Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce

Looking for a way to elevate your dessert game and bring a touch of nostalgia to your sweets? Old fashioned hot fudge sauce is a classic dessert topping that will take you back to the good old days. This rich and decadent gluten free hot fudge sauce is made with simple ingredients and has a smooth, velvety texture that will leave your taste buds craving for more. It is naturally gluten free and dairy free (and of course nut free) Whether you're enjoying it over ice cream, cake, or other treats, hot fudge sauce is the perfect finishing touch to any dessert.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder: I recommend using a dutch processed cocoa powder with high fat content to make this old fashioned hot fudge sauce recipe. Dutch-process cocoa dissolves better in liquid than natural cocoa powder, resulting in a silky smooth sauce. Using natural cocoa powder may result in a more bitter flavor due to its higher acidity.

Dark Chocolate: Choose a high-quality, dark chocolate with a cacao content of 60-70% for the best results in this homemade hot fudge sauce. a product you enjoy eating on its own (you should always use chocolate you enjoy eating on its own). But since this recipe has only a few ingredients, the flavor of the chocolate you use will stand out. This is a great recipe to use an artisan chocolate bar and skip the chocolate chips.

Corn Syrup: Adding corn syrup to fudge sauce ensures a smooth texture by preventing sugar crystallization. Without it, sugar crystals can form when heated and ruin the creamy texture of the sauce. Corn syrup, which is a mixture of glucose and fructose, helps to inhibit crystal formation and create a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce. Can be substituted with Golden Syrup or Agave Syrup (which will change the flavor)

Whiskey: Whiskey or Bourbon complements the chocolate flavor in the hot fudge sauce, adding depth and richness to the final product. I use Koval Bourbon Whiskey which is made from a corn and millet mix.

Tools needed to make Hot Fudge Sauce

With these basic tools, you'll be able to make delicious old fashioned hot fudge sauce in no time.

Digital Kitchen Scale: You'll need digital kitchen scale to measure the ingredients accurately.

Medium saucepan: You'll need a medium-sized sauce pan to cook the fudge sauce. Make sure it's large enough to hold all the ingredients and has enough space to allow the mixture to boil without overflowing.

Whisk: A whisk is necessary to combine the ingredients and prevent lumps from forming. It's also useful for stirring the gluten free hot fudge sauce constantly while it's cooking.

Heat Proof Spatula: A spatula can help you scrape down the sides of the saucepan and prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.

Jar or container: Once the fudge sauce is ready, you'll need a jar or container to store it in. Make sure it's airtight to prevent the sauce from drying out or spoiling. I like to use mason jars.

How to make Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce

Making old fashioned hot fudge sauce is not hard. It requires a few basic ingredients and can be made in about 15 minutes. The key is to stir the mixture frequently to prevent scorching.

Step 1: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and set aside.

Step 2: In a medium sized sauce pan combine the corn syrup, cocoa powder, both sugars, water, and kosher salt. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent the cocoa from burning. Cook the mixture until the fudge sauce bubbles and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take around 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Take the saucepan off the heat, then add the chopped-up dark chocolate and stir it until it's melted. Return the pan to the heat and simmer for a few minutes over medium-low heat, constantly stirring until it is shiny and glossy.

Step 4: Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool a few minutes before adding the brandy/whiskey and vanilla extract. Adjust salt if needed.

Storage & Freezing

Store the fully cooled hot fudge sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. When you're ready to use it, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it's warm and pourable. Add a small amount of water to thin it out if it has become too thick. Avoid storing hot fudge sauce at room temperature since it can spoil quickly and become unsafe to consume.

Freezing is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and have gluten-free hot fudge sauce available for your favorite desserts. Freeze the gluten free fudge sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving space at the top for expansion. When you want to defrost the frozen hot fudge sauce, simply move it to the fridge and let it thaw for a few hours or overnight. Once it's defrosted, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. While the texture of the sauce may slightly change after freezing, it will still be delicious to taste.

How to serve Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce

Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce is served warm over ice cream or other desserts. To serve, heat the sauce in a saucepan or microwave until it is warm and pourable, but not too hot. Drizzle the gluten free hot fudge chocolate sauce generously over gluten free brownies or a big bowl of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy! Optional toppings could include whipped cream, nuts, or sprinkles. And let's not forget the cherry on top to make it a real ice cream sundae.

FAQ - Old Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce