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This fudge sauce recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Made with simple ingredients like semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and heavy cream, this sauce is thick, creamy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for making your favorite dessert even more indulgent, this fudge sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
To make the best hot fudge sundae, add my Vanilla Frozen Custard and my Easy Caramel Sauce. It is like having an ice cream parlor in your kitchen. Both sauces have simple ingredients and take little time to make. Plus, they taste better than what you find in the grocery store. If you want to go all out, drizzle on some melted peanut butter and strawberry sauce as well.
The Chemistry of Fudge Sauce
The secret to a perfect fudge sauce lies in the balance of fat, sugar, and liquid. Heavy cream provides the richness and smooth texture, while semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder add the deep chocolate flavor. Cooking the sauce over medium heat allows the sugar to dissolve properly and the ingredients to meld together, creating a smooth, glossy sauce. The addition of vanilla extract at the end enhances the chocolate flavor, giving the sauce a well-rounded taste.
What is in homemade fudge sauce?
Unsalted Butter
Adds richness and helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Provide a deep, rich chocolate flavor. If you like a darker chocolate flavor, you can substitute bittersweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the sauce and helps achieve the right consistency.
Cocoa Powder
Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Heavy Cream
Heavy whipping cream creates a smooth, creamy texture.
Fine Sea Salt
Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract
It adds a touch of warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
How do you make homemade fudge sauce?
- Making your own fudge sauce is easy. Start by melting the chocolate and butter. In a medium-sized saucepan, start at low heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter and four ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Turn to medium heat and stir continually until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Add the remaining ingredients: 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, four tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Bring to a boil. Continue stirring as the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
How to Store Homemade Fudge Sauce
Store the chocolate fudge sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge—reheat gently before serving to achieve the perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle this over vanilla ice cream or any scoop of ice cream for a classic dessert, or pour it over brownies for an extra indulgent treat. It’s also delicious on cakes, pancakes, or even as a dip for fresh strawberries. For a quick delicious dessert, mix it into whipped cream for a chocolatey topping, or stir it into your coffee for a homemade mocha.
Fun Fact
Did you know that fudge originated in the United States in the late 19th century? The first known recipe for fudge was published in the 1880s, and it quickly became a popular confection. Fudge sauce is liquid fudge, a versatile way to enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of fudge in a pourable form, perfect for topping all your favorite desserts.
Recommended Products
Why make fudge sauce?
This fudge sauce is perfect for holiday desserts, weekend brunches, or any time you want to add a touch of indulgence to your treats. It’s a simple, yet impressive addition to any meal, and it makes a great homemade gift as well!
This homemade fudge sauce is quick and easy to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder creates a deep, chocolatey flavor that is both rich and satisfying. This versatile sauce can be used as a topping for everything from ice cream sundaes to cake and brownies, making it a must-have recipe for any dessert lover.
FAQs
How do I store fudge sauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I freeze fudge sauce?
Yes, you can freeze fudge sauce. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What can I use fudge sauce for?
It is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a topping for ice cream, cakes, brownies, and pancakes, or even stir it into your morning coffee for a mocha twist.
Why did my fudge sauce become grainy?
This can occur if the sugar crystals reform during cooking. To avoid this, ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved before the sauce comes to a boil, and avoid stirring too vigorously once the sugar has dissolved.
Recipes You May Love
- Banana Split Frozen Custard Ice Cream
- Fudgy Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Fudge Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the chocolate and butter to a medium-sized saucepan and turn the heat on to medium heat. Stir continually until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the remaining ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, cream, salt and vanilla. Stir until all combined.
- Continue stirring as the mixture comes to a boil, allow it to boil for 3 minutes while stirring.
- Remove and allow the fudge to cool a bit before serving.
Nutrition
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