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
Gabby says
First off let me say this is delicious. Will be my go to recipe for ice cream topping.
Question – made my first batch and it came out wonderfully. Second batch made one week later, it developed a skin on the top. What did I do wrong?
Mary Younkin says
Sometimes it will have a skin on top after refrigeration, but I just stir it all together or reheat and it melts together again.
Jackie says
I do not have a jar to use, so had to use a hard plastic container, is there issues I should know about by doing that?
Julia says
Made this last night to try over ice cream. It is absolutly delicious and better than store bought and so easy to make. Thank you
Debra says
Super easy recipe and so much better than store bought.
Claudia says
Great recipe, easy and quick! We actually use it to make hot chocolate on cold, busy school mornings. Based on ingredients, I just store the glass jar in the pantry. We use it within 1-2 weeks though.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad it’s a favorite for you!
Adele says
Easy. Delicious. Amazing. This is a fantastic recipe!!
judith says
Oh my goodness this is soo easy and delicious! Why did I buy Hersheys syrup all these years when I could have had fresh and natural syrup instead? So easy and so good. thanks for the recipe
Robichaud says
I asked myself the same question
Robichaud says
Wow this is the best chocolate syrup recipe I have come across. Taste like Hersey’s syrup cold or warm I could drink this recipe it is so good.
Try it for yourself. No regrets
Lisa rose says
Ok
Sue VV says
I’ve been using this for several years now, and it’s hard to believe something so easy can be so delicious. Just a quick note – it’s perfect for making a mocha, too!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Sue!
Mary says
Needed some chocolate sauce for a sundae bar that I am setting up. Found this and made it. Delicious!! I scarped the pot clean. So good warm and have it the fridge getting ready to serve. Thanks for an easy recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it!
Michelle says
Amazing and so easy!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Michelle!
Bianca says
Delicious! My only go to chocolate sauce recipe!!!
Mary Younkin says
Bianca – YES! I love having it on hand.
Abbie says
Can I use this sauce to mix into homemade ice cream (like a fudge swirl ice cream)? Instead of just using it as a topping? Will it harden too much in the freezer?
Mary Younkin says
I haven’t tried that myself, Abbie. I don’t “think” it will harden too much, but I haven’t tested it that way myself. It won’t work the same way as a thicker hot fudge though, as this particular recipe really is a syrup and isn’t very thick at all by comparison. If you want to try a fudge swirl, I’d probably start with this easy hot fudge recipe: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/hot-fudge-sauce/
TerriSun says
Easy. Delicious!
Mary Younkin says
Definitely! I’m glad you like it!
Amanda says
This recipe is delicious! I found that after a couple of days, the sugar does start to crystallize again but just reheat and stir and all is well!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad it’s a hit, Amanda!
Jennifer says
This just popped up on my Facebook feed. 🙂We have been making this syrup for over 45+ years. My grandma made it, my mom makes it, my sister makes it, I make it all the time..my daughter makes it. Family ” recipe “. We have actually only ever used it as a syrup for pancakes, waffles and French toast. I add a little butter to mine. It becomes fudgier…and so good you want to lick the pot clean. 😀
Mary Younkin says
YES, Another family that loves a chocolate sauce for their syrup! I will have to try it with a little butter.
Karen says
I used to make this. It is delicious and cheaper than buying name brand and tastes better.
Merci says
This is so easy I love this recipe I can’t wait to make it again 💕💕👍👍👌😍
Mary Younkin says
Merci, I am glad you agree it is the best.
Mahdi says
I made it and it was awesome 👌 🤩
Thanks for your great recipe😘
Mary Younkin says
Horray!