Description
This homemade chocolate sauce is a rich, smooth, and easy-to-make dessert topping perfect for ice cream, cakes, pancakes, and more. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla, it offers a deliciously deep chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness. Simmered gently on the stovetop, this versatile sauce can be served warm or cooled and stored for later use.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to ensure they are evenly mixed before adding the liquid.
- Add Water and Heat: Pour in the water and continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly and has a glossy texture.
- Finish with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Cool or Serve Warm: Let the sauce cool before storing or use it warm by drizzling it over your favorite desserts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add a splash of espresso or a pinch of cinnamon to deepen the flavor profile.
- If refrigerated, gently reheat the sauce before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
