The Best Chocolate Sauce Ever

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Learn how to make Homemade Chocolate Sauce (hot fudge sauce) for ice cream, chocolate milk, hot chocolate and so much more. Once you make chocolate sauce from scratch, you’ll never reach for a store-bought bottle again.

best chocolate sauce being drizzled over a bowl of ice cream

What would an ice cream sundae be without ooey-gooey chocolate sauce? It would just be a scoop of ice cream and we can’t have that. This simple chocolate sauce is made with just a handful of basic ingredients and is ready in just a few minutes for all of your ice cream sundae needs.


This chocolate sauce recipe is courtesy of my friend, Alison and I am so glad she introduced me to it. I’ve made it so many times. I’ve even hosted ice cream parties just so I had an excuse to make it and share with my neighbors. It’s that good and it’s that easy. For an even richer experience, you might want to try it with our Brown Sugar Ice Cream or Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

best chocolate sauce in a jar with a spoonful beside it and a glass of milk in the background

Ingredients

  • Sugar – Use granulated sugar and be sure to bring the sauce to a boil slowly so the sugar granules have enough time to dissolve.
  • Cocoa – Use unsweetened cocoa as the one linked. Hershey’s is also good.
  • Cornstarch – helps thicken the mixture into a thick hot chocolate sauce.
  • Water – loosens up the sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch into a sauce.
  • Butter – adds flavor and helps create a silky texture.
  • Vanilla – sweetens and deepens the chocolate flavor.
  • Pinch of Maldon Sea Salt (optional) – A small amount of salt added to sweet food enhances the sweetness.

How to Make – The Steps

best chocolate sauce ingredients

Step 1: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa.

Step 2: Add the water.

Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it come to a bubble. Whisk in the butter and vanilla. Add a pinch of sea salt.

Step 4: Pour into a jar and get ready for an ice cream party. (P.S. – I cannot wait to share with you the recipe for what is in the other jar. Be patient, my friends.)

Step 5:Spoon over your favorite ice cream.

ingredients for best chocolate sauce in a mixing owl

Tips & Tricks

  • For a thicker chocolate sauce, truer to the consistency of hot fudge, use heavy cream, whole milk, or half and half in place of water. If you’re looking for more delicious homemade sauces, try our sea salt and vanilla bean caramel sauce or some white hot fudge sauce.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil slowly and whisk frequently so the sugar dissolves and your chocolate sauce doesn’t end up tasting gritty.
  • For a bit of Mexican-inspired heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. This could complement the flavors in our Nigella’s chocolate chip chili.
ingredients for best chocolate sauce being heated in a pot

Why is this Homemade Chocolate Sauce So Good?

  • Quick! You can make homemade chocolate sauce quicker than you can run to the store and buy it. If you’re interested in other quick homemade sauces, check out our Sea Salt and Vanilla Bean Caramel Sauce.
  • Better tasting than store-bought!
  • Chocolate sauce can be used for so many things! Ice cream, hot cocoa, fruit dip, etc. You can even mix it into a Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Delicious. Rich, thick, silky, and smooth. What’s not to love? If you want to enjoy a different twist on a classic dessert, our Chocolate Fudge recipe might be just be for you.
best chocolate sauce dripping from a spoon with a jar of sauce behind it

How to Use Homemade Chocolate Sauce

The options are endless when it comes to ways to use homemade chocolate sauce. How not to use homemade chocolate sauce probably has a shorter answer.

jar of best chocolate sauce with bowls of brownie and ice cream and a glass of milk in the background

How to Store and Reheat

Storing: Let any leftovers cool to room temperature completely before storing in a glass airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Stir well before using again. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Options

Freezing: Let chocolate sauce cool to room temperature completely. Pour into an air-tight freezer-safe container and freeze for 6 months to a year. Thaw completely before use. For an twist on your ice cream toppings, you shoud consider making sea salt and vanilla bean caramel sauce or this great white hot fudge sauce .

bowl of ice cream on a brownie with best chocolate sauce being drizzled on it

FAQ

What is the difference between chocolate sauce and chocolate syrup? Chocolate sauce is generally richer and thicker than chocolate syrup. Chocolate sauce is also often served warm while the chocolate syrup is served at room temperature or chilled.

What is the difference between chocolate sauce and hot fudge sauce? The terms are mostly used interchangeably but the chocolate sauce is sometimes considered thinner than hot fudge sauce, which can be more rich and indulgent. This recipe could very easily be considered either-or.

How do I make vegan dairy-free chocolate sauce? I have not tested this recipe with vegan and dairy-free ingredients, but a reader mentioned switching up some things to accommodate their dietary restrictions. They used vegan butter, potato starch, and almond milk and loved it!

More Chocolate Recipes

Chocolate Kahlua Cake

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Chocolate Rum Balls

Dark Chocolate Ice Cream

best chocolate sauce in a jar with a spoonful beside it and a glass of milk in the background

The Best Chocolate Sauce Ever

bakedbree
4.50 from 10 votes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup
Calories 54 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon cocoa
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • a pinch of Maldon sea salt optional

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa.
  • Add the water.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it come to a bubble.
  • Whisk in the butter. Add vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt.
  • Pour into a jar and get ready for an ice cream party.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 54kcalCarbohydrates: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 27mgSugar: 8g
Keyword best chocolate sauce, homemade hot fudge, salted chocolate sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

2 thoughts on “The Best Chocolate Sauce Ever”

  1. I am about to make this at work (i work in a school kitchen) i will be using it go with churos. I am going to have to increase the quantities quite a bit. I’ll let hou know how it goes.

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