Super Easy Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Learn how to make chocolate syrup with this super easy recipe. All you need is cocoa powder and 5 other simple ingredients. It’s delicious in milk, on ice cream or in coffee! 

It’s no secret that we are big ice cream fans around here.  To me, ice cream isn’t meant to be enjoyed just in hot weather, but rather, all year round!

And while we love ice cream plain, it’s always extra fun eating it with various toppings too!  

One of our favorite toppings is a good old classic: chocolate syrup.  

While I can obviously buy it at the store, I much prefer making my own Hershey’s chocolate syrup recipe knock-off using simple, basic ingredients.  

Why I Love Making Chocolate Syrup Instead of Buying It

• Cheaper- costs a fraction of what store-bought does. 
• Made with basic pantry staples- super handy because this means I always have the ingredients on hand.
• No processed ingredients– healthier and I always know exactly what we are putting in it!
• Super easy- my kids love to help make it. In fact, the older ones can make it themselves!
• Nice and chocolatey– I love the rich flavor the cocoa powder gives this recipe.

Watch Video: Learn How to Make this Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Syrup Ingredients

• Brown sugar 
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Cold water
• Vanilla
• Salt

How to Make This Recipe

STEP ONE: Combine the brown sugar, table sugar, cocoa powder, and salt into a small saucepan. 

STEP TWO: Add cold water and whisk together until smooth; then heat the chocolate mixture until it comes to a boil. 

STEP THREE: Stir occasionally and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. 

STEP FOUR: Serve warm or allow it to cool and save it for later! 

Why Is My Syrup So Thick? 

If you find that your syrup is a little too thick for your liking it was probably cooked too long. If you want to try to salvage the batch, heat it back up over very low heat and stir in a little water or milk to help thin it out. 

Remember, as it cools it does thicken even more.

How Long Does Homemade Chocolate Syrup Last?

You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

For easy storage and serving use mason jars. 

Pro Tips for Making  

• If you like a thicker chocolate sauce, let it simmer longer before removing it from the heat. 
• Feel free to make a bigger batch if needed, that works well, especially for larger ice cream parties.
• Prefer warm syrup on your ice cream? Simply heat a small amount in the microwave then drizzle on top.

Ways to Use Chocolate Syrup 

Here are some of my best serving recommendations when it comes to using chocolate syrup. 

• As an ice cream topping 
• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles 
• On top of oatmeal 
• In a yogurt parfait
• Use it to make chocolate milk 
• Add it to hot milk for hot chocolate
• As a fruit dip
• To make chocolate milkshakes
• Jazz up your coffee or latte

Other from-scratch recipes you’ll love:

• Homemade Cool Whip
• Best Ever Chocolate Cake (no eggs, no butter, no milk)
• Quick and Easy Caramel Icing
• Homemade Caramel Frappe
• Homemade Bisquick Baking Mix
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer