Southern Style Chocolate Gravy Recipe

Cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor that is the star of this gravy.

Sugar: Sweetens the gravy to balance the bitterness of the cocoa.

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

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

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with a hint of vanilla.

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

When whisking the cocoa powder, sugar, and flour together, ensure they are thoroughly combined before gradually adding the milk. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth gravy. Use a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of scorching. Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula to maintain a consistent texture as the mixture thickens. Once the gravy reaches a boil, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer, which helps achieve the perfect consistency.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder has a similar color and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good alternative for those avoiding caffeine or looking for a different taste profile.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of moisture, though it will slightly alter the flavor and consistency of the gravy.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the gravy similarly to flour, but use half the amount as it has stronger thickening properties.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a dairy-free alternative and a slightly nutty flavor, suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor, adding a nutty undertone to the chocolate gravy.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and similar richness to the gravy.

• Allow the chocolate gravy to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can affect the texture and flavor.

• Transfer the cooled gravy into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they do not absorb odors and keep the gravy fresh longer.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chocolate gravy will keep well for up to 5-7 days when properly refrigerated.

• For freezing, pour the cooled 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 to keep track of its freshness. The chocolate gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• To thaw, transfer the frozen gravy to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.

• Reheat the gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to restore its smooth consistency. If it appears too thick, add a splash of milk and whisk until smooth.

• Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can cause uneven heating and may alter the texture of the gravy.

• For the stovetop method:

  1. Place the leftover chocolate gravy in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  3. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of milk and whisk until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
  4. Once warmed through, remove from heat and serve immediately over biscuits or pancakes.

• For the microwave method:

  1. Transfer the chocolate gravy to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval to ensure even heating.
  4. If the gravy is too thick, add a small amount of milk and stir until smooth.
  5. Continue heating until the gravy is warmed through, then serve immediately.

• For the double boiler method:

  1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Place the leftover chocolate gravy in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir the gravy frequently as it heats, ensuring it does not stick or scorch.
  4. If the gravy is too thick, add a bit of milk and stir until smooth.
  5. Once the gravy is warmed through, remove from heat and serve immediately.

• Medium saucepan: Used to combine and cook the ingredients over medium heat.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the cocoa powder, sugar, and flour together smoothly.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and butter precisely.

• Stirring spoon: Helpful for stirring the mixture constantly while it cooks.

• Heat-resistant spatula: Useful for scraping the sides of the saucepan to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the warm chocolate gravy over biscuits or pancakes.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure cocoa powder, sugar, and flour to save time during cooking.

Use a whisk: A whisk helps blend the milk smoothly with the dry ingredients, reducing lumps and speeding up the process.

Preheat the pan: Start with a warm saucepan to cut down on the time it takes for the mixture to thicken.

Room temperature butter: Use butter at room temperature so it melts quickly when added to the hot mixture.

Serve immediately: Have your biscuits or pancakes ready to serve as soon as the chocolate gravy is done.