Quick & Easy Hot Fudge Recipe | Old Salt Farm (2024)

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You only need four ingredients and ten minutes (or less!) to make this quick and easy hot fudge. Super rich, smooth, and creamy, it’s utter perfection.

Others may tell you that they have the best hot fudge sauce, but I’m here to tell you that NOW you can stop searching. With just four ingredients and less than ten minutes, you’ll have the fudgiest, richest, creamiest, smoothest, and most chocolate-y hot fudge you’ve ever had. It’s the kind of hot fudge that you really don’t even need ice cream for…just a spoon. A big one. It’s to-die-for good. And SO easy!

Quick & Easy Hot Fudge Recipe | Old Salt Farm (1)

Hot fudge sauce is perfect for serving over ice cream, or any other decadent dessert that you want to add a WOW factor to. I love to make these easy Brownie Trifles in a Jar, and this hot fudge makes a perfect layer. The fact that you can make it in less than 10 minutes with only four ingredients is the icing on the proverbial cake. It doesn’t take long at all, and it’s worth taking those few minutes to whip up a batch. I’ve made this hot fudge hundreds of times, and it’s a fabulous no-fail recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

I make it a lot just for our little family…pretty much whenever there is vanilla ice cream in the freezer. It’s so quick to make, that it’s also a perfect last minute dessert if you have company stop by unexpectedly. I’ll make this hot fudge, and a batch of my Caramel Pecan Sauce, and it’s a lovely and easy dessert.

Table of contents

  • Ingredients
  • Equipment
  • How to make
    • Preparations
    • Cooking instructions
  • What to serve with
  • FAQ
  • Storing and reheating
  • Serving size
  • More recipes you’ll enjoy
Quick & Easy Hot Fudge Recipe | Old Salt Farm (2)

Ingredients

This is the best recipe out there, even compared to ones using chocolate chips or chocolate bars. It’s a homemade hot fudge sauce with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.The creaminess of this hot fudge is unmatched, and these four ingredients work together beautifully to create a smooth and fudgy consistency. It’s so simple, it’s almost hard to imagine that it’s possible, but it’s true.

You only need four simple ingredients…

  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • Butter
  • Evaporated milk
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That’s it! Basic pantry items are all you need to whip up a batch (or two or three) of this delectable hot fudge sauce. Every single person I’ve given it to has loved it, and I’ve been asked for the recipe more times than I can count. It’s SO much better than store bought hot fudge, and you’ll be really glad you took a few minutes to make it.

Equipment

This is a simple recipe, and you’ll only need a few kitchen basics.

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How to make

Preparations

There’s not much prep involved with this recipe, because it’s so simple and straightforward. Set out your ingredients, and the items from the equipment list, and you’re ready to go.

Cooking instructions

Step 1: Over low heat melt butter thoroughly in a saucepan.

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Step 2: Add sugar and cocoa. You can also add a little vanilla–1 tsp. or so.

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Step 3: Pour in the evaporated milk, and use a whisk to start incorporating all the ingredients together.

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Step 4: Whisking briskly, bring to a boil–you can bring the temperature up to low/medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, whisking constantly–it will make sure all the little lumps are removed!

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Step 5: Remove from stove. It will thicken even more as it cools. Pour into a pint-size mason jar. This recipe makes 2 cups, so it fits perfectly. Serve immediately, or let it cool then refrigerate until ready to warm and serve.

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TIP: This recipe doubles really well…I’ve even 8x the recipe when making huge batches for Christmas gifts, and it worked famously.One batch makes 2 half pint jars–I found that to be true even when I made the batch x 5.

What to serve with

This will dress up vanilla ice cream and a variety of flavors in no time! It’s perfect for making hot fudge sundaes, but also as a topping for other decadent desserts. It goes wonderfully with cut fruit, and my kids love dipping their strawberries in it.

  • Hot fudge sundaes
  • Fruit
  • Cheesecake
  • Pies
  • Chocolate cake
  • Brownies
  • Brownie Trifle
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FAQ

What’s the difference between hot fudge and chocolate sauce? Are they the same?

While they have some things in common, they are different. Hot fudge is thicker and heavier, and typically more rich in chocolate taste. Chocolate sauce is thinner, and doesn’t have to be heated up to be pourable.

Do I need to stir constantly?

Yes, in this recipe you do. It helps the hot fudge from burning on the bottom, and helps to get all the clumps out from the sugar and cocoa. It’s a quick 5 minutes, so you’re not stirring too long.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! It’s a recipe that works well as you multiply the batches. I’ve even made up to 8x the recipe when making it to give as Christmas neighbor gifts.

How many people does it serve?

This can really vary depending on how much each individual uses on their sundae or dessert. I’ve found that our family of 8 can easily eat one whole batch, which makes 2 cups. When I’m serving for a party and there are other toppings, I factor in 6-8 people per batch.

Storing and reheating

If there are any leftovers, or you’re not serving right away, let the hot fudge cool in their jars with no lid, until completely cool. Keep refrigerated…it will last 1-2 weeks.

When warming up after refrigeration, remove the metal mason jar lid. Microwave in jar for 30 seconds, then in 10 second increments until warmed through.

Serving size

Each batch makes 2 cups, which works perfectly with pint-sized mason bars. You can double and triple this recipe easily if needed.

More recipes you’ll enjoy

You’ve made it this far, so now we’re pretty much best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to leave me a comment below, and a recipe rating. ★ Follow me onInstagram,Pinterest, andFacebook, for even more ideas!

Enjoy this recipe with your family and friends…you’ll find it’s a keeper!

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Quick & Easy Hot Fudge Recipe | Old Salt Farm (15)

The BEST Hot Fudge

5 from 10 votes

Kierste Wade | Old Salt Farm

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

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Just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make this delectable hot fudge. Rich, creamy, and smooth…it's perfection!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Over low heat melt butter thoroughly in a saucepan.

  • Add sugar, milk, and cocoa. (You can also add a little vanilla–1 tsp. or so)

  • Whisking briskly, bring to a boil–you can bring the temperature up to low/medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, whisking constantly–it will make sure all the little lumps are removed!

  • Remove from stove, then serve warm or cold. It will thicken even more as it cools.

  • Keep refrigerated…will last 1-2 weeks. Cool in jars before placing in the refrigerator.

    One batch makes 2 cups, and fits into a pint-sized mason jar.

  • To warm, remove the metal lid and ring, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Take it out and stir, then heat in additional 10 second increments until warmed through.

Notes

TIP: This recipe is great for doubling, tripling…I’ve even made up to 8 batches at one time! One batch makes 2 half pint jars.

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 1mg

Course :Dessert

Cuisine :Dessert

Keyword :easy desserts, hot fudge, hot fudge sauce, ice cream

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER! @oldsaltfarm or tag #oldsaltfarm!

Originally posted in 2015. Updated in 2023.

Quick & Easy Hot Fudge Recipe | Old Salt Farm (2024)

FAQs

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What's the difference between hot fudge and fudge? ›

Hot fudge is made by boiling together cream, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes butter—the traditional ingredients for fudge—into what is essentially just an undercooked, unset version of the confection. It differs from plain old chocolate sauce by virtue of being gooier and more viscous.

Why is Sanders hot fudge hard to find? ›

In the fall of 2022, they paused production because of "manufacturing challenges and extremely high demand" for the toppings, made at the Clinton Township plant. They were also no longer shipped to grocery stores.

What are the ingredients in Smuckers hot fudge? ›

Corn Syrup, Nonfat Milk, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali And Cocoa, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Fully Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Mono And Diglycerides, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Vanillin (artificial Flavor).

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What is McDonald's hot fudge made of? ›

View Ingredients and Allergens

Ingredients: Sugars (sugar, glucose syrup), Water, Milk ingredients, Hydrogenated palm kernel oil or hydrogenated coconut oil, Cocoa, Salt, Disodium phosphate, Potassium sorbate, Natural flavour (plant source), Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, Soy lecithin.

What makes fudge taste like fudge? ›

Fudge incorporates sugar, milk, butter, and other ingredients such as cocoa for chocolate fudge. The chocolatier then heats these products together until they melt. After this, the mixture is beaten during the cooling process. Think of fudge as a food consisting of crystallized sugar.

Why do you whip fudge? ›

Like marshmallows, the sugar in fudge is boiled down to remove the water from the heat and whipped as it cools. The whipping motion causes sugar crystals to form (this gives the confection its unique soft texture) while the air causes those crystals to remain relatively small, preventing a chunky fudge.

Where is the best fudge made in United States? ›

While fudge was not invented on Mackinac Island, it most certainly – and most deliciously – was perfected here.

Why is my homemade hot fudge sauce grainy? ›

Be sure to serve warm, and, when reheating, reheat only the amount of sauce you intend to use; repeated heating and chilling can make the sauce grainy.

What happened to Sanders Candy Company? ›

In 2018, Sanders® became a division of Kar's Nuts, a leading manufacturer of nut and trail mix snacks with its own rich Detroit history dating back to 1933. Sanders® products are currently sold in leading retailers nationally and online at sanderscandy.com.

What is Dairy Queen hot fudge made of? ›

Artificially Flavored Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream: Milkfat And Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Mono And Diglycerides, Artificial Flavor, Guar Gum, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate, Chocolate Flavored Hot Fudge Topping: Corn Syrup, Skim Milk, Sugar, Hydrogenated (Palm Kernel or Coconut Oil), ...

What is in Mackinac Island fudge? ›

Ingredients. Milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, whey, water, chocolate liquor, hydrogenated coconut oil, peanut oil, alkalized cocoa, mono and diglycerides, buttermilk, butter, natural flavors, soy lecithin, pectin, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, annatto (color), vanilla.

What is a magic shell made of? ›

Magic shell is a combination of chocolate and fat (typically sunflower or coconut oil) that hardens into a firm, glossy shell when poured over ice cream. The fat lends the shell a soft, palatable texture so you can easily break through it with a spoon.

How to fix fudge that didn't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

What makes fudge set up? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Why is my fudge falling apart? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

Do you put fudge in the fridge to set? ›

Best way is to just be patient for a couple hours and set it in the fridge. If your fudge hasn't set, then you've gone wrong somewhere else. Make sure to use the parchment paper to line your pan otherwise it might be quite tricky to remove the fudge. Use the right size pan.

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