An apparatus for dispensing a viscous material includes a dispenser body having an inlet and a discharge orifice. A valve element is mounted for movement in the dispenser body between an open position allowing flow from the discharge orifice, and a closed position preventing flow therefrom. An actuator is coupled to the valve element for actuation between the open and closed positions. A heat exchanger having a serpentine passage and a heater is coupled thereto, wherein the heater is in thermal communication with the dispenser body. The passage is configured to deliver the viscous material to the inlet at a uniform temperature. A method of dispensing a viscous material includes positioning a heat exchanger, having a fluid passage and a heater, in thermal communication with the dispenser body, and heating the material flowing through the fluid passage to a uniform temperature prior to delivering it to the inlet.