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
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!
Marcia says
Can you use Splenda instead of sugar. I’m not supposed to have sugar.
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that, Marcia.
Stacey says
Can you jar this and gift it?
Mary Younkin says
You can certainly pour it into jars and gift it, but it isn’t shelf-stable. The recipient will need to refrigerate it immediately, Stacey.
Jeff says
Great recipe! I had ruined a previous attempt at chocolate sauce and needed another one right away. Tastes amazing and loves that it doesn’t immediately harden on buttercream when frozen.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like the chocolate sauce, Jeff.
Kelsey B says
This is a fantastic go-to sauce. I halved the sugar, but otherwise the recipe stands. Simple, easy to use, and I imagine easy to riff on if you wanted to add spiced alchohol.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Kelsey!
Danielle Griffin says
Delicious! Thanks!
I HATE the store bought chocolate syrup even the name brand ones like Hershey just taste nasty so I’m super glad I found this recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like it so much, Danielle!
Sharlys Williams says
Overall the Chocolate Sauce taste great, but I was disappointed that after following the instructions, the Recipe only produced 8 oz./1Cup of sauce and not the 14 oz., as indicated.
Mary Younkin says
That’s very odd, I’m not sure what could have caused it to reduce like that. I’m glad you like the sauce!
Dalia I Torres says
Absolutely DELICIOUS! & Healthy Then The Store Bought Brand. Super Quick And Easy To Perpare.
Thank Y O U😊
Dalia
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like the chocolate sauce, Dalia.
Olive says
So good! Not to sweet perfect.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Olive!
Mo says
I love this, taste and looks good. But Immediately after preparing the sauce, can i use for my cake? Or do i need to refrigerate before applying?
Mo says
I Need a response Urgently!!
Mary Younkin says
Hi Mo, I have no idea to which cake you’re referring. I typically pour the chocolate sauce over ice cream.
Suby says
Thanks for sharing this beautiful receipt.
I want to give it a try, but do you know how much the cup size and teaspoon size in gram?
Or can I buy the measurement cup and teaspoon somewhere? What size of cup should I get?
Thanks
Mary Younkin says
You should be able to purchase measuring cups and spoons. However, you can also use a conversion calculator like this one to convert the measurements: https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/cooking/cooking-calculator.php
Randy Esterley says
EXCELLENT syrup, I made it for a Birthday cake 9bundt type)YESTERDAY. I poked holes in the cake, and delivered it within an hour and it tasted soooooooo YUMMY!!!!! I WILL make this recipe again. Thanks so much for sharing it!!! TEN STARS**********
–Randy E
Sumter, South Carolina
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the chocolate sauce, Randy.
Hera says
Super easy to make and love the sauce 🥰 . Was never a fan of the store bought ones. Thanks for the recipe 👍🏼.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad it’s a hit, Hera!
Marcella Maki says
I think this is an great recipe my husband love Herseys but not he love this over his ice cream more. I put it in a large squeeze bottle to store in the fridge easier to squeeze on ice cream and in drinks . Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love it, Marcella!
Nakigirl53 says
Where have been all my life Mary!!!! This is the BEST EVER, easiest and fastest chocolate sauce AND delicious!!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love it as much as we do!
Ella says
THANKS FOR THE RECIPE!!!! My mom stopped buying me chocolate syrup because it’s apparently “too unhealthy,” and I could no longer satisfy my craving for a glass of cold, chocolate milk before bed (she’s probably right but I couldn’t resist anymore). Upon discovering this recipe, I can satisfy my cravings (quartering the batch), and using ingredients that we have on hand! To close, I would like to thank you once more, and I hope that my mom doesn’t stop buying white sugar upon discovering the mess I may-or-have-may-not have made in the kitchen while concocting this recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like it so much, Ella!
LORI says
How long can this be stored in the fridge?
Mary Younkin says
This will keep for a couple weeks without any issues, Lori.
Stacey says
Very fast, simple and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the chocolate sauce, Stacey.