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}
Stephanie says
This was so easy and it tastes great! im looking forward to putting this in my coffee! Do you think it could be stored in a squeeze bottle, or is it too thick?
Mary Younkin says
This will be pretty thick cold from the fridge, but it should still work from a squeeze bottle, Stephanie.
C Giesbrecht says
Delicous, simple and perfect, not too sweet. I will never buy chocolate sauce again!
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying the chocolate sauce!
Brittany says
Just decided to make it on a whim, and it’s simple and delicious! Can’t wait to use it! Can it be used in cold milk for chocolate milk, or will it thicken when it hits the cold and not mix?
Mary Younkin says
This will work nicely for chocolate milk, Brittany. I’m glad you like the chocolate sauce.
T says
proper
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it!
Lisa says
So easy! I had everything in my pantry. Mmmm… delicious on butter pecan ice cream! I used special dark cocoa. Not too sweet.
Mary Younkin says
That sounds perfect, Lisa!
Judith says
Why must your saucepan be cold?
Mary Younkin says
It’s only specified as cold, so that you know you’re combining everything before you start the heat under the pan, Judith. It doesn’t need to be especially cold.
Ed Goldsmith says
Awesomely simple!! Ran out of chocolate milk for grand kids, so I made your sauce! A hit the first try! Thanks, you made Grampa a rock star during quarantine!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the chocolate sauce, Ed.
Kathie says
This is the best chocolate sauce ever!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the sauce, Kathie!
Andrea says
How long can it be kept the refrigerator? Thank you
Mary Younkin says
I’ve kept it for several weeks without any problems, Andrea. That said, my typical “food safety” answer is up to a week. Enjoy!
Fiane says
Really easy and good taste
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Fiane!
Mary I says
Can you substitute the cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of Truvia?
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that myself, Mary, so I have no idea who it might work.
Chris Crowe says
What would happen if milk was used in nstead of water? Other than an increase in fat and calories which I don’t care because its DESSERT. LOL!
Mary Younkin says
I’m guessing that the milk will work fine, Chris. However, it will not keep for as long in the refrigerator.
Monica S says
I made this to put over homemade vanilla ice cream…..the ice cream was great but this chocolate sauce took it to a whole other level. So easy and sooo delicious. Thanks for the recipe miss Mary, it’s a 10 out of 10!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you love the chocolate sauce, Monica!
Akanksha Goel says
How can I store it and for How long?
Mary Younkin says
This will keep nicely in the fridge for a week or two at least, Akanksha.
Kelly says
Super simple and my husband loves it for his mochas at home. I didn’t save the recipe the first time and have been hunting for it for a few weeks now. Glad I found it again! Definitely saved it this time. Might try dark chocolate next time!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the sauce, Kelly!