Pin It!

Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details

Homemade Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting is loaded with all of the classic sundae toppings like crushed waffle cones, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

hot fudge being drizzled over a frosted cupcake topped with sprinkles


 

My favorite thing to do in the kitchen is develop cupcake and frosting combinations. The possibilities are literally endless. Today’s concoction is Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting. This recipe has just about all the requirements for a sundae, packed into a scoop of frosting; toppings optional of coarse. I know that winter isn’t exactly the time you are craving and ice cream sundae, but that is why this frosting is perfect for you anytime of the year!

side view of a frosted chocolate cupcake drizzled with hot fudge sauce

I have actually had this recipe in my back pocket for awhile, but it took me a couple of tries to perfect it. At first, I tried this recipe with melted vanilla bean ice cream. I did not prefer that version because I felt it had to stay refrigerated, and that effects the overall aesthetic of the cupcake.  So I altered the recipe to include vanilla malt powder instead. Vanilla malt powder is usually found with the powdered chocolate milk mixes. I also use this for cupcakes, cookie and other frosting recipes as well!

side view of a chocolate cupcake topped with hot fudge sundae frosting

For this frosting,  it’s all about the “stuff”. I included crushed waffle cones, chocolate chips and walnuts and a hint of caramel flavor in the frosting. I simply scooped it onto the top of the cupcake, drizzled it with hot fudge and topped it with sprinkles. I might also suggest serving this cupcake with a tall glass of milk!

Print
A chocolate cupcake topped with Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting

  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5-6 cups Frosting

Description

Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting is loaded with all of the classic sundae toppings like crushed waffle cones, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 C (3 sticks) Unsalted butter
  • 4 Waffle cones, smashed
  • 4 C Powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp Vanilla malt powder
  • 46 tbsp Heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp Caramel sauce (Hershey’s or other)
  • 1/4 C Chocolate chips
  • 1/2 C Walnuts
  • Hot Fudge sauce (Hershey’s or other)
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Allow butter to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You want it to soften but not be melted. Cream softened butter on medium speed for a few minutes until smooth and creamy.
  2. Crush waffle cones by placing in a Ziploc bag and gently pressing down to make smaller pieces. Set aside.
  3. Reduce mixer speed to low and add powered sugar, one cup at a time. Add one tablespoon of heavy cream after each cup of powered sugar. Add malt powder at the end. Reserve the last 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to add at the end if your frosting is still too thick. Increase speed to high and whip for 30-60 seconds to incorporate some air into the frosting. Reduce speed and add caramel sauce. Mix to incorporate into frosting.
  4. Add waffle cones, chocolate chips and walnuts to the frosting. Mix slowly to incorporate into frosting.
  5. If the frosting is still too thick, add one table spoon of heavy cream at a time and mix well.
  6. Scoop frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
  7. Heat hot fudge sauce accordingly to instructions on jar. Drizzle hot fudge over top of cupcakes and add sprinkles.

Notes

  • Remove butter from the refridgerator 30 minutes before you plan to make this frosting. This frosting makes enough to serve 24 cupcakes. This is best served the same day it is made.
  • I recommend serving this with my vanilla, chocolate or yellow cupcakes.
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stand Mixer
  • Cuisine: American

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

25 Responses
  1. Mercedes

    What a fun and unique idea for frosting! I love anything with malt powder and I know I wold love the crunch from the waffle cones!

    1. Julianne - Beyond Frosting
      Beyond Frosting

      Thank you Mercedes! Plus you can add just about anything you would put on a hot fudge sundae into the frosting!

  2. Jocelyn@Brucrewlife

    This has to be the most amazing frosting in the history of ever! Forget the cupcake, I just want that frosting! Pinned!

  3. Gloria // Simply Gloria

    Julianne, I crave ice cream on a 365 days a year! So, I’m all about this creative frosting! I’m going to have to get some vanilla malt powder… love how you incorporated it in this recipe. 🙂

  4. Kathi @ Deliciously Yum!

    Whoa – these cupcakes are out of this world. Hot Fudge Sundae Frosting – I always knew you were a genius. I wouldn’t mind taking a couple of these off your hands 🙂

  5. michael

    Oh wow,… how delicious! 🙂 I linked to your site from another blog and I am glad I did, great recipes and great pictures too. Easy instructions! I was surprised to see your recipe today because I also post a similar recipes, Hot Fudge Cake, check it out!

    Michael 🙂

  6. Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar

    Love it! I’ve been wanting to do some “sundae’ inspired desserts too! I need more time! 🙂

  7. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking

    Wow. I never again crave Hot Fudge Sundaes because all I will ever want is your Hot Fudge Frosting!!!! How inventive!

  8. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor

    Yes, please! I can’t get over how fun these little cupcakes look with the hot fudge frosting. They look like the perfect little hot fugde sundaes. Pinned!

5 BAKE FROM SCRATCH SECRETS!
Subscribe to my newsletter and get my fav tips to take your cakes & cupcakes to the next level.