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Dessert Recipes

Hot Fudge Sauce

This homemade hot fudge sauce is a simple, rich, and delicious way to turn your plain vanilla ice cream into a classic sundae or banana split. Made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, it's perfect for ice cream, brownies, cheesecake and so much more.

Prep
5 min
Serves
1.5 cups
Calories
186
Hot Fudge Sauce

If you thought you had to go to the ice cream shop to get a classic banana split, you were wrong. Hot fudge sauce is a must-have and incredibly easy to make in your kitchen.

In just about 5 minutes, this 3-ingredient hot fudge chocolate sauce can turn an ordinary bowl of ice cream into the best family memory.

hot fudge being poured over vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • One can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • Two tablespoons butter

Have chocolate chip leftovers? Make our 5 star rated No Fail Fudge Recipe.

How to Make Hot Fudge Sauce with Chocolate Chips

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, one can of sweetened condensed milk, and two tablespoons of butter.
  2. Heat and Stir: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Constantly stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and combined. You’ll notice the chocolate chips will start light but then deepen in color as they melt and blend with the other ingredients.
  3. Finish and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat once the mixture is smooth. You can use the hot fudge sauce immediately.
dumping chocolate chips and other ingredients into saucepan.

Tips for the Best Hot Fudge Sauce:

  • Stir constantly. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a smooth sauce.
  • Use good-quality chocolate chips. Brands like Ghirardelli or Nestlé work wonderfully and give a rich flavor.
  • Storage: Always store your hot fudge sauce in the refrigerator. Properly stored in an airtight container (I like using a mason jar), it can last up to two weeks, which is a great excuse to eat more dessert!
mason jars for storage.

How to Reheat Hot Fudge Sauce:

To use your homemade hot fudge sauce, simply microwave the opened jar for 30 seconds. Stir well; if needed, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce is smooth and warm.

drizzling of chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream in a glass cup.

FAQs:

Can I make chocolate milk with hot fudge sauce? Yes, you can! Add a spoonful of the reheated hot fudge sauce to a glass of warm milk and stir until thoroughly combined.

What type of chocolate chip works best? I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness, but milk chocolate chips can also be used if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

  • Milk Chocolate Hot Fudge: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter sauce.
  • Dark Chocolate Hot Fudge: Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense, less sweet flavor.
  • Add Extracts: Add a few drops of mint, vanilla, or peppermint extract.
pouring chocolate chips into the saucepan.

Serving Suggestions:

This hot fudge sauce is perfect for drizzling over vanilla ice cream, topping brownies, or as a dip for fresh fruit. If you are making a traditional sundae or classic banana split, try adding homemade strawberry sauce and cinnamon sugared walnuts.

adding nuts to hot fudge.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. 1

    In a small saucepan, add semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.

  2. 2

    Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Constantly stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and combined. You’ll notice the chocolate chips starting light and deepening in color as they melt and blend with the other ingredients.

  3. 3

    Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. You can use the hot fudge sauce immediately or pour it into microwave-safe jars and let it stand to cool. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

How to reheat Hot Fudge

  1. 4

    Microwave opened jar for 30 seconds and stir. Continue to microwave for 30 seconds and stirring until smooth. Drizzle on vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories
186

Estimates for one serving.

Filed under Dessert Recipes Chocolate Desserts Easy Fudge Recipes

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