desserts for maximum enjoyment.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper coffee flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder or use strong brewed espresso instead of half-and-half.
- Use milk or cream in place of half-and-half for a richer or lighter sauce depending on preference.
- Keep the sauce warm over very low heat if not serving immediately, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Storage
Store the hot fudge sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth and warm before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this hot fudge sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and can be reheated gently when ready to use.
What desserts pair best with hot fudge sauce?
This sauce is delicious poured over vanilla ice cream, brownies, cakes, fruit, or even stirred into milk for a quick chocolate treat.
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Warm Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups 1x
Description
This classic Hot Fudge Sauce is a rich and velvety chocolate topping perfect for ice cream, cakes, or any dessert craving. Made from unsalted butter, unsweetened baking chocolate, half-and-half, cocoa, and a hint of espresso powder, it delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor with a smooth, luscious texture. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this sauce can be served warm immediately or stored for up to three weeks.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 ounces (43g) unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1/2 cup (113g) half-and-half
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (43g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- Pinch of table salt
Flavoring
- 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter and unsweetened baking chocolate together, stirring continuously until smooth and fully combined to form the sauce base.
- Add Half-and-Half: Whisk in the half-and-half to the melted butter and chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry Mixture with Wet: Gradually whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the saucepan with the butter-chocolate-half-and-half mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring to Boil: Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent burning or thickening too much.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly into the hot fudge sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the hot fudge sauce warm over your favorite desserts like ice cream or brownies for a decadent treat.
- Storage: Store any leftover sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Reheat gently before serving to restore the smooth consistency.
Notes
- Use Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate’s richness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid scorching the sauce.
- This sauce thickens as it cools; add a splash of half-and-half when reheating if it becomes too thick.
- Make sure to stir continuously when melting chocolate to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot fudge sauce, chocolate sauce, dessert topping, easy chocolate sauce, homemade fudge sauce
