15 Delicious DIY Dessert Sauces

1. Creme Anglaise sauce

If you ask us, even just the name of this first option from The Ktchn is practically irresistible! This gourmet sounding sauce has all the flavours to match, tasting smooth and creamy like warm homemade custard, but with just a hint of sweet vanilla. To make it, you’ll need:

1/12 cups of whole milk, cream, or half-and-half
4 large egg yolks
1/3 cup of sugar
A pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla

2. Homemade chocolate sauce

Are you a pretty diehard fan of the classics but you’ve been working towards learning how to make your own homemade versions rather than just picking up a branded bottle off the store shelf? Well, if you’re a big chocolate sauce lover specifically, then we think you’ll appreciate this recipe from Crazy for Crust. To make it, you’ll need:

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
2/3 cup of your favourite brand of vanilla coffee creamer (or another flavour, but we liked it best with vanilla)
1/2 cup agave or honey
A pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

3. Raspberry coulis

Now, just because you’re making a dessert sauce does not mean that you have to make something that’s creamy and very rich, like the ones you saw above. If you’re more of a fruit lover, consider taking a look at something like a coulis instead! For the raspberry fans out there, this sweet and flavourful recipe from Paris Hues is one of our very favourites. To make it, you’ll need:

2 pints raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon rind

4. Chocolate ganache

Are you still thinking about how much you loved the idea of making a chocolate based dessert sauce because you are, at the heart of all things, a total “chocaholic”, but you’re still also feeling enamoured with the idea of making something a little more gourmet? In that case, we have every confidence that you’re going to adore this thick, decadent chocolate ganache recipe from Food Network. It requires:

16 oz bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
2 cups heavy cream

Yes, that’s really all it takes!

5. Homemade strawberry glaze

Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about berry based recipes and coulis sauces but you’re not sure raspberries are the direction you’d like to take things in? Try this strawberry version from Hoosier Homemade instead! You’ll need:

1 cup fresh Strawberries (cleaned, mashed)
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup water
A few drops of red food colouring (optional)

6. Vanilla cream glaze

Are you a big fan of sweet, creamy sauces but you’re actually the opposite of a “choco-holic”? Then this vanilla cream glaze by How Sweet Eats is definitely the recipe for you! This would taste great on a pan of fresh, warm cinnamon rolls. You’ll need:

1 cup of powdered sugar (heaping)
1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of heavy cream
2 1/2 cup of tbsp of milk

7. Buttermilk sugar glaze

12 Tomatoes shows you how to make a simply sweet sugar glaze that would taste good on any number of baked goods, but that we know is just heavenly for making classic glazed donuts. You’ll need:

3 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup of cold water

8. Sweet lemon glaze

Do you love the glaze idea above but you’d prefer a little extra flavour to add to what you’ve made? This lemon version by Recipeler is the perfect alternative for you. You’ll need:

2 cups of confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup of lemon juice
2 tbsp of butter (softened)
1 tbsp of lemon zest

9. Caramel sauce

Do you like a rich, sweet flavour but neither chocolate nor vanilla will do the trick for you? Try this sticky and delicious caramel sauce by Tracey’s Culinary Adventures instead! You’ll need:

1 cup of sugar
2 tbsp of corn syrup
2 tbsp of water
1/8 tsp of lemon juice
1/2 cup of heavy cream (hot)
1 tbsp of unsalted butter

10. Vanilla sabayon

Perhaps you’re into textures as well as tastes and you’d like something a little thicker? This delicious sabayon, which is made of egg whites, resembles more of a classic custard. To make it, De Leukste Taarten Shop suggests:

3 egg yolks
300 ml of unbeaten cream
1 sachet of vanilla sugar
Strawberries to pour it over

11. Homemade hot fudge sauce

Okay, so we’ve already given you recipes for chocolate sauce and chocolate ganache, but what if you’re still looking for something even richer? Then we’re convinced this fudge sauce by Chocolate Moosey is the solution. You’ll need:

1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp of corn syrup
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
4 oz of semisweet chocolate (chopped)
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

12. Chocolate espresso sauce

Would you prefer that your chocolate sauce have a little extra kick of flavour that the classic recipe doesn’t? Then you’ll love this espresso version from She Knows! You’ll need:

1/4 cup of freshly made espresso
1-2 tbsp of sugar
2 oz of chocolate block (coarsely chopped)
1 tsp of soft butter

13. Sweet cherry syrup

Do you love the idea of a sweet fruit sauce, but neither raspberries nor strawberries are quite your taste? Try this rich cherry recipe from Wonky Wonderful instead! You’ll need:

1 lb of red cherries (pitted and halved)
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of water
2 tsp of fresh lemon juice
A pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup of water
2 tsp of cornstarch

14. Sweet blackberry and brandy sauce

Just in case you’re still not satisfied with the fruit and berry options you’ve seen so far, here’s one more! Make one from blackberries just like this one from All Recipes. You’ll need:

4 cups of blackberries (fresh)
1 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of brandy
2 tbsp of cornstarch
1/4 cup of water

15. Brown sugar and pecan praline sauce

About Food has a suggestion for you that has a little more flavour and texture! So long as you’re not allergic to any kinds of nuts, the flavour of this sauce is practically unmatched, in our humble opinion. You’ll need: