Southern Style Chocolate Gravy Recipe

Sugar: Provides the sweetness that balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder.

Cocoa powder: The key ingredient that gives the gravy its rich chocolate flavor.

All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to blend all the ingredients together smoothly.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle, aromatic note.

Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the gravy.

When whisking the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour together, ensure there are no lumps before gradually adding the milk. This will help create a smoother gravy and prevent any clumps from forming during the cooking process.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can add a slight floral note to the gravy.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with melted dark chocolate: Melted dark chocolate gives a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative that has a naturally sweet, chocolate-like flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the gravy without altering the flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent that works similarly to flour.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs well with chocolate.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a unique, sweet flavor that complements the chocolate.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a rich texture and a slight coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture and flavor of butter.

• Allow the chocolate gravy to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the gravy watery.

• Transfer the cooled chocolate gravy into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chocolate gravy can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When ready to use, reheat the chocolate gravy gently. Place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

• For freezing, pour the cooled chocolate gravy into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top as the gravy will expand when frozen.

• Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The chocolate gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• To thaw, transfer the frozen chocolate gravy to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain its quality.

• Reheat the thawed chocolate gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If the texture seems off, whisk in a bit of milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the chocolate gravy into a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of milk if the gravy is too thick, and continue to stir until it reaches the desired consistency and is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the chocolate gravy to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate.
  3. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval.
  4. Continue heating and stirring until the gravy is warmed through and smooth.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the chocolate gravy in the top pot of the double boiler.
  3. Stir the gravy frequently as it heats, ensuring it doesn't stick or form lumps.
  4. Once the gravy is warm and smooth, remove it from the heat and serve.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Transfer the chocolate gravy to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
  3. Place the dish in the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the consistency and add a bit of milk if needed, then stir until smooth and heated through.

• Medium saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for combining and cooking the ingredients over medium heat.

• Whisk: A whisk is necessary to mix the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour together smoothly and to incorporate the milk gradually.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the sugar, flour, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are needed to measure the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and butter.

• Stove: The stove provides the heat source required to cook the mixture until it thickens and boils.

• Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring in the vanilla extract and butter until they are melted and smooth.

• Serving spoon: A serving spoon is used to ladle the warm chocolate gravy over biscuits, pancakes, or waffles.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a whisk: A whisk helps blend the milk smoothly with the dry ingredients, reducing lumps and saving time.

Simmer efficiently: Keep the heat at medium to ensure the chocolate gravy thickens quickly without burning.

Prep serving items: While the gravy cooks, prepare your biscuits, pancakes, or waffles so they are ready to serve immediately.

Store leftovers: Make extra and store in the fridge; simply reheat for a quick treat later.