Homemade Hot Fudge (and How to Turn It Into a Holiday Gift Kit)
Hot fudge is one of those luxurious-tasting treats that is so simple to make, and yet many people buy it instead of making it at home. I’m joining my friend Elizabeth of Pinecones and Acorns to share our favorite hot fudge recipe.
My mom used to make hot fudge for ice cream sundaes when we were young, and she made it seem like she was in the kitchen all day making it while we were at school. Years later, I realized that it is so simple to make. The best part is that you can eat it right away, or pour it into a jar and save it for later. I love a make-ahead recipe!
Your shopping list
- A semi-sweet chocolate bar
- Salted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Light corn syrup
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Melt, mix, whisk
Turning It Into a Holiday Gift Kit
A jar of homemade hot fudge is a wonderful gift on its own, but with a few extra touches, it becomes a complete “sundae night in” kit — the kind of gift people actually use.
What to include:
- A jar of hot fudge, sealed and labeled
- A bag or mini box of the mix-ins the recipient loves — brownie bites, chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint for the holidays
- A small jar of maraschino cherries
- Small ice cream bowls, or I’m including a pair of vintage French stainless coupes.
- A printed recipe card with reheating instructions, so the fudge can be made again and again
Packaging ideas:
- Four-ounce glass jars like these and add a sticker label
- Nestle the jar, vintage ice cream dish, porcelain spoon, and small box of brownie bites into a small basket, or wooden berry crate lined with parchment paper
- Add a handwritten or printed gift tag with the recipient’s name and “hot fudge sundae kit”
This kind of gift feels thoughtful without taking much time to put together, and it gives the recipient something to actually look forward to using—not just something to set on a shelf.
Be sure to visit Elizabeth at Pinecones and Acorns for her take on hot fudge as a gift.
Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce
This simple recipe makes a silky-smooth fudge sauce that is irresistible and will quickly become a favorite at home and at dinner parties. It also makes a great gift around the holidays or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 ounces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the chocolate and butter to a small heat-proof bowl and place it over a saucepan of simmering water with the bottom of the bowl just touching the water, and melt the chocolate and butter until velvety smooth.
- In a separate medium saucepan, whisk the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, vanilla, and heavy cream. Heat until it reaches a low boil, stirring the whole time. Continue cooking and stirring for a couple of minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined.
- Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator.
- Let the hot fudge sauce cool for a few minutes and then transfer it to a small jar.
Notes
If you make this a few days ahead and store it in the refrigerator, heat the hot fudge just until it’s pourable, then serve warm.
Good morning Annie!
This is such a sweet way to package hot fudge! I love the vinate coupe glasses.
Hot fudge is one of my favorite things to make and to eat and your recipes is one I have not tried before. I will be making it soon.
Thank you for inviting me to join you today!
xo
Great gift idea! I will be making this and gifting if I don’t eat it all myself.