Classic Southern Chocolate Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern chocolate gravy is a nostalgic, sweet comfort food that has been passed down through generations. The combination of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk creates a silky, chocolatey gravy that’s both rich and velvety. It’s perfect for pouring over biscuits, pancakes, or waffles, turning an ordinary breakfast into a special occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll love how simple it is to create this decadent treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ¼ cup Hershey’s Cocoa Powder

  • 2 cups milk

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp softened butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and flour. Gradually add in the milk and whisk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.

  2. Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently as it begins to heat up, bringing it to a gentle boil.

  3. Simmer and Thicken: Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and keep stirring for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Remember, chocolate gravy is a little thinner than traditional gravy, so don’t worry if it’s not as thick as other gravies.

  4. Add the Finishing Touches: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and softened butter. Continue stirring until the butter melts and the gravy becomes smooth.

  5. Serve and Enjoy: Pour this velvety chocolate gravy over warm biscuits, pancakes, or waffles, and enjoy the indulgence!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 2-3 servings of chocolate gravy, depending on how generously you pour it over your dish. It takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and satisfying treat for breakfast or dessert.

Variations

  1. Nutty Chocolate Gravy: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the gravy once it’s cooked for a crunchy texture.

  2. Spiced Chocolate Gravy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the gravy a little extra kick.

  3. Vegan Version: Replace the milk with almond or coconut milk and use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of chocolate gravy.

  4. White Chocolate Gravy: Swap the cocoa powder for white chocolate chips, adjusting the sugar content for sweetness, for a creamy white chocolate version.

Storage/Reheating

Chocolate gravy is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. You may need to add a splash of milk if the gravy has thickened too much while stored.

FAQs

How can I make chocolate gravy thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a bit more flour, but be sure to whisk it in thoroughly to avoid lumps.

Can I use dark cocoa powder for chocolate gravy?

Yes, you can use dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be less sweet, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.

Can I make chocolate gravy ahead of time?

Chocolate gravy is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

Is chocolate gravy gluten-free?

Traditional chocolate gravy contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

What do you serve with chocolate gravy?

Chocolate gravy is traditionally served over biscuits, but it’s also delicious poured over pancakes, waffles, or even French toast. It can also be served as a topping for ice cream or other desserts.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! You can substitute the whole milk with any other type of milk, including almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, to suit your dietary preferences.

How long will chocolate gravy last in the fridge?

Chocolate gravy will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze chocolate gravy?

Freezing chocolate gravy is not recommended, as it can change the texture when reheated.

Can I make chocolate gravy without vanilla extract?

Yes, you can omit the vanilla extract if you don’t have it, though it does add a nice depth of flavor. You could substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Can I make chocolate gravy without cocoa powder?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate in place of it. Use about 2 ounces of melted chocolate for every ¼ cup of cocoa powder.

Conclusion

Classic Southern chocolate gravy is a delightful, comforting treat that can turn any meal into something special. Whether you’re pouring it over biscuits, pancakes, or waffles, this rich and velvety gravy will become a family favorite. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it’s a recipe that brings the taste of the South to your kitchen in no time. Enjoy the decadence of this sweet gravy, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own!

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Classic Southern Chocolate Gravy

Classic Southern Chocolate Gravy

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Classic Southern Chocolate Gravy, a nostalgic treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and butter, this velvety, sweet gravy is ideal for pouring over warm biscuits, pancakes, or waffles. Explore variations like nutty, spiced, and vegan versions to make it your own. A must-try Southern recipe that’s both easy and satisfying!


Ingredients

1 cup sugar

¼ cup Hershey’s Cocoa Powder

2 cups milk

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp softened butter


Instructions

  1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and flour. Gradually add in the milk and whisk until smooth.

  2. Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently as it heats, bringing it to a gentle boil.

  3. Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and stir for 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

  4. Add the Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and softened butter until smooth.

  5. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the chocolate gravy over warm biscuits, pancakes, or waffles.


Notes

  • Adjust the thickness of the gravy by simmering it for a longer period.

  • For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder or melted chocolate instead of regular cocoa powder.

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

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