Chocolate Gravy
A rich, velvety smooth chocolate gravy that's a true Southern breakfast delight. Ready in 15 minutes, it's the perfect sweet topping to smother warm, flaky biscuits for a comforting and nostalgic meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Breaking up any lumps is key to a smooth gravy.
- 2
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously
- a.Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and there are no dry pockets of flour or cocoa.
- 3
Place the saucepan over medium heat
- a.Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly to prevent it from scorching on the bottom. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Once simmering, continue to cook and whisk for another 2 minutes as the gravy thickens. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Remove the pan from the heat
- a.Stir in the butter pieces and vanilla extract until the butter is completely melted and the gravy is glossy and smooth.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve immediately over hot biscuits, toast, or even ice cream.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding any liquid. This is the most important step to prevent lumps.
- 2For a smoother gravy, you can sift the cocoa powder and flour together.
- 3Don't walk away from the stove! Constant whisking is necessary to keep the gravy from burning and sticking to the pan.
- 4If your gravy does get lumpy, you can pour it through a fine-mesh sieve to smooth it out.
- 5The gravy will thicken more as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can whisk in a splash of milk to thin it out.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy free
To make this vegan, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk and substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil.
healthyHealthy
For a lighter version, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and use low-fat or skim milk. The result will be less rich but still delicious.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a fun flavor twist.
quickQuick
For an extra rich flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the butter at the end until they are fully melted.