These Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes are fluffy strawberry cupcakes topped with sweet swirls of vanilla buttercream, homemade chocolate ganache, sprinkles, and a cherry on top!

Why these Cupakes are Best

Lately I’ve been turning some of my favorite ice cream desserts into cupcakes. Remember last month I made this Chocolate Vanilla Swirl frosting on a chocolate cupcake? It’s like a zebra cone (or twist cone)!

Well today I’m making Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes! I remember being a kid and getting hot fudge sundaes at the local ice cream shop.

They would be topped with strawberry sauce, hot fudge, sprinkles, whipped cream, and of course a cherry on top!

Today’s cupcake recipe starts with a Strawberry Cupcake.

How to make Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes

Start by baking a batch of Strawberry Cupcakes. Either use a mix or this delicious Strawberry Cupcake recipe. Prepare them according to package (recipe) and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Next, whip up a batch of creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. I love to use this recipe with fresh vanilla beans, but if they’re too pricey for you, just use a pure vanilla extract. I usually have a bottle of Vanilla Paste on hand at all times. It’s the best of both worlds. You get the vanilla extract and the beans in a rich, fragrant flavored paste!
You’ll also need to make a chocolate ganache. I like to use a good quality chocolate for this, as you want it to taste amazing, and melt smooth.
Finally, you’ll need some sprinkles and a “cherry on top.” You can use a red gumball, or even a peanut M&M’s. I happened to find a red cherry sour ball (much like a lemon drop).

And that’s how you make a cupcake look like an ice cream sundae!

Here’s what you need to make Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes

First, you’ll need a cupcake tin and paper liners. I like to get my liners from here, as they are greaseproof, which means the color of the liner won’t fade as you bake!
I also like to use a LARGE cookie scoop to portion out the cupcake batter. This 3 Tbsp scoop is usually perfect!
For today’s recipe you don’t need a special pastry bag and tips. I just used a large gallon sized ziploc bag, snipped off the corner, and piped big dollops onto each cupcake. Be generous…this is your “ice cream” layer…and everyone loves a double scoop, haha!
Put it in a cone! Use the frosting on our ice cream cone cupcakes for a real treat!
Instead of a chewy you could use red hot candies. And then be sure to try my red hot cookies too, with their chewy texture they are delicious.

Looking for more fun cupcake ideas?

This fudgy, decadent Copycat Hostess Cupcake recipe looks and tastes like the real thing. Only better, I promise!
How fun are these Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes with their swirl of sweet frosting? Add a paper straw to complete the look!
These Watermelon Cupcakes are my oldest daughter’s favorite treat. She usually asks me to make these at least once a year!
Remember malt shops? This Chocolate Malt Cupcake recipe with Vanilla Malt Buttercream has a hint of malt and is topped with a fluffy buttercream infused with even more malt flavor.

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