Desserts

Chocolate Syrup

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Prep

5 minutes

Cook

15 minutes

Total

20 min

Serves

about 480 ml (2 cups)

Keeps

2 weeks

Glossy dark chocolate syrup drizzling from a spoon

Glossy, dark, and deeply chocolatey, a quick stovetop syrup that's richer than anything out of a squeeze bottle. Four ingredients and done in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) water
0.5 cup (100 g) sugar
0.67 cup (60 g) cocoa powder
0.25 tsp (1.5 g) salt
vanilla extract (to taste, optional)

Instructions

1
Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2
Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
3
Reduce to a low simmer.
4
Whisk in cocoa powder and salt.
5
Simmer, whisking steadily, for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
6
Remove from heat. Add vanilla if using. Cool before storing.

Cook's Note

The syrup thickens more as it cools, pull it off the heat when it still looks a little thin. If it cools too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water.

How to Use This

Drizzle over plated desserts just before serving. Use a squeeze bottle for clean presentation.

Why This Foundation Works

Dissolving the sugar in water first prevents lumps when the cocoa goes in. Simmering after adding the cocoa cooks off the raw cocoa taste and concentrates the syrup to a smooth, pourable consistency.

Make It Yours

Add a pinch of cinnamon for a Mexican chocolate flavor
Use dark cocoa powder for a more intense, less sweet syrup
A splash of espresso deepens the chocolate flavor
Add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a spicy version

Leftover Strategy

Store in a sealed container or squeeze bottle in the fridge. Keeps 2 weeks. Warm briefly before using if it's too thick.