It is so incredibly easy to make homemade chocolate syrup! With only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious, smooth, chocolate syrup--minus the high fructose corn syrup and preservatives!
Replace the famous brown bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup with this homemade version and use it to top ice cream, yogurt, or fruit, or to make your own homemade chocolate milk.
Why Homemade is Best
I have been making my own chocolate syrup for decades now, replacing the famous brown bottle of my childhood.
- Only 5 ingredients. And these ingredients are probably in your pantry at all times!
- Simple to make. You can whip up this homemade chocolate syrup in just 5 minutes.
- Inexpensive. Homemade is much less expensive than Hershey's chocolate syrup.
- More wholesome. This recipe is made without added corn syrup or preservatives, so while it is not low in sugar, you can feel a bit better about indulging in this sweet treat.
- Allergy-Friendly. This syrup is gluten-free, nut-free, corn-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, making this chocolate syrup perfect for anyone dealing with food allergies.
Ingredients Needed
- Sugar--Granulated sugar is best.
- Cocoa Powder--Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Water--(not pictured) I use water over milk to keep this syrup not only allergy-friendly, but so it will last longer in the refrigerator as well.
- Vanilla Extract--Be sure to use pure, not imitation, vanilla extract.
How to Make Chocolate Syrup
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Whisk in the water until well combined.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly.
- Turn heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 minute, until mixture thickens slightly. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Storage
Once the chocolate syrup has been cooled to room temperature, transfer the prepared syrup into an airtight glass jar or container. You can store homemade chocolate syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to Use Homemade Syrup
This recipe is for Copycat Hershey's Syrup, not hot fudge, which is much thicker. Yet it is still delicious served over ice cream and is fabulous when used to make chocolate milk.
- Drizzle the chocolate syrup over homemade ice cream or swirl in no-churn ice cream.
- Stir 1 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon of the chocolate syrup into milk or non-dairy milk, for homemade chocolate milk.
- Drizzle over oatmeal for a sweet breakfast.
- Top bananas or strawberries with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with nuts for a quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Instead of maple syrup, use chocolate syrup to top pancakes.
- Use it to make Peanut Butter Mocha.
- Add plain yogurt for a sweet treat.
Recipe Modifications
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Syrup: You can opt to use a 1:1 sugar replacement, like Truvia Swerve, but keep in mind there may be an aftertaste when using one of these products.
- Level of Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe by increasing by up to ¼ cup or decreasing it by ¼ cup based on your preferences.
If you tried this homemade chocolate syrup, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- dash of salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Whisk in the water until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly.
- Turn heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until the mixture thickens slightly. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the chocolate syrup to cool slightly and then transfer it to a glass jar. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Homemade chocolate syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- You can adjust the sugar up or down by ¼ cup based on your preference for sweetness.
Ashley
This was so easy to make and delicious. We used it for some ice cream sundaes!
Kristen Chidsey
That is my favorite way to use it as well Ashley!
Sandi
This is my new go-to for ice cream. It was so good!
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear you enjoyed!
Claudia Lamascolo
This was a huge hit with the grand kids in their milk they loved it no more buying it in the store what an economical find thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad your grandkids enjoyed.
Lisalia
So so yummy. While I'm in social isolation here at home with my kids... you'd better believe we will have more of this! So easy to put together with ingredients I already have on hand. Thanks for shelf-stable ingredient recipes.