Oh, sweet-toothed friends, gather ’round, because I’m about to whisk you away on a playful chocolate journey!
Today, we’ll explore a magical land of velvety smooth chocolate sauce without cream.

Yes, you heard that right – we’re going rogue on this one, stepping off the beaten path of traditionalist creamy sauces and venturing into a rich world of chocolatiness.
As a fun-loving home chef, I find that letting my hair down in the kitchen and experimenting with such creations can lead to some of the best discoveries.
So, are you ready for this scrumptious culinary adventure?
Let’s get saucy!
5 Reasons You’ll Love Chocolate Sauce Without Cream

- It’s dairy-free: Cream, who? We don’t need her in this neighborhood. This chocolate sauce recipe caters to those with dairy sensitivities, and we can all appreciate that allure.
- It’s vegan-friendly: Since we’ve banished cream to the shadow realm, vegans can rejoice in this delightfully dreamy sauce. Prepare to drizzle this chocolate delight on endless desserts that cater to your preferences – go, go, go!
- Economic choice: No cream? No problem! Everyone’s wallet will appreciate using just a few pantry staples to create a luscious chocolate sauce that won’t break the bank.
- Versatile: Pour this fabulous chocolate sauce over ice cream, cakes, pancakes, waffles, or even dip your favorite fruits into this fountain of yumminess. The possibilities are endless, my friends!
- It’s ludicrously quick and easy: Step aside, time-consuming béchamel sauces! We’ve got a new champion in the kitchen – this chocolate sauce, with its straightforward mixing and heating process, will be your go-to for a last-minute dessert enhancement.
Equipment You’ll Need
- A small pot: To properly combine and whisk your ingredients en route to chocolate heaven.
- Whisk: Gotta have that perfect stirring device to ensure a smooth sauce consistency.
- Heat-safe spatula: Because we have to leave no sauce behind! Scrape it all into the serving bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Let’s keep it accurate and precise, dear chefs!
- A serving container with a lid: Because we need a stylish and secure vessel to store our luscious sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 30 grams of dutch-processed cocoa powder: The star of the show and the foundation of our cocoa kingdom.
- 55 grams of caster sugar: Bring in the sweetness! Sugar is what makes the chocolate sauce truly indulgent.
- 100 ml of water: Dance around the fire, my friends, because we’re replacing cream with the elemental essence of life itself – H2O!
- 10 grams of unsalted butter, diced: A pinch of buttery goodness to provide that irresistible silky smooth finish.

How To Make Chocolate Sauce Without Cream
- Step 1: In a small pot, assemble your heroic trio – cast cocoa powder, sugar, and water together to begin the adventure.
- Step 2: Turn on the heat to medium-high until we reach the boiling point, all the while whisking constantly to dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder. The mission here is to ensure not one grain is left behind!
- Step 3: As you conquer the boiling stage, it’s time to say goodbye to the heat. Remove the pot from the stove, and now enter the land of coolness.
- Step 4: Give a warm welcome to the butter, our trusty sidekick. As it enters the cooled-down pot, use a heat-safe spatula to stir in the diced butter pieces.
- Step 5: Patience, my friends, as we let our delectable creation rest and cool for a while – this will thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Step 6: Finally, your chocolate sauce is ready to be transferred into the serving container. Secure the lid tightly, and voilà, you have successfully achieved chocolate sauce bliss!
5 Tips and Tricks for the Best Cream-Free Chocolate Sauce

- Whisk away: To avoid any lumpy situations, whisk continuously from the moment you combine the sugar, cocoa, and water. Consistency is key in creating a smooth sauce that rivals its cream-heavy counterparts.
- Step up the cocoa game: Use high-quality, dutch-processed cocoa powder for an extra-decadent sauce with a remarkable depth of flavor.
- Chill out: Don’t be eager to transfer the sauce to the serving container immediately. Let it cool in the pot for a bit. The flavors will develop and the sauce will further thicken, making it easier to handle and pour later.
- Know your heat: There’s a fine line between boiling and burning, so remain vigilant during the heating process. Promptly remove the pot from the stove once it reaches boiling to avoid accidentally scorching the sauce.
- Jazz it up: Why not add a pinch of sea salt, a splash of vanilla extract, or a drop of almond extract to the mix? These subtle additions can bring a new dimension to the sauce’s flavor profile.
Chocolate Sauce Recipe Variations
- Spiced-up sauce: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a touch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even cayenne pepper to your chocolate sauce for some warm, exotic notes.
- Chocolate orange: Give your sauce a citrus twist by stirring in some orange zest or a drop of orange extract.
- Peppermint delight: A few drops of peppermint extract can transform this sauce into a refreshing, festive treat perfect for drizzling over brownies, ice cream, or even holiday cookies.
How To Store, Freeze, And Reheat Chocolate Sauce
- Storage: This sauce is a well-behaved guest and can quietly reside in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Not only is this sauce a culinary rockstar, but it’s also quite freezer-friendly. Use a freezer-safe container, and your sauce will stay happy on ice for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to reunite with your chocolate delight, simply transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl or a small pot, and heat using low to medium settings (microwave or stovetop). Whisk until smooth and warmed to your desired temperature.

Chocolate Sauce Without Cream
Equipment
- A small pot
- Whisk
- Heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A serving container with a lid
Ingredients
- 30 grams dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 55 grams caster sugar
- 100 ml water
- 10 grams unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
- In a small pot, assemble your heroic trio – cast cocoa powder, sugar, and water together to begin the adventure.
- Turn on the heat to medium-high until we reach the boiling point, all the while whisking constantly to dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder.
- Remove the pot from the stove, and now enter the land of coolness.
- Give a warm welcome to the butter, our trusty sidekick. As it enters the cooled-down pot, use a heat-safe spatula to stir in the diced butter pieces.
- Patience, my friends, as we let our delectable creation rest and cool for a while – this will thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Finally, your chocolate sauce is ready to be transferred into the serving container. Secure the lid tightly, and voilà, you have successfully achieved chocolate sauce bliss!
Notes
- Dairy sensitivity? No worries! As mentioned earlier, this sauce is delightfully dairy-free. However, if you’d like an even creamier (but still dairy-free) consistency, you can replace water with an equal amount of your favorite plant-based milk.
- If dutch-processed cocoa powder isn’t available in your pantry, fear not! Regular cocoa powder will do just fine. However, the flavor may be slightly different, as dutch-processed cocoa powder usually imparts a smoother, mellower taste.
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.