You only need a few ingredients to make this Homemade Chocolate Sauce and it tastes better than any chocolate syrup you can buy at the store. Smooth, sweet, and incredibly chocolate-y, this is the chocolate sauce I tried for years to make.
Along with all the ice cream that everyone is making, this copycat Hershey’s syrup has become one of the most popular recipes on the website over the past few months. It’s been fun to see what we can make from home instead of immediately running to the store.
Homemade Chocolate Sauce
When I first made this, I wanted a simple homemade chocolate syrup similar to Hershey’s syrup; something that I could use to make chocolate milk for my boys or use as an ice cream topping.
Over the past few years, I’ve made numerous chocolate sauces: rich creamy hot fudge sauces and basic melted chocolate sauces (i.e. Homemade Magic Shell).
I ran across this recipe many years ago and tried it within a few days of finding the recipe. This was exactly the chocolate sauce that I wanted!
This chocolate sauce is not overly sweet and it is smooth and rich in flavor. This is better than the Hershey’s syrup that I remember. I am excited to have this in the refrigerator now and I can hardly wait to make a treat with it after dinner tonight!
How To Make Chocolate Syrup
When I found this recipe for homemade chocolate sauce, it was almost too simple to believe. No fancy ingredients, no dairy, just sugar, cocoa powder, and water. A pinch of salt and a tiny splash of vanilla finish it off perfectly.
This sauce tastes like Hershey’s syrup, only better. The fact it’s so incredibly easy to make means there is almost always a jar of this chocolate syrup in my refrigerator.
Ice Cream Recipes
Pour this over the best and easiest Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Cherry Ice Cream, or Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
This Peanut Butter Ice Cream by Pint Sized Baker is begging for some chocolate sauce and I can’t wait to drizzle some chocolate sauce over this Take 5 Ice Cream Pie by Beyond Frosting.
Pictured here is our much-loved Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, not to be confused with Oreo Ice Cream, which is a completely different kind of awesomeness. I recommend you try them both and pick your favorite.
Chocolate Syrup Recipe
- In a cold saucepan, whisk together the cocoa and the sugar until all lumps are removed.
- Add the salt and the water and bring to a boil over medium to medium-high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer; stirring constantly. Simmer for about 30 seconds and then remove from heat.
- Let cool and then add vanilla. Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until needed.
Simple Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- In a cold saucepan, whisk together the cocoa and the sugar until all lumps are removed. Add the salt and the water and bring to a boil over medium to medium high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer; stirring constantly. Simmer for about 30 seconds and then remove from heat. Let cool and then add vanilla. Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until needed. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 4/20/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/18/20}
Zalora says
Holy cow! This chocolate sauce is fabulous!! I thought I was more a “caramel person” but this recipe might change my destiny! : )
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like it, Zalora!
Sarah Haney says
Can’t believe how quickly and simply this came together with ingredients I have on hand always. I used Hershey’s dark chocolate cocoa and it was incredible!!
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome, Sarah. I’m glad you like it.
ILA Audet R.D.N. says
Thank you for the wonderful recipe! I’ve been making large batches, four times the recipe, for over two years now after an exhaustive search for a pre-made, simple syrup without added gums or stabilizers. I add a little extra water to make a thinner product for easier pouring. As a registered dietitian, I can recommend it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two months, possibly longer. The only problem with long term storage is that some of the coco solids will settle to the bottom of the container. They can be easily mixed back in by stirring or gently shaking or by heating slightly after stirring. This happens as no gums or stabilizers are added so that’s the price you pay for a more natural, simple product. I’ve been making home made iced mocha coffee with it, chocolate milk, and added to ice cream occasionally as well as giving it as gifts in a fancy jar with ingredients listed on a tag. Everyone loves it, and I do too!
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy to hear that you love the chocolate sauce so much!