Rich, velvety, and ready to add the perfect finishing touch to more than just your ice cream, we’re convinced you’ll also fall in love with the Best Chocolate Sauce Ever!
When I was a little girl, the highlight of my summer was Mister Softee, that iconic blue and white ice cream truck that brought much-needed refreshment to those scorching, carefree days of my youth. In fact, it was the only thing that could pull me away from a game of hopscotch or baseball. As soon as I heard Mister Softee’s cheerful jingle, I would run like the wind, hoping to be the first in line for the best food on the planet: an ice cream sundae with chocolate sauce and a scattering of chopped nuts. Who would have thought that one tiny plastic cup of vanilla ice cream could bring a little girl so much joy? I guess my enthusiasm was palpable because the ice cream man even started calling me “Smiley.”
The best part of that delightful treat was the chocolate sauce. Rich and luscious, it anointed the ice cream with dark, glossy goodness, making strawberry sauce (or worse, pineapple sauce) pale in comparison. To this day, I can’t fathom the thought of eating vanilla ice cream without chocolate sauce. It’s like eating toast without butter: utterly joyless. That’s why I always have a jar of the stuff in my fridge as soon as the weather starts to shape up. Not the additive-laden glop from the store, though, but my own homemade chocolate sauce.
Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this velvety sauce is not only a must for your bowl of ice cream, but it also lends itself to other delicious culinary uses.
Creative ways to use your chocolate sauce
Sure, this sauce is made for ice cream, but the fun doesn’t end there. You can also use it to decorate your plates, for example. Simply transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle with a pointed tip and draw patterns on the plate before placing a dessert (such as a piece of cake) on it. Another idea is to serve the sauce warm as a dip for strawberries, marshmallows, or ladyfingers. I also love using it to decorate glasses when serving creamy cocktails that pair well with chocolate. Dip the rim of the glass in the sauce, follow with a coating of brown sugar mixed with cocoa powder, and fill the glass with your drink of choice.
How do I store leftovers?
The cooled sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Stir well before using. If you want to serve it warm, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the microwave.
Serving suggestions
Drizzle the sauce over a bowl of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or try it over this refreshing Citrus-Mint Fruit Salad. It’s also amazing with a slice of our dark and delicious Chocolate Rum Cake or as a finishing touch for these Easy Homemade Brownies.
The Best Chocolate Sauce Ever
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder. Whisk in the water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in the butter. The sauce should be smooth and glossy. Take the pan off the heat and add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, if desired.
- Pour the sauce into a jar and use as desired.
I am about to make this at work (i work in a school kitchen) i will be using it go with churos. I am going to have to increase the quantities quite a bit. I’ll let hou know how it goes.
I am sure the kids will love it!