This easy chocolate gravy recipe takes minutes to whip up & requires only a few pantry staples. Perfect for spooning over warm biscuits or even ice cream!

Southern Chocolate Gravy

Hop on the gravy train with this creamy and decadent Southern Chocolate Gravy!

Biscuits and gravy are a long-standing Southern tradition. You’ll see small variations of the typical savory gravy recipe everywhere you look, but have you ever tried a SWEET variety?

Then you’ve GOT to try chocolate gravy! Yes, chocolate!!

What is Chocolate Gravy?

Chocolate gravy is just like it sounds! It is a thick, sweet cocoa-based topping made with sugar, butter, flour, and milk. It has the same texture as a traditional gravy…or similar to hot fudge or thick chocolate sauce. And just like hot fudge, it tastes amazing as a dessert topping!

But what really makes chocolate gravy so special is that it is not just a dessert. You can use it as a breakfast topping, and of course, it tastes absolutely amazing smothered on fresh baked biscuits.

This homemade chocolate is a fresh and decadent take on a Southern classic and a real treat that the whole family will love! Chocolate gravy is just the thing to make for a holiday meal or special weekend brunch.

spooning chocolate gravy on top of biscuits.

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon butter
1/8 teaspoon salt

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Southern Chocolate Gravy ingredients with labels: salt, milk, vanilla, flour, butter, sugar, cocoa powder.

Instructions

Add the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and flour to a medium saucepan, whisking the dry ingredients together until most of the clumps are gone.
Pour in the milk and place the pan over medium heat. Whisk together until the mixture looks like hot chocolate, with no big lumps.
Continuously whisk until the mixture begins to boil, then continue cooking for 5-8 minutes. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens and has a consistency similar to regular gravy.
Remove pan from heat and add the butter and vanilla extract, mixing until melted and smooth.

4 step photo collage showing how to make chocolate gravy.

Prep Tips

Cocoa Powder – This is where the chocolate flavor comes from, so be sure to use a good quality cocoa powder. You also want to make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for baking, rather than hot cocoa mix, as they two are different items.
Variations – Add a sprinkle of cinnamon when making the gravy for Mexican Hot Chocolate flavor. It adds a spicy warmth to the sauce. You can also try swapping out different extracts for the vanilla extract. Try peppermint extract for a mint chocolate treat!
Yield – This recipe makes about 2 cups of chocolate gravy.

small mason jar full of homemade chocolate sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Serve With Chocolate Gravy?

Chocolate gravy makes a fantastic addition to breakfast or dessert and pairs well with:

Biscuits (try it with Southern Buttermilk Biscuits!)
Dinner Rolls
Waffles
Pancakes
Ice Cream
Pound Cake
Cornbread
French Toast

How Do You Store Chocolate Gravy?

Like any gravy, chocolate gravy is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add to a saucepan on the stovetop and warm slowly, whisking as you heat, until warmed and smooth. You can add a splash of milk if it is too thick.

If you use the microwave, be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and cover during reheating. Heat in 10-15 second increments, stirring between, to prevent scorching.

plate of biscuits smothered in chocolate gravy.

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