Breakfast & Brunch > Pancakes & Waffles > Toppings for Pancakes & Waffles > Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Decadent Homemade Chocolate Sauce

Indulge in this rich and velvety homemade chocolate sauce, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or any dessert that needs a chocolatey boost. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in minutes!

Prep Time
2 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Servings
About 1 cup
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pinch Pinch of Salt

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until well combined. This ensures there are no lumps in the final sauce.

Add Wet Ingredients and Cook

Pour in the heavy cream and add the butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Finish with Vanilla and Salt

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor. Stir until everything is well combined.

Serve and Store

Serve the warm chocolate sauce immediately over your favorite pancakes, waffles, or other desserts. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

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FAQ

  • Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

    While you can use milk, the sauce won't be as rich and thick. Heavy cream provides the best texture and flavor. If using milk, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken the sauce.
  • Can I use a different type of sugar?

    Granulated sugar is recommended for its smooth texture. You can experiment with brown sugar for a more molasses-like flavor, but it might slightly alter the texture.
  • How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

    Stir the sauce constantly while it's simmering over medium heat. This prevents the cocoa powder from settling and burning on the bottom of the pan.