Are you craving that rich, decadent hot fudge you get at Dairy Queen? The kind that melts perfectly over ice cream, brownies, or even just a spoon? Well, you’re in luck! This recipe lets you recreate that iconic flavor at home, without the drive-thru line. This easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delicious homemade treat. Get ready to make your own creamy, dreamy Dairy Queen-style hot fudge. It’s surprisingly simple and far more delicious than you might imagine. This is one of those homemade cooking projects that will impress everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures there are no lumps in your final fudge sauce.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until smooth. Don't rush this step; you want to avoid lumps.
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Simmer and Stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula. This prevents sticking and burning, ensuring a smooth texture.
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Melt the Butter: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until it's completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
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Infuse with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the overall flavor profile of your homemade hot fudge.
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Cool and Serve: Let the hot fudge cool slightly before serving. You can pour it directly over your favorite dessert while it's still warm, or let it cool completely to a thicker consistency for topping cakes or brownies.
Tips for the Best Hot Fudge:
- Quality Cocoa Powder: Using good quality unsweetened cocoa powder makes a big difference in the flavor of your hot fudge.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can make the fudge grainy. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
- Storage: Store leftover hot fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Hot Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the saucepan along with the butter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Salted Caramel Hot Fudge: Stir in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce along with the vanilla extract for a sweet and salty twist.
- Spiced Hot Fudge: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This homemade Dairy Queen-style hot fudge is a delicious and surprisingly easy treat. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special dessert, it's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!