Old-Fashioned Chocolate Gravy

Smooth chocolate topping with a shiny finish served on a white plate.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

A rich, silky Southern classic made with sugar, cocoa powder, milk, butter, and vanilla. This comforting Old-Fashioned Chocolate Gravy is perfect poured over warm biscuits or cornbread for a nostalgic breakfast treat.

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Servings

Ingredients

3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
1/4 cup 21g unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine the dry ingredients:

In a small saucepan or 10-inch skillet, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour until evenly combined and free of lumps. This ensures a smooth consistency for the finished gravy.

Add the milk:

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated, with no visible dry ingredients remaining.

Cook the gravy:

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer. This process will take approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Once simmering, stir constantly for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to a rich, pourable consistency. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan regularly to prevent scorching.

Finish the gravy:

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the butter has melted completely and the mixture appears glossy and smooth.

Cool slightly and serve:

Allow the chocolate gravy to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. Serve warm over buttermilk biscuits, toasted white bread, or freshly baked cornbread.

Notes

To make this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Gravy gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for thickening. Ensure that your cocoa powder and vanilla extract are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace gluten. The result will be equally smooth, rich, and flavorful, maintaining the same classic Southern charm while accommodating a gluten-free diet.

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