• About
    • About Me
      • resources for a simple blog
    • Work with Me
  • Recipe Index
    • Purees
    • Brunch
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
  • Disclosures
  • Subscribe
  • The Beginners Guide to Simple Meal Planning

Simple Gray T-Shirt

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Summer

The Best Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Modified: Nov 14, 2024 · Published: Nov 3, 2024 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Jump to Recipe
pin for pinterest
pin for pinterest
pin for pinterest

Making homemade chocolate syrup is a game changer, and once you try it, you won’t look back. We use chocolate syrup A LOT in our house…please don’t judge. Chocolate milk for the kids, added to an Iced Mocha, or as an ice cream topping.

I created this homemade version while craving my beloved Hershey’s during Passover a few years ago. (We don't use corn syrup during Passover.)  I knew I had to come up with something as a stand in for me and the kiddos and it’s now a household staple.

The rich and smooth consistency of it is perfect drizzled over my Chocolate Pudding Pie or blended into this delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie. And best of all and it comes together with just a few pantry ingredients. Once you’ve got this recipe down, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.

mason jar with homemade chocolate syrup and a spoon

Ingredients

ingredients to make homemade chocolate sauce
  • Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results. Dutch-processed or natural cocoa will both work. 
  • Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best. 
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a little depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the richness of the chocolate.

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Add all of the ingredients, except the vanilla into a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Then turn the heat up and bring to a boil.

Continue to stir while the mixture boils for about 3-4 minutes. Then turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla (it may bubble up, so be extra careful).

cocoa powder and sugar in an small saucepan
water, cocoa powder and sugar in a small sauce pan

Let cool for a few minutes and then pour into an airtight container.

💡Thick vs. Thin Chocolate Syrup

If you prefer a thicker or thinner syrup, it’s easy to adjust the recipe to suit your needs.

Thinner Syrup: If your syrup turns out too thick, just add a little more water and stir until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure you are watching the pot so you don't end up with a syrup that is too thick to pour. The syrup will also thicken a bit more once it's chilled.

Thicker Syrup: Simply simmer the syrup for a bit longer. The longer it cooks, the more water evaporates, resulting in a thicker syrup.

Variations

  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Syrup: This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses water instead of milk. But if you want a creamier texture, you can substitute part of the water with almond milk, coconut milk, or another non-dairy alternative.
  • Dark Chocolate: Use a dark chocolate cocoa in place of the regular cocoa for  super chocolatey spin. 
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a spicy twist. This variation is perfect for drizzling over churros or mixed into hot chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to use homemade chocolate syrup beyond just pouring it over ice cream (though that’s a classic for a reason). Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

In Drinks:

  • Chocolate Milk: Stir a tablespoon or two into cold milk for a quick, homemade chocolate milk. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Make Hot Chocolate: Simply mix the chocolate syrup with milk and heat through. If you want to get really fancy, steam some milk in a milk steamer or frother and add to the top of your mug.
  • Homemade Mocha: Add a spoonful of syrup to your morning coffee and give it a stir for an easy homemade mocha. I like mine iced, but this syrup works in both iced and hot coffee. 
  • Or grab my Chocolate Smoothie recipe for a quick and easy breakfast.
an inced moca with whipped cream drizzled with chocolate sauce

With Food:

  • On Pancakes or Waffles: Swap your favorite maple syrup for chocolate, add a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy a decadent homemade treat!
  • Fruit Dipper: Use it as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or drizzled on apple slices like in these apple donuts.
  • Ice Cream Sundaes: Of course, chocolate sauce is a must for homemade ice cream sundaes. Add some whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top for the full experience!
chocolate syrup drizzled over a stack of pancakes

Storage Instructions

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your chocolate syrup will last for about a month. 

Just give it a good shake or stir before using it, and it’s ready to go. It will thicken slightly as it chills, but you can always warm it up slightly to get it back to a pourable consistency.

You can also store it in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.

mason jar with chocolate sauce ready to store

All the Chocolate Recipes You Could Want

  • matzo crack stacked on a white plate
    5-Ingredient Chocolate Toffee Matzo Crack
  • chocolate chip tahini bars with a glass of milk
    Peanut Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • chocolate mousse in a small mason jar with a spoonful scooped out
    Simple Chocolate Mousse
  • chocolate coffee chunk cookies on a cooling rack and small plate
    Coffee Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookie

Did you try this recipe and and love it? 😍 Let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!

And make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more simple recipes! Remember to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #simplegraytshirt! I 💖 seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!

📖 Recipe

mason jar of chocolate syrup with a spoon

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Marni Katz
Whip up your own homemade chocolate syrup with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, stirring into milk, or topping your favorite desserts. This rich and silky syrup is a total game changer for all your sweet cravings, and it’s way better than store-bought!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine coffee, ice cream
Servings 12 servings
Calories 69 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (I use Hershey's but any brand will work)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the ingredients, except the vanilla into a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Then turn the heat up and bring to a boil.
  • Continue to stir while the mixture boils for about 3-4 minutes. Then turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla (it may bubble up, so be extra careful).
  • Let cool for a few minutes and then pour into an airtight container.

Notes

The chocolate syrup will stay good in the refrigerator for up to a month.  I like to store it in mason jar, being sure to clean the lid well after each use.
Use the chocolate syrup in this Iced Mocha recipe for a coffee shop experience right in your own kitchen!

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
Keyword drinks, homemade chocolate syrup, iced coffee, iced mocha
Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!

More Simple Summer Recipes

  • funfetti dip in a glass bowl with sprinkles surrounded by dipping options
    4-Ingredient Funfetti Dip (from a cake mix)
  • chili lime salmon on a white plate with corn and a lime
    20-Minute Baked Chili Lime Salmon
  • three pieces of bbq salmon on a bed of spinach
    2-Ingredient Baked BBQ Salmon
  • spinach pesto pasta swirled in a white serving bowl
    3-Ingredient Spinach Pesto Pasta

About Marni Katz

Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
"I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I'm so glad your here!

As a busy mom of three, I believe in keeping recipes simple. 7-ingredients or less is my goal, and everything is kid-tested and approved!

More about me

Most Popular Recipes

  • slice of pudding pie on a plate with whip cream and a fork
    Vanilla Pudding Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
  • vanilla mouse in a glass jar with a graham cracker
    2 Ingredient Vanilla Mousse (aka Whipped Pudding)
  • chocolate pudding pie with a slice removed, garnished with crushed oreos
    No Bake Chocolate Pudding Pie
  • three ingredient garlic butter sauce in a mason jar with cloves of garlic
    3-Ingredient Garlic Butter Sauce

12 Months - Dinner Done E-Book

Grab this printable e-book and get 12 months of dinner ideas and 52 weekly theme ideas, with video tutorial bonus and other great extras!

grab your copy now!

As Seen In

as featured in with logos from media features

Footer

↑ back to top
12 months dinner done pin

Don't know what to make for dinner?

Get my 12 Months - Dinner Done eBook!

12 months of dinner ideas done for you AND an easy to use method for creating dinner menus your family will LOVE!

Grab it here!

Details

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Stay In Touch

  • Sign Up! for emails
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

About

  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Foodie Pro on the Feast Plugin

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required