Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae with Rich Hot Fudge

September 3, 2025 by outifa

🔥 Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae

The secret to a standout sundae is the homemade hot fudge sauce. It’s thick, glossy, and infused with intense cocoa flavor.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Add the heavy cream and unsalted butter.
Stir constantly over medium heat, allowing the mixture to come to a low simmer.
Continue stirring for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and glossy.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Set aside to cool slightly — it should still be warm when served.

Tip: The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Just reheat gently before use.

Assembling your sundae should be an experience of joy. Here’s how we do it:

Scoop three generous balls of vanilla ice cream into a tall sundae glass or dessert bowl.
Pour warm hot fudge sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the ice cream.
Add a generous swirl of whipped cream.
Top it all off with a glistening maraschino or fresh cherry.