How To Make The Ultimate Hot Fudge Sundae

The perfect hot fudge sundae isn’t as easy as throwing a couple of ingredients in a bowl and calling it a day. No, it’s a science, and one that we take very seriously. You can’t just throw any flavors of ice cream together or skip on the much needed crunch. It takes the perfect balance of warm fudge, cold ice cream, crispy peanuts, fluffy whipped cream and, of course, a sweet cherry. See what else we recommend for your hot fudge sundae building and learn how to craft an unbeatable bowl of perfection.

The Ice Cream

This is not a time to skimp on ice cream. If you’re going to do a sundae right, it’s always best to spend a little more and opt for the good stuff. Ben & Jerrys is always a good option as well as Haagen Dasz or Talenti gelato. No artificial vanilla is welcome here if you want the most out of your sundae. Even better? If you’re one of those lucky people who has an ice cream maker around the house and you want to whip up your own batch, you surely won’t regret it!

The Fudge

Whether you’re doing the store bought version or a homemade one, hot fudge is obviously a key ingredient when it comes to hot fudge sundaes. There’s no shame in opting for a pre-made version if you don’t have the time or energy. However, we’ve seen a number of easy recipes pop up over the years including a version that only uses chocolate chips, evaporated milk and a microwave. If you feel like getting crazy, we recommend looking a couple up! After all, nothing ever truly beats homemade.

Whipped Cream

Forget the canned stuff. If you want to do right by your hot fudge sundae then homemade is the way to go. If you don’t have a whipped cream canister at home, we recommend doing it the old fashioned way with a hand or stand mixer. Add a little bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract for flavor. Delicious and simple.

Chopped Peanuts

Another essential piece of this puzzle is definitely the chopped peanuts. Perhaps the most under-rated of the sundae ingredients, the peanuts serve a very important role in the overall flavor equation—they’re the crunch. Peanuts are the je ne said quoi that adds the extra element this dish needs to be exceptionally delicious.

The Cherry On Top

At first it’s like a red, shiny object beckoning you into the hot fudge sundae. At the end, it’s the reward
you get for triumphantly finishing it. The cherry may be nothing more than a garnish, but that doesn’t discredit its
importance for the sundae. The most iconic part of this dish, we wouldn’t have a hot fudge sundae any other way.

Get Crazy With It

If you’re feeling especially crazy, there’s so much more you can do with hot fudge sundaes. From cookie dough to brownie bits and sprinkles, the sundae is your oyster. We’ve especially liked adding in some salted caramel sauce along with the hot fudge. You can make it as basic or as gourmet as you’d like with different sauces, sliced fruit, fresh berries—even bacon!