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 chocolate sauce recipe many years ago and tried it within a few days of finding the recipe. This was exactly what I wanted!
The sauce is not overly sweet and it is smooth and rich in flavor. This is even 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.
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.
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.
Simple Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup cold water
- 1½ 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 3/9/23}
original recipe slightly adapted from and with thanks to Cate Linden
Becki's Whole Life says
Mmmm…it's always so surprising how good homemade chocolate sauce tastes. Especially if you are comparing it to Hershey's, which is good, but nothing like homemade. I love that this uses the cocoa powder and has some kosher salt. Will have to try this!
Jenn says
Love that first picture! Fantastic shot!! I love a good homemade chocolate sauce, this one looks perfect!
Pam says
It looks and sounds delicious. I like it especially since you say it's not overly sweet. A must try. And a great photo!
Allison at Novice Life says
PERFECT! I too have been looking for something to replace the HFCS laden chocolate syrups my husband loves to make chocolate milk with 🙂
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says
Great recipe. Hershey's syrup has to be imported here and it costs a truckload. Now I'll make my own, thanks to you!
Monet says
Oh I love it! I'm bookmarking this recipe and sending it to my older sister. She loves ice cream with chocolate sauce. Thank you for sharing. I hope you are having a wonderful week. Your pictures are simply drool-worthy!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
Drooling! This chocolate sauce looks fantastic. Your photos are incredible too!
Words Of Deliciousness says
I love chocolate sauce and ice cream. This looks wonderful.
Geni says
Yum to the max. Yes, I was once a Valley Girl in the good ol' 80's. In case you were wondering.
Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Spencer says
What a great recipe. Thank you for sharing it with us all.
Karl says
Mouth candy and eye candy at the same time.
The Slow Roasted Italian says
Love this chocolate sauce!
Anna says
This looks perfectly simple, I can't wait to try it!
Chris says
You are going to make me make ice cream at 7 in the morning, aren't you?
Mallory says
I'm all over this, choco-holic that I am!
Missy says
This looks AWESOME!! How long do you suppose this will last?
Mary says
I'd be fine with keeping it for at least a month. Ours has never lasted that long though!
Lori WhoNeedsaCape says
Looks fabulous! Pinning 🙂
Lori
Whoneedsacape.com
Not Your Average Super Moms!
Beth Roberts says
I wonder how it would be in a glass of cold milk??? I think Ill try that lol.
Princeton says
It was the first thing on my mind and the first thing I did! LOL FYI, ITS BETTER THAN THE BRAND NAME AT YOUR LOCAL MARKET! URSHEZE I think? I know!!!! Lol. Trust me it’s that good!