This 4-ingredient homemade Hot Fudge Recipe is so simple, you'll never go back to store-bought! It's rich, smooth, and perfect for drizzling over ice cream, topping brownies, or adding some chocolate decadence to almost any dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You only need 4 simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes to make this chocolate fudge sauce.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for pairing with so many desserts like ice cream, brownies, fresh fruit, and more!
- Perfect Flavor & Texture: This homemade hot fudge sauce is silky smooth with an irresistibly rich chocolate taste.
If you love all things fudge, you’ve got to try our old-fashioned fudge and fudge truffles next!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the richness and helps thicken the fudge. You’ll just need regular white granulated sugar for this recipe.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides the chocolate flavor for the fudge sauce. Be sure to use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Evaporated Milk: Provides creaminess and helps create a smooth consistency. Ensure you are using evaporated milk, not condensed milk, as the latter is sweetened and will alter the flavor of the hot fudge.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and swap the evaporated milk for full-fat coconut milk for a non-dairy version. Note that the sauce will still be rich and creamy, but may have a subtle coconut flavor.
- Mocha: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso along with the cocoa powder to turn this into a mocha hot fudge sauce recipe.
- Minty: Add a few drops of peppermint extract after removing the fudge sauce from the heat for a refreshing, minty flavor. Try topping one of these mint brownies with mint chip ice cream, then drizzle on this minty chocolate sauce for the perfect combination.
How to Make Hot Fudge
This hot fudge cooks up quickly, so I recommend having all of your ingredients ready to go. You’ll also need a large pot and a spoon for stirring.
- Step 1: Add butter and sugar. Add the butter and sugar to the pot.
- Step 2: Add cocoa. Add the cocoa powder to the pot.
- Step 3: Add milk and heat. Add the evaporated milk and heat over medium-high. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and everything is well combined.
- Step 4: Stir off the heat and serve. Remove the pot from the heat and keep stirring the mixture until it cools slightly and begins to thicken. Pour the finished hot fudge onto your favorite desserts. Our family loves it with this raspberry ice cream!
Expert Tips
- Stir constantly: Stirring continuously during cooking prevents the mixture from sticking to the pot or burning.
- Cool before serving: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so be sure to give it some time off the heat before serving.
- Store in the fridge: The fudge is best stored in an airtight jar in the fridge where it will keep for about 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between. Be sure to thaw first overnight in the fridge if previously frozen.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hot fudge with your favorite ice cream for an easy dessert or add it to an ice cream bar for a fun party idea. Serve with bowls of sprinkles, candies, and other toppings like this salted caramel sauce.
- Top this skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream and some hot fudge for a tasty treat the whole family will love.
- For another delicious family dessert idea, ice cream nachos with this hot fudge recipe are a winner!
- This fudge also makes a great chocolate dipping sauce for fresh fruit, pretzels, or graham crackers.
Recipe FAQs
If the mixture cooks at a high temperature for too long, sugar crystals can form, causing the texture to become grainy instead of smooth. Be sure only to let it boil for 2 minutes, then promptly remove it from the heat.
If the mixture does not reach a boil, it will stay thin and runny. The boiling process is necessary for the fudge to achieve the proper consistency. Keep in mind, though, that the hot fudge will continue to thicken as it cools.
More Chocolate Recipes
Don't Be Shy!
If you’ve tried this Hot Fudge Recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave us a comment below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to see what else we’re getting up to! And don’t forget to pin this recipe to save for later.
Easy Hot Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 can evaporated milk
Instructions
- In a large pot, over medium-high heat, warm butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil. Continue to stir and boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and continue stirring until sauce cools slightly. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Video
Notes
- Be sure to continuously stir the sauce during the cooking process. This will keep it from sticking or burning.
- It’s important to boil the mixture for 2 minutes. Cooking it for too long can lead to a grainy texture, while undercooking it can result in a thin and runny consistency.
- The hot fudge can be stored in a mason jar or other airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Emily Kemp says
This sauce looks so delicious, I can think of so many things to HAVE IT WITH!
Cicely says
I'm confused about step 1 - are you supposed to melt the sugar & cocoa together before adding the butter and milk? I tried doing this while stirring but it started smelling like the chocolate was burning. So then I just added the milk which of course CRYSTALLIZED the sugar/cocoa. I kept stirring though and eventually it all melted together and the sauce turned out great - no burnt flavor at all. would love a little more info about step 1, though, for next time. Maybe I had the heat too high?
Desarae Fowler says
I'm glad it turned out despite the confusion on the instructions. I did update the recipe card. I typically melt the the butter and add all the ingredients. I stir the entire time.
Cicely says
Thank you!
lindsay says
this looks so yummy! a perfect little neighbor christmas gift too!