If you’ve never tried chocolate gravy, you’re in for a deliciously sweet surprise! This Southern classic is a comforting, indulgent treat, typically served over fluffy biscuits for a breakfast or brunch that feels like a warm hug. Imagine a smooth, velvety chocolate sauce that’s just the right mix of rich and sweet, poured generously over buttery biscuits. It’s an experience you’ll want to repeat every weekend. Trust me, this recipe is so easy to make, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Gravy
Rich and Decadent: This isn’t just your average chocolate sauce—this gravy is thick, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and sweetness, making every bite a treat.
Comforting: The creamy texture and comforting warmth of the gravy, poured over fluffy biscuits, create the ultimate feel-good breakfast. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Chocolate gravy may sound like an elaborate dish, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this Southern favorite on the table in no time.
Customizable: If you love your chocolate gravy extra sweet, you can adjust the sugar. Want it a little less rich? You can tweak the butter or milk to your liking. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, a weekend treat, or a special family gathering, this chocolate gravy is sure to impress. It’s simple yet feels like a luxurious indulgence.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich, velvety chocolate gravy:
For the Chocolate Gravy:
- Butter: A bit of butter gives the gravy a rich, smooth texture and a lovely depth of flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: This is the main flavor component of the gravy, so make sure to use a good quality cocoa powder for the best taste.
- Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the cocoa.
- All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the gravy and gives it that perfect, velvety texture.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy consistency, but you can also use a non-dairy milk if you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a small pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive into the sweetest, most decadent chocolate gravy? Let’s get started:
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely, but be careful not to let it brown.
Step 2: Add Cocoa and Sugar
Once the butter has melted, add the cocoa powder and sugar to the pan, stirring to combine. This mixture will look a bit dry at first, but don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Add the flour to the butter-cocoa-sugar mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This will help cook out the raw flour taste and form a smooth roux (a base for your gravy).
Step 4: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until the gravy starts to thicken up. This will take about 3-5 minutes. The more you whisk, the smoother the gravy will be!
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Salt
Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency (think smooth and pourable), stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This will enhance the flavor and bring everything together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the warm chocolate gravy over freshly baked biscuits and serve immediately. For an extra indulgent treat, add a dusting of powdered sugar on top or serve with a side of crispy bacon for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Gravy
This decadent gravy pairs perfectly with:
Biscuits: The traditional choice! Fluffy, buttery biscuits are the ideal vessel for soaking up all that creamy chocolate goodness.
Pancakes or Waffles: Try drizzling this chocolate gravy over warm pancakes or waffles for a sweet, chocolatey twist on breakfast.
French Toast: For an extra indulgent treat, pour the chocolate gravy over thick slices of French toast and top with fresh fruit.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn this into a dessert by serving it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with the warm gravy. Pure bliss!
Additional Tips
- Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of the regular milk.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your chocolate gravy extra sweet, feel free to add a bit more sugar, but do so gradually, as the cocoa powder has a strong flavor.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can swap some of the milk for water or use a lower-fat milk alternative.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this chocolate gravy ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring it back to the right consistency.
Q2: Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?
A2: Yes, you can! Use about 3/4 cup of chocolate chips in place of the cocoa powder, and melt them into the butter for a different texture and flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe with dark chocolate?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer a deeper, less sweet flavor, you can use dark chocolate or dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
Q4: How can I make this gravy thicker?
A4: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a little more flour to help thicken it up.
Q5: What can I serve with this chocolate gravy?
A5: Traditionally, it’s served over biscuits, but it also pairs wonderfully with pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even ice cream!
Q6: Can I use non-dairy milk?
A6: Yes! You can use any plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
Q7: Can I make this recipe without vanilla?
A7: Yes, if you don’t have vanilla extract, you can omit it. However, it does add a lovely depth of flavor, so if you have it, I’d recommend using it.
Q8: Can I make chocolate gravy for a crowd?
A8: Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure to adjust the size of your pan accordingly.
Q9: Can I use this gravy for other desserts?
A9: Yes! It’s delicious poured over cake, brownies, or even as a topping for ice cream or fruit.
Q10: Can I make chocolate gravy without flour?
A10: You can try using cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of flour. Use about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a little water before adding it to the gravy.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Gravy recipe is a sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its creamy texture and rich, chocolatey flavor, it’s an irresistible dish that everyone will love. Serve it over biscuits for the ultimate Southern comfort, or get creative and pour it over pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream. No matter how you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be coming back for seconds!
PrintChocolate Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Gravy is a Southern classic that’s rich, creamy, and indulgently sweet! Perfect for serving over warm biscuits, this chocolate sauce has a velvety texture and just the right amount of sweetness. A comforting treat that makes any breakfast feel extra special!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Make the Cocoa Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and salt until combined and no lumps remain. - Add the Milk:
Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to form a smooth mixture. - Cook the Gravy:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. - Add Butter and Vanilla:
Once the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Continue to stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. - Serve:
Serve the chocolate gravy warm over freshly baked biscuits, pancakes, or waffles. Enjoy!
Notes
Notes:
- For a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour; for a thinner consistency, add a little more milk.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste preference.
- This gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more milk if necessary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g2
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg