Imagine a decadent, velvety chocolate sauce that transforms any dessert from ordinary to extraordinary – and the best part? You can create this magic with minimal effort in your slow cooker! This incredibly rich and luxurious hot fudge sauce is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen, promising to elevate everything from simple vanilla ice cream to elaborate dessert creations. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade sauce so divine, they'll think you've studied pastry arts in Paris!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and measure them precisely: heavy cream, chocolate chips, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the inner ceramic insert with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder to the slow cooker, whisking them together until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate with the dry ingredients, creating a smooth mixture.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mixture, spreading them evenly across the surface of the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, allowing the ingredients to melt and blend together slowly.
- Cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting and prevent scorching.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the vanilla extract and stir thoroughly to integrate.
- Once the mixture is smooth, glossy, and has a rich chocolate consistency, turn off the slow cooker.
- Let the hot fudge cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a storage container.
- Serve warm over ice cream, cakes, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the most intense and smooth flavor. Dark or semi-sweet work best for a rich chocolate taste.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent any chocolate from sticking or burning at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- For extra smoothness, use a whisk when combining dry and wet ingredients to eliminate any potential lumps.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a little extra cream while it's still warm.
- Store your hot fudge sauce in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week and can be gently reheated in the microwave or in a water bath.
- For a gourmet twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Always let the sauce cool slightly before serving to prevent burning, but serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 40mg
