Homemade Classic Hot Fudge Sauce – Better Than Store-Bought

There’s something undeniably irresistible about a warm, gooey drizzle of hot fudge sauce over ice cream, cakes, or brownies. This Classic Hot Fudge Sauce recipe brings you that rich, indulgent chocolate experience without feeling overly heavy. It’s smooth, creamy, and can be made in just minutes—perfect for topping off your favorite desserts or even enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat. With simple ingredients and a lighter twist, it’s the ideal way to indulge in chocolatey goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Flavor – Rich, velvety chocolate sauce that’s the perfect companion to any dessert.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes, you can whip this up in a flash.
Versatile – Drizzle it over ice cream, cakes, or fruit for an extra layer of flavor.
Lighter, Not Lacking – Made with simple, lighter ingredients without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup light brown sugar (or sugar substitute of choice)
• ½ cup low-fat milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp light butter (or margarine)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This will help avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Add the milk, water, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir the mixture to combine, then place over medium heat.

Simmer and Thicken:

Bring the sauce to a simmer while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Finish the Sauce:

Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Continue to stir until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Serve & Enjoy:

Serve the hot fudge sauce warm over ice cream, pancakes, brownies, or your favorite dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before use.

Nutritional Information (Per 2-Tbsp Serving)

• Calories: 50
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• For Richer Flavor: You can use a higher-quality cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar or substitute with your preferred sweetener.
• Storage: Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Why This Recipe Works

This hot fudge sauce brings the indulgent taste of a classic treat but with a lighter approach. By using less sugar, light butter, and milk, you can enjoy that rich chocolate flavor without overdoing it. Plus, the cornstarch gives it the perfect thickness for drizzling, making it an excellent topping for a variety of desserts.

This Classic Hot Fudge Sauce recipe is the perfect way to elevate any dessert with a touch of homemade decadence. It’s easy to prepare, with ingredients you likely already have on hand, and provides a rich, creamy topping that satisfies your chocolate cravings without the guilt. Drizzle it over your favorite treat and enjoy the simple pleasure of a classic dessert sauce.