Dark Chocolate Sauce

Oct 9, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Pantry Sauces syrups glazes Vanilla: Extract Easy

A small pitcher pouring glossy, very dark chocolate sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mocha in a ceramic mug behind

A silky bittersweet chocolate sauce made with heavy cream and a spoonful of corn syrup for shine; rich enough for mochas, pourable over ice cream and milkshakes.

Prep 5 min

Cook 5 min

Total 10 min

Servings 12

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

6.0 oz (170.0 g)bittersweet chocolate (60% to 70% cacao), finely chopped
¾ cup (180.0 ml)heavy cream
2.0 tbsp (30.0 ml)light corn syrup
1.0 tbsp (14.0 g)unsalted butter
pinch of fine sea salt
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the cream, corn syrup and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming with small bubbles at the edges; don't let it boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes.
Whisk gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy; whisking hard adds bubbles that dull the shine.
Whisk in the salt and vanilla. Use warm, or cool and refrigerate.

Tips

Chop the chocolate finely and evenly so it melts before the cream cools.
Thin it with a spoonful of warm cream for drizzling; chill it for a thicker, fudgier sauce.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make dark chocolate sauce?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups (12 servings).

How should I store dark chocolate sauce?

Refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. It thickens when cold; warm it for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or in a pan of warm water and stir before using.

Can I make dark chocolate sauce ahead?

Make it up to 2 weeks ahead and rewarm gently.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

A silky bittersweet chocolate sauce made with heavy cream and a spoonful of corn syrup for shine; rich enough for mochas, pourable over ice cream and milkshakes.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

154 Calories / serving

12.4g Fat

9.7g Carbs

1.5g Protein

4.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~1848 cal · 149g fat · 116g carbs · 18g protein · 59g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.