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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Homemade Chocolate Syrup

    Homemade Chocolate Syrup

    by: Anya·posted: Sep 24, 2015·updated: Feb 14, 2025·12 CommentsThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pouring chocolate syrup into a clear jar.

    Learn how to make chocolate syrup with cocoa powder in just 2 simple steps! Rich, smooth, and perfect for drizzling over ice cream or stirring into drinks.

    Pouring chocolate syrup into a clear jar.
    Looking for more healthy basics you didn't know you needed? 
    Check out homemade sour cream, sweet condensed milk, and healthy marshmallows.
    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love this Homemade Chocolate Syrup
    • Ingredients for Chocolate Syrup Recipe
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • How to Make Chocolate Syrup with Cocoa Powder
    • Helpful Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Printable Recipe

    Reasons to Love this Homemade Chocolate Syrup

    I've been making this healthy chocolate syrup for many many years because it's always been such a hit with my kids. It's a great way to make chocolate milk or drizzle over ice cream without the added sugars or artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions. While it’s a little richer than what you’ll find on the shelves, it’s still plenty sweet and super delicious.

    Plus, it's versatile and can be made with healthier sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (although coconut sugar is already a much better alternative than granulated sugar).

    The best part? It's easy to make in just a few minutes and lasts for weeks in the fridge - unless your kids find it, in which case, you'll be lucky if it makes past a few days.

    image of Prepare and Nourish owner

    Ingredients for Chocolate Syrup Recipe

    Ingredients for chocolate syrup.
    • Cocoa powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, less acidic taste or natural cocoa for a more intense, slightly bitter kick.
    • Coconut sugar: I love using coconut sugar for a more mineral-rich, less refined alternative to regular granulated sugar. Check out my post on unrefined sugars for more alternatives.
    • Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way so we don't need much here.
    • Sea salt: Just a pinch makes al the difference - it balances the intense chocolate and sweetness.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Raw honey - Swapping coconut sugar for honey gives the syrup a smoother texture. Plus, honey is packed with enzymes and nutrients so it's a great ancestral alternative.
    • Kick up the heat - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give this homemade chocolate syrup some heat.
    • Add espresso - Add ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
    A glass of chocolate with a spoon in it, next to a clear jar of chocolate syrup.

    How to Make Chocolate Syrup with Cocoa Powder

    The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

    A top-view shot of chocolate syrup in a pan, with a whisk beside it.

    Step 1. Whisk

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together water, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt until smooth.

    Chocolate syrup is in a pan with a spoon in it.

    Step 2. Instructions

    Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens.

    Helpful Tips

    1. Whisk constantly - To prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy syrup, whisk frequently. Cocoa powder can clump up when mixed with liquid, and this also helps to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom and burning.
    2. Simmer, don't boil - Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Boiling can make the syrup too thick or cause it to develop a grainy texture as the sugars crystallize.
    3. Cool before storing - The syrup will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks thin when warm. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a jar to prevent condensation from watering it down.
    4. No waste - If the syrup thickens too much in the fridge, don't toss it! Just warm it slightly under running warm water and stir in a little water to bring it back to pourable consistency.

    Troubleshooting

    • Too thick? Add a splash of water to thin it out.
    • Too thin? Simmer a bit longer but also keep in mind, it will thicken more as it cools.
    Pouring chocolate syrup into a clear jar.

    Serving Suggestions

    Here are some of the delicious ways to serve this homemade chocolate syrup:

    Over ice cream: Drizzle on top of this 3-ingredient vanilla paleo ice cream.

    In milk: Stir into a tall glass of raw milk for a homemade chocolate milk (my kids' favorite way to enjoy this!).

    In coffee: Add a spoonful to your protein coffee or a cup of herbal coffee

    Drizzle over baked goods: Use it as a topping for crepe rolls, coconut flour brownies, or gluten-free crepes.

    A glass of chocolate, next to a clear jar of chocolate syrup.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store chocolate syrup?

    Store homemade chocolate syrup in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks if using coconut sugar and 2 weeks if using honey.

    Can I freeze chocolate syrup?

    Yes, you can freeze chocolate syrup! For longer storage, pour the syrup into an airtight container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight. You might need to warm it up a bit to bring it back to a pourable consistency.

    Can I use this syrup as a filling for candies or dessert?

    No, this chocolate syrup is too thin to be used as a filling for candies or desserts. It works best as a drizzle or topping, but if you're looking for a thicker consistency, try reducing it on the stove to thicken it up before using it in recipes.

    Looking for more staples made from scratch? Here are some ideas:
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    Did you make this chocolate syrup with cocoa powder]? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

    Printable Recipe

    Pouring chocolate syrup into a clear jar.

    Homemade Chocolate Syrup

    Anya @ Prepare & Nourish
    Learn how to make chocolate syrup with cocoa powder in just 2 simple steps! This rich, smooth chocolate syrup recipe is perfect for drizzling or mixing.
    4.43 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Condiment, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 77 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup cocoa powder
    • 1 ⅓ cup coconut sugar
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together water, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt until smooth.
      1 cup water, 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 ⅓ cup coconut sugar, ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
      1 tablespoon vanilla
    • Let the syrup cool slightly but still warm, transfer to a jar or bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Notes

    Recipe makes approximately 1 ½ cups. Serving size is 2 tablespoons. 
    Raw Honey Variation: Follow the same steps but reduce water to ¾ cup. Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in 1 cup of raw honey to preserve its raw properties. 
    Helpful Tips: 
    1. Whisk constantly - To prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy syrup, whisk frequently. Cocoa powder can clump up when mixed with liquid, and this also helps to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom and burning.
    2. Simmer, don't boil - Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Boiling can make the syrup too thick or cause it to develop a grainy texture as the sugars crystallize.
    3. Cool before storing - The syrup will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks thin when warm. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a jar to prevent condensation from watering it down.
    4. No waste - If the syrup thickens too much in the fridge, don't toss it! Just warm it slightly under running warm water and stir in a little water to bring it back to pourable consistency.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Nutrition Information
    The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
    Keyword chocolate syrup, chocolate syrup recipe, chocolate syrup with cocoa powder, how to make chocolate syrup
    ©Prepare and Nourish • Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated but please do NOT screenshot or copy/paste complete recipes to websites or social media.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Mention @prepareandnourish and be sure to tag #prepareandnourish!

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    Sharing wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods since 2014. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

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      4.43 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kaylin@EnticingHealthyEating says

      December 19, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      What a wonderful idea! I've seen a lot of "you should make this at home rather than buying it in the store" posts, but I've never seen chocolate syrup as one of the food items mentioned. I never knew it was this easy.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 20, 2015 at 8:01 pm

        Yes, Kaylin...super easy! It's along the lines of making homemade mayonnaise and ranch, looks intimidating but in reality easier and quicker than going to the store for a bottle. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Marla says

      December 20, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Hi Anya,
      I love this recipe. My husband loves drinking chocolate milk & hot cocoa. I have been looking for a easy homemade healthy alternative besides Hershey syrup & this seems to fit perfectly. We use raw milk and I don't like the idea of all those additives in the chocolate syrup. Thanks for sharing On Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 20, 2015 at 7:59 pm

        Oooo..raw milk. Yes - this is perfect to go into a tall glass of raw milk.

        Reply
    3. Marla says

      December 23, 2015 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Anya,
      Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your posts as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live every Thursday @7pm EST. Thanks for being part of Real Food Fridays mission to make this world healthier. Have a healthy happy blessed holidays.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 23, 2015 at 12:25 pm

        Thanks Marla for the feature. Happy Holidays to you as well. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Emily says

      December 14, 2020 at 2:33 pm

      It burnt! This recipe sadly didn’t work for me and what a shame to waste all of the maple syrup and cocoa!! It burnt before it reached a boil.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm

        Hi Emily,
        I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. Did you have it on high heat? Stoves vary but be sure the heat isn't too high. 🙂

        Reply

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