Southern Style Chocolate Gravy Recipe

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the gravy, balancing the bitterness of the cocoa powder.

Cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor essential for this dish.

All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the gravy its smooth consistency.

Milk: Creates the creamy base for the gravy.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness.

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

When whisking the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour together, make sure to sift the dry ingredients first. This helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a smoother chocolate gravy. Additionally, when gradually adding the milk, pour it in a slow, steady stream while continuously whisking to prevent any clumping. This technique will result in a velvety and lump-free consistency.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile. Use ¾ cup of honey for every cup of sugar.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, unique flavor. Use ¾ cup of maple syrup for every cup of sugar and reduce the liquid in the recipe by 3 tablespoons.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with melted chocolate: Melted chocolate can give a richer texture and flavor. Use 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative with a similar taste. Use the same amount as you would cocoa powder.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the gravy similarly. Use 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch for every 3 tablespoons of flour.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative that can also thicken the gravy. Use the same amount as you would all-purpose flour.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can provide a similar consistency. Use the same amount as you would regular milk.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight coconut flavor and is also dairy-free. Use the same amount as you would regular milk.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor. Use half the amount of almond extract as you would vanilla extract.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique twist to the flavor. Use the same amount as you would vanilla extract.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can provide a similar texture and flavor. Use the same amount as you would butter.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that can add a slight coconut flavor. Use the same amount as you would butter.

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

• Transfer the cooled chocolate gravy to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chocolate gravy will keep well for up to a week when properly refrigerated.

• When ready to use, reheat the chocolate gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to restore its smooth consistency.

• If the chocolate gravy thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of milk while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

• For freezing, pour the cooled chocolate gravy into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly.

• Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen chocolate gravy can be stored for up to three months.

• Thaw the frozen chocolate gravy in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain its texture and flavor.

• Once thawed, reheat the chocolate gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a bit of milk if needed to restore its smooth, pourable consistency.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover chocolate gravy into a small saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan over low heat.
  3. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  4. Heat until the gravy is warmed through and reaches your desired consistency.
  5. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir until smooth.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the chocolate gravy to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals.
  4. Stir after each interval to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue heating until the gravy is warmed through.
  6. If needed, add a small amount of milk to adjust the consistency and stir well.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Pour the chocolate gravy into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Place the dish in the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Stir halfway through the heating process.
  6. Once warmed, remove from the oven and stir to ensure smoothness.

• For double boiler reheating:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the chocolate gravy in the top pot of the double boiler.
  3. Stir continuously as the gravy warms up.
  4. Heat until the gravy is smooth and reaches the desired temperature.
  5. If the gravy thickens too much, add a bit of milk and stir until well combined.

• Medium saucepan: Used to combine and heat the ingredients, ensuring even cooking and thickening of the gravy.

• Whisk: Essential for mixing the dry ingredients and incorporating the milk smoothly to avoid lumps.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the sugar and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cocoa powder, flour, and vanilla extract precisely.

• Stove: Provides the heat source needed to cook the mixture until it thickens.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.

• Serving spoon: Used to ladle the warm chocolate gravy over biscuits, pancakes, or waffles.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and flour in advance and store in an airtight container.

Use a microwave: Heat the milk in the microwave before adding to the dry mixture to speed up the cooking process.

Melt butter ahead: Pre-melt the butter and have it ready to stir in once the mixture thickens.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of chocolate gravy and store leftovers in the fridge for quick reheating.

Prep serving items: Have your biscuits, pancakes, or waffles ready to serve before starting the gravy.