Sundae sauce, also fondly known as hot fudge sauce, is the creamy, chocolatey indulgence that elevates a simple ice cream sundae to pure bliss. Imagine this: velvety vanilla ice cream drenched in warm, decadent hot fudge, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts – pure heaven!
Making your own sundae sauce is easier than you think, and the result is a world apart from store-bought versions. The best part? You control the ingredients, ensuring a rich, chocolatey flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Gather Your Ingredients:
For a truly decadent sundae sauce, you’ll need:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup. Opt for a high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Salt: A pinch. This enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup. Whole milk yields the creamiest results, but you can substitute with 2% or your preferred milk alternative.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, cut into pieces. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. Pure vanilla extract adds a fragrant touch.
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped dark chocolate: 4 ounces. This creates an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor.
- Espresso powder: 1/2 teaspoon. This intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper: For a subtle kick.
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan: This ensures even heat distribution.
- Whisk: For smooth mixing.
- Heatproof spatula: To scrape the sides of the pan.
- Jar or container: For storing your delicious creation.
Let’s Make Sundae Sauce!
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Combine dry ingredients: In your saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
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Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
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Cook over medium heat: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly with the whisk.
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Incorporate the butter: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until melted and incorporated.
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Simmer and thicken: Continue to cook the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your liking (about 5-7 minutes). For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Optional: Enhance the chocolate flavor: If using, stir in the chopped dark chocolate until melted and smooth. For a more intense chocolate flavor, add the espresso powder along with the vanilla extract.
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Cool slightly: Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to thicken further.