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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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 4/20/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/9/23}
original recipe slightly adapted from and with thanks to Cate Linden
I think the double recipe with 1 cup of water yields 1 1/2 cup of cause.
Am I right?
The doubled recipes will actually result in almost 3 cups of sauce.
This is my go to recipe! Iol tonight will be the third time I make it. I’m adding it to vanilla ice cream and toasting some almond – tin roof anyone!
I’m thrilled you love it!
great for my coffee but should I refrigerate it or no?
I keep this in the fridge and rewarm it as needed.
Omg this is so good. I needed a sauce without corn syrup. I did use 1/2 and 1/2 instead of all water. I could eat it all with a spoon.
I’m glad you like it!
Using water in chocolate sauce is like making hot chocolate with water. Why oh why would you? Use half and half for a richer sauce. Otherwise, an easy peasy, good sauce. Highly recommend.
While there are plenty of chocolate sauces you can make with half and half or cream, this simple chocolate sauce was created specifically as homemade version of Hershey’s chocolate syrup and it is a terrific dairy-free chocolate sauce. If you’d like to make a thicker, richer chocolate sauce, this hot fudge is a terrific option as well: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/hot-fudge-sauce/.
This is so good! Thank you (especially if you don’t burn it) lol!! But honestly I could eat it right from the jar. I have. 😀
I’m so glad you like the chocolate sauce!
Please, ingredients first, instructions second, creative writing last. I hate scrolling and scrolling to find a recipe I may or not like.
Hey Paul, that’s why I provide that handy Jump to Recipe button at the top of the page for every recipe on the website. If you aren’t in need of or interested in the additional information provided, just click that button and you’ll skip directly to the printable recipe card. I hope that helps!
Easy to make and a lovely fudge consistency once cooled. This one’s a keeper!
I’m thrilled that you love the chocolate sauce somuch!
This was so very delicious. I will never purchase chocolate sauce again. Take the time to make this and forget the store. I have to keep a supply of sugar and coco on hand at all times.
I’m so glad you like it!