Hot Fudge Sundae: Sweet Summer Dream

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.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling time 5 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 80mgSugar: 55g

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.
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
    • Caramel Sauce is an interesting twist.
    • Nutty Options use almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different textures.
    • Fruit Additions add sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
    • Crunchy Topping Verions use crushed cookies like Oreos or sweet cereals like Cocoa Puffs.
    • Candy Toppings add chopped candy bars like Snickers, Mini M&Ms, or Heath Bars for a fun surprise.
    • Marshmallows are a great topping.
  2. Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae tops the sundae over a warm brownie for a decadent dessert.
  3. Triple Chocolate Sundae uses chocolate ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and chocolate sprinkles or chips.
  4. Salted Chocolate Version adds salted dark chocolate bits and 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 includes an extra layer of fudge sauce and multiple ice cream flavors.

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