Homemade Chocolate Syrup Recipe (better than Hershey’s)
This homemade chocolate syrup recipe will have you ditching the store-bought versions. I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s better than Hershey’s! Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll never go back. I know you will love it as much as we do! We’ve always got a batch ready to go in the fridge.
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Chocolate syrup is one of those things you can use in so many ways. Whether you’re a die-hard chocolate milk lover like my husband or you enjoy adding it to dessert recipes like me. It’s a staple you can keep in the fridge so it’s ready anytime you’re craving chocolate.
I love drizzling it on warm sourdough chocolate chip scones, adding it to chocolate chia pudding, and even using it to make hot chocolate from scratch.
Chocolate Syrup Recipe Inspiration
We used to be huge fans of Hershey’s chocolate syrup. We’d use it for chocolate milk, on ice cream, in coffee, and for many recipes. Until one day I realized how expense it was getting. Between the extra ingredients listed on the back of the bottle and the raise in price, I decided I would whip up my own version right at home.
Recipe Video Tutorial
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Saves you money
- Tastes better than Hershey’s
- Easy to whip up
- Lasts a long time in the fridge
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup pure cane sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Kitchen Tools You May Need
How to Make Chocolate Syrup
Add water and cane sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until it begins to bubble (about 5 minutes)
Once bubbling, add in cocoa powder and whisk until combined.
Turn heat down to low-medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
Take off heat and strain with a fine mesh strainer.
Enjoy or let cool completely before storing in the fridge.
How to Store Chocolate Syrup
Store syrup in an air-tight glass jar or storage container for up to 3 months. Stir before using.
Ways to Use Chocolate Syrup
- drizzle on top of ice cream
- use in baked goods
- dip sourdough scones in it
- use it to make chocolate milk (use my favorite homemade oat milk or cashew milk)
- use it to make hot chocolate from scratch
- stir it into drinks like coffee
- use it to make milkshakes
- drizzle over cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods for decoration
- dip pretzels and strawberries in it for chocolate covered treats
Tips for the Best Syrup
- use a whisk to add the cocoa powder
- let the sugar water come to a slight boil so it thickens
- keep stirring to prevent burning or scorching
- use a low-medium heat
Recipe FAQ
What is chocolate syrup made of?
My chocolate syrup is made of cocoa powder, pure cane sugar, and water.
What are the ingredients in Hershey’s chocolate syrup?
Here’s a list of Hershey’s chocolate syrup ingredients from the EWG’s food score website:
“HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP; CORN SYRUP; WATER; COCOA; SUGAR; CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: POTASSIUM SORBATE, TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS; XANTHAN GUM; SALT; MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES; POLYSORBATE 60; VANILLIN, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.”
I think that speaks for itself, yikes!
Can I use this chocolate syrup to make chocolate milk?
Yes, you can! It’s one of our favorite ways to use it.
What is the difference between chocolate sauce and chocolate syrup (and ganache)?
- Chocolate sauce: it has a thicker consistency than syrup and usually is made with milk or cream.
- Chocolate syrup: has a thinner consistency and is made with water.
- Chocolate ganache: has the consistency of a filling that is thicker than sauce and is made with cream.
Can you freeze homemade chocolate syrup?
Yes, you can freeze it. Either pour it into an ice cube tray and place cubes in a freezer-safe baggie after solid. Or freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 6 months.
How long can you keep homemade chocolate syrup in the fridge?
You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 months in an air-tight jar or container. Stir before using.
Try These Other Sauces From Scratch
- Cheese Sauce for Pretzels From Scratch
- Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipe
- Best Ranch Dressing From Scratch
- Easy BBQ Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce
I love hearing how much you love our recipes, be sure to leave a review below! 😊
Homemade Chocolate Syrup (better than Hershey’s)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup pure cane sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add water and cane sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until it begins to bubble (about 5 minutes)
- Once bubbling, add in cocoa powder and whisk until combined.
- Turn heat down to low-medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Take off heat and strain with a fine mesh strainer.
- Enjoy or let cool completely before storing in the fridge.