Skip the store-bought chocolate syrup; make your own with simple ingredients. It’s ready in just minutes and tastes even better than store-bought.
This recipe was originally shared in 2016. I’ve updated this post to give more information and make sure everything is up-to-date.
I love dairy products. Ice cream, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, pudding, cheese, I could go on and on. However, it doesn’t like me very much. I’m okay if I’m careful, but sometimes that’s not the easiest. I mean, really, how do you leave ice cream behind?
While I’ve never been a fan of regular milk, I do love chocolate milk. Sometimes I like to live a bit dangerously and drink it. And if I’m going to risk the side effects of being lactose intolerant, I want it to be the best chocolate milk.
Thankfully, a few years ago, I figured out how to make chocolate syrup, which makes the best chocolate milk. And guess what, it’s super easy. I will never go back to store-bought. It’s perfect for chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, anything you’d normally put chocolate syrup on.
Homemade Chocolate Syrup Recipe
This is a simple recipe using only five ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. You can also scroll down to get the full recipe, including a printable version or keep reading for more details and tips.
- Cocoa Powder– Any cocoa powder will work fine for this recipe. My favorite is from Equal Exchange because I like their mission and it’s high quality chocolate.
- Sugar– I’ve only made this with normal white sugar but you could experiment with using sugar substitutes. Just be sure to check the measurements if it’s not a 1-to-1 replacement.
- Vanilla Extract– Again any kind will work but if you have the room in your budget higher quality vanilla is often worth it. My favorite is the store brand from Thrive Market. It’s affordable but still very high quality.
- Salt– Just use any salt, it’s only a small amount so any kind is fine.
I like to buy all of these ingredients from Thrive Market because the prices are good, it’s a great company, and everything is delivered to my door. You can read my full review on Thrive Market here on the site.
How to Make Chocolate Syrup
I almost feel silly writing this out because it’s one step. Just put the ingredients in a pot, don’t forget the water which I didn’t bother to list above, and heat until it starts to thicken.
And then you let it cool and it will thicken even more and be perfect to use in anyway you generally use chocolate syrup.
How to Store Your Homemade Chocolate Syrup
You can store this in a jar, but I keep mine in a glass cruet. It makes it easier to pour, plus it looks pretty. You want to be sure to store this in the fridge. (I’m unable to find the glass cruet used in this post anywhere other than Amazon. I’m not supporting Amazon but I’m leaving the link so you can see more details to try and find it locally.)
This should stay good for about a month or two in the fridge. Keep an eye on how it looks and smell since it doesn’t have preseratives.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this recipe be sure to try more of my recipes here on the site.
- Old-Fashioned Chocolate Soda (this is a perfect way to use this chocolate syrup)
- Chocolate Coffee Ice Cream
- Homemade Salted Caramel Coffee Syrup
Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Delicious and simple to make chocolate syrup. Perfect for chocolate milk and ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Touch of Salt
Instructions
- Mix ingredients in pan.
- Heat on medium, stirring frequently until thickened. It will thicken a bit more once it's cooled.
- Cool and pour into container and store in fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 tablespoonAmount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
DeannaWestPiercy says
As soon as we use up the organic stuff I’m going to make this!
Green Steve says
Nom nom nom – this makes me happy – can’t wait to try this out for myself and pour it all over my next lot of waffles and ice cream 🙂
Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog says
Love how simple this is, and I totally agree -all the “junk” in store bought is scary! So many preservatives. I bet this is cost-effective, too!
Elizabeth Ann says
This sounds so yummy! And so easy! Thank you so much for sharing. I am definitely going to try this one out!
Mistle says
How awesome is it that your own chocolate syrup!!! I have never made my own before but this sounds so yummy and so easy to make!
Melissa says
Yes! I love this. Who knew it was so easy? I’ve never thought about making my own. My kids will love this.
Jackie says
My kiddo makes this but with milk instead of water for hot chocolate