Homemade Chocolate Sauce: Use it for Hot Chocolate or Chocolate Milk!
There’s something special about homemade chocolate sauce—rich, velvety, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect for making chocolate milk, stirring into warm milk for a cozy hot chocolate, or even spooning over pancakes and waffles for a special breakfast treat. Best of all, this recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes!
During the summertime when it’s hot outside and you want a refreshing treat with little sugar, but still nourishing – Using this chocolate sauce with your favorite milk is going to be the perfect thing!
The Original Recipe:
RuthAnn Zimmerman shared this lovely chocolate sauce and since then it’s been a regular treat for us. She’s been such an encouragement and inspiration to me for many years! Go follow her! You can find her on Instagram, YouTube and make sure you get a copy of her new book: The Heart of the Homestead.
Because of the high quality milk we buy from a local farmer, I’m happy to know that my kids are getting nourished with protein, healthy fats and carbs while also feeling like they are getting dessert when we make our chocolate milk or hot cocoa!
Making nourishing food something to look forward to will help them want the good stuff over processed foods at the grocery store. Win, win.
To make this recipe you need simple ingredients:
- Cocoa powder
- Warm water
- Sea salt
- Cane sugar
- Vanilla extract
Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup very warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mason jar or heat safe bowl.
- Stir well until sugar is dissolved.
- Note: Adding more sugar and using hot water will result in a thicker sauce!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with heavy cream or milk.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra silkiness.
- Try swapping Maple Syrup with the cane sugar for a different flavor.
- Use different extracts to jazz up your chocolate sauce: almond, orange or peppermint compliment well.
Storage:
Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Warm slightly before serving if needed.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with heavy cream or milk.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra silkiness.
- Try swapping Maple Syrup with the cane sugar for a different flavor.
- Use different extracts to jazz up your chocolate sauce: almond, orange or peppermint compliment well.
Why Homemade is Better For You:
Unlike store-bought chocolate sauce, which often contains preservatives, artificial flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup, this homemade version is made with just a handful of real, whole food ingredients.
Cocoa powder is naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, and magnesium, supporting overall health. Store-bought sauces can be loaded with excessive sugars and additives.
Making it yourself allows you to control the sweetness and ensure quality. Plus, the pure vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor without the artificial aftertaste found in many commercial brands.
Choosing homemade means indulging in a treat that’s not only delicious but also a cleaner, more wholesome option for you and your family.
Delicious Ways to Use Chocolate Sauce:
- Drizzle over ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Stir into warm milk for homemade hot chocolate
- Pour over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Make it thicker with butter and more sugar, then dip fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apples
- Mix into coffee for a mocha twist
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
- Add to milkshakes or smoothies for extra richness
- Drizzle over cheesecake, brownies, or other baked goods
With just a few simple ingredients and a quick stir, you’ll have a rich, velvety chocolate sauce that transforms an ordinary glass of milk into something truly delicious. Once you taste the homemade version, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. So go enjoy- because chocolate milk should be tasty and full of wholesome ingredients.
Looking for more simple, homemade alternatives to store-bought staples? Try my easy homemade Gatorade recipe next—it’s refreshing, packed with electrolytes, and perfect for keeping your family hydrated!
