With just 3 ingredients, this homemade chocolate syrup is a clean eating recipe the whole family will love! Use it for chocolate milk, over ice cream, in your coffee, and more!
We've been using this homemade chocolate syrup recipe for everything from chocolate milk to homemade mocha coffee, ice cream toppings, and more for over 20 years and have loved every moment.
This syrup is rich and thick and chemical free!
Not to mention the cost savings! This recipe makes the same amount of syrup as a store bought bottle contains (maybe a little more) and only costs about $0.78 per batch!
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
You may think, why bother with homemade chocolate syrup, instead of just buying it from the store?
Well, first of all, this homemade chocolate syrup really is the best you'll ever taste. Plus, it's so easy to make and it has the added benefit of allowing you to control the quality of the ingredients used.
I like to use raw, organic cacao powder in mine (HEB sells this in my area, or you can order from this link), but it works just as well with regular ol' cocoa powder.
So grab a pan and whip up a batch! Your family will thank you ;-)
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits
One of my amazing readers commented that this recipe was just like the chocolate syrup her mom used to make for chocolate gravy and biscuits!
YUM!!
I had never tried it before, I'll admit, but recently I made a big batch of these fail-proof cut out biscuits on the same day I happened to make chocolate syrup (wink wink)... and they were so delicious together!
If you're looking for a good chocolate gravy recipe, this one seems to do the trick!
Try my favorite biscuit recipe for a delicious treat!

Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup cacao powder or cocoa
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a medium sauce pan. Heat on medium until sugar is completely dissolved.
Note: Sauce will bubble, so pan must be larger than quantity would normally dictate. - Once sugar is dissolved, add cacao powder. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Bring mixture to steady boil.
- Stir constantly and boil for 3 minutes.
- Removed from heat and add vanilla.
- Allow to cool and then transfer the syrup into the container of your choice.
Notes
Homemade Chocolate Syrup FAQs
How long does this chocolate syrup last?
It can be stored in the fridge indefinitely, so feel free to make a large batch. However, we usually use it in less than a month.
A good rule of thumb for this recipe is to treat it as you would a jar of jelly!
Can I use honey or maple syrup instead?
Absolutely! Just sub in equal parts honey or maple syrup for the sugar and follow the directions as is.
We prefer maple syrup in our chocolate syrup as the flavor is much closer to that of chocolate syrup made with sugar, but with the low glycemic index benefits!
How should I use this chocolate syrup?
Any way you would a bottle of chocolate syrup from the store! You can use it for chocolate milk, as an ice cream topping, in your coffee, or any other way you like to consume chocolate syrup.
My syrup didn't thicken! Help!
If your syrup is still too runny after it has been in the fridge for at least 3 hours, place it back into a pan and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer the chocolate sauce on low for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how think you'd like it. Stir it frequently to prevent burning.
Repeat if needed.
Heather says
Hello, I am new to your site (but not to cooking from scratch!) Is there any reason you do not show comments on your recipes? I have checked a few and none seem to show comments. Often it is the public comments that convince me that the recipe is exactly what I am looking for or not at all what I need. I benefit from the successes and failures of shared experience.
Victoria says
Hi Heather! Comments are not hidden, I just don’t have a ton of people comment on my recipes on the blog… mostly they comment on Facebook :-) Feel free to comment on as many as you would like to!
You can see comments on these recipes…
Einkorn Drop Biscuit: https://www.amodernhomestead.com/einkorn-flour-drop-biscuits/
Homemade Graham Crackers: https://www.amodernhomestead.com/homemade-graham-crackers/
Chocolate Chip Cookies: https://www.amodernhomestead.com/einkorn-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Just to name a few! :-) Hope that helps!
Elaine says
This chocolate syrup is AMAZING!! We make a double batch at a time. So cheap, and so much better than store bought!
Zeenith Nonggorr says
How do I store and for how long?
Victoria says
Hi Zeenith!
You can store this syrup in the fridge and use it as long as you like (basically). We treat it like jam and use it until it’s either gone or it has mold on it.
Note: It’s NEVER had mold on it, even when left in the back of the fridge for months. So you can use it for a really long time. Enjoy!
Zeenith Nonggorr says
Thank you Victoria, looking forward to making my first batch :-)
Ann Marie says
Can you use Stevia in place of the sugars?
Victoria says
Hi Ann Marie! You can, but the syrup will not thicken. The sugar causes the thickening action.
You can also make this with honey or maple syrup instead <3
Jannette Valencia-Kacar says
This syrup is great but it crystallizes around the rim and when we get to the last 1/4 part of the jar. Did I not cook it high or long enough??
Thanks.