Let’s start the year off right… with chocolate! As many of us adjust our eating habits a bit, this simple treat could be the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth without falling off the wagon entirely. Mix this delicious chocolate syrup into a glass of skim milk, and you have a sweet, yet still light treat.
I love when I can re-create a recipe at home that is as good or better than the store-bought version, and this homemade chocolate syrup makes the cut! I have recently had a hard time finding store bought chocolate syrup that doesn’t contain overly processed sugars (high fructose corn syrup), preservatives and artificial flavors. A simple look in my old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook revealed an easy recipe that sounded like it could be a great solution. Of course the real test is, does it actually taste good… and I’m very pleased to say, yes! In fact the flavor and thickness of this homemade syrup is extremely similar to that familiar brown bottle of Hershey’s. I would even go so far as to say this taste better!
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Ghirardelli)
1 cup water
dash of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a small saucepan, add sugar, cocoa, and salt. Whisk together gently. Add water. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Cool. Store in the refrigerator.
For delicious chocolate milk, add 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup to 8 oz. of milk. Heat for hot chocolate.
For milk shakes, combine 1 cup cold milk, 1/4 cup chocolate syrup and 2 cups (1 pint) of vanilla ice cream to a blender. Blend.
This syrup would also make a delicious dessert garnish or ice cream topping.
Recipe source- Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, 1968.
I put the cool syrup into a icing bottle I already had on hand (available at craft stores in the cake decorating department). A bottle designed for ketchup or dressing could also work.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder I use Ghirardelli
- 1 cup water
- dash of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add sugar, cocoa, and salt.
- Whisk together gently.
- Add water.
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and cook 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla.
- Cool.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
{Prop notes: The large bottle I have the milk in I bought from Cost Plus World Market, but they are also sold at Farmhouse Wares. The smaller bottles I put the chocolate milk in I bought on Etsy a while back, and the shop is no longer open. I also own a few I’ve bought at antique stores and on Ebay. Shop Sweet Lulu has some similar, smaller ones.}
Enjoy!
Rebecca says
I always send chocolate milk in my kids’ lunches, and I’ve been making my own syrup for years using a recipe that is almost exactly like yours. As for all the queries regarding the milk bottles, I thought that I’d mention that IKEA sells a ENSIDIG vase that is much like a milk bottle for a great price… http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40233149/
tanya1234 says
thankx ive been looking for it
Ken says
Do you think this could be made with non sugar sweetener? Looks like it would work….what say you?
Monica says
I made this and it’s great! I am keeping it stocked in the fridge. Thank you! : )
Suzie the Foodie says
Thanks for the inspiration!
http://suziethefoodie.blogspot.ca/2013/01/homemade-low-fat-chocolate-sauce.html
Vera Zecevic – Cupcakes Garden says
I have to try this recipe. How long would it last in a fridge ?
Glory says
There is nothing in the recipe that would really “go bad’. I’ve kept it in the fridge sevearl weeks with no problem. I’m sure it would last longer, but we always use it up by then!