Classic Hot Fudge Sundae

By Melissa Clark

Total Time: 35 minutes
Rating: 4(130)
Comments: Read comments

There is a reason a hot fudge sundae is such an enduring classic: That combination of warm, rich chocolate fudge mixing with frozen ice cream and melting it slightly is absolutely irresistible. Of course, if you have homemade fudge sauce and homemade ice cream, it gets even better. Vanilla ice cream is the standard here, but feel free to use your favorite flavor, or a combination of flavors. And if you like nuts, by all means use them here. The added crunch is marvelous against all the rich creaminess.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

For the Fudge Sauce

¾cup heavy cream
½cup packed light brown sugar
⅓cup light corn syrup or honey
3tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa
¼teaspoon fine sea salt
2tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
7ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
1teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon brandy or rum

For Assembly

1cup chilled heavy cream
1tablespoon superfine sugar, more to taste
½teaspoon vanilla extract
2pints your favorite flavor ice cream
Chopped toasted nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, or pecans (optional)
Cherries, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream, sugar, corn syrup or honey, cocoa, and salt to a simmer, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in the chocolate and let cook until the chocolate melts. Stir in butter and vanilla or liquor. Let cool slightly. Contrary to its name, hot fudge is best served warm, not piping hot.
Step 3
For assembly, make the whipped cream. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Step 4
Pour a little fudge sauce into the bottoms of sundae dishes or bowls. Top with ice cream, then more hot fudge, then nuts if using. Cover all with whipped cream and a cherry if you like. Serve.

Ratings

4 out of 5

130 user ratings

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Comments

Becky Swaffield7 years ago

The best hot fudge sauce is in Joy of Cooking. I use a little less sugar than it calls for and only let it boil for 3 minutes. Believe me, once you try this recipe you won't even be looking for another

Seamite7 years ago

Does this sauce harden when put on the ice cream?

Scott Novice in Florida4 years ago

My hot fudge sauce was a success. I used bittersweet chocolate and honey, and pretty much followed the recipe. The most time consuming part was chopping the chocolate. I had little chocolate shards all over my countertop. I enjoyed putting the warm fudge over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

soup lyons9 months ago

Never honey, always agave or brown rice syrup (corn allergy). I usually add a couple tbsp of milk with the chocolate and butter so it's not so thick and doesn't solidify when it hits the cold ice cream. As a bonus it makes great chocolate milk/hot cocoa

ML10 months ago

Yum. I made this exactly as written, except at the end I thought it could benefit from another 1/4 tsp salt; that did the trick. Very easy to make, will be making all my hot fudge from now on.

janetk11 months ago

I used L—-t 90% chocolate bars and the sauce separated into fudge and oil. So don’t use it.

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