A Hot Fudge Sundae stands out as my favorite dessert on Sundae Day, surpassing traditional fruit varieties. The velvety fudge dripping over smooth ice cream is the ultimate indulgence.

Hot fudge sundae recipe

A hot fudge sundae is a classic ice cream dessert. It combines warm, rich chocolate sauce with cold, creamy ice cream to create a harmonious contrast of temperatures and textures.

A glass of hot fudge sundae with chopped nuts and cherry

The dessert is topped with heated chocolate fudge sauce that creates a luxurious coating that slowly drips down the sides. It’s then garnished with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry.

The dessert is generally very sweet due to the combination of hot fudge, ice cream, and any additional toppings like sprinkles or cherries. If you’re a sweet tooth, this hot fudge sundae is for you. Here’s how to make the hot fudge sundae:

Vanilla sundae with hot fudge, whipped cream and chopped nuts

Hot Fudge Sundae

A classic American dessert featuring creamy vanilla ice cream topped with rich, warm chocolate fudge sauce, freshly whipped cream, and crowned with a maraschino cherry. It creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

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Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the hot fudge sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the sundae

4 cups vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream optional
Maraschino cherries optional
Crushed nuts optional
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles optional

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer.
Add the butter and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Continue to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Scoop 1 cup of vanilla ice cream into each bowl. Pour warm hot fudge sauce generously over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, crushed nuts, and chocolate sprinkles if desired.
Enjoy your indulgent Hot Fudge Sundae immediately, with the rich fudge sauce still warm and the ice cream cold and creamy.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal

Keyword cold dessert, homemade ice cream, hot fudge sundae, summer desserts

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Variations

Try these delicious hot fudge sundae twists to make your dessert truly unforgettable.

1. Topping Variations

Marshmallows
Candy:
- Candy bars: Snickers or Butterfinger
- Toffee bits
- Mini M&Ms
Additional sauces:
- Caramel sauce
- Butterscotch
- Peanut butter sauce
- Strawberry sauces
- Marshmallow sauce
Fruits: strawberries, banana slices, or cherries
Fried foods: French fries

2. Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae

Fudgy brownie base
Vanilla ice cream and smothered in hot fudge
Top with whipped cream and nuts

3. Triple Chocolate Sundae

Chocolate ice cream base
Hot fudge sauce
Chocolate sprinkles or chips

4. Salted Chocolate Version

Add salted dark chocolate bits
Use toasted almonds

5. Tin Roof Sundae

Layer vanilla ice cream with hot fudge
Add chocolate ice cream
Top with marshmallow sauce and roasted Spanish peanuts

6. Double Fudge Sundae

An extra layer of fudge sauce
Multiple ice cream flavors
Enhanced chocolate presence

Contents

Hot fudge sundae recipe