Vegan Chocolate Sauce: The Ultimate Dessert Topping

Name: Vegan Chocolate Sauce
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup coconut cream; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 2 tbsp almond butter (creamy); 1 tsp vanilla extract; pinch of salt

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A deep dark vegan chocolate sauce with a fudgy consistency that uses a handful of ingredients, and takes minutes to make! Enjoy warm or cold. Perfect for ice cream sundaes, or dipping fresh fruit!

vegan chocolate sauce over vegan vanilla ice cream in white bowl with strawberries in the background

It’s no secret that I live for chocolate! I don’t think I have been able to get through a day without a little bite of something chocolatey.

Usually I opt for a square of my favorite fair trade dark chocolate.

But sometimes I’m in the mood for something a bit more special! That’s when I whip up this recipe for vegan chocolate sauce! It’s a whole food plant-based dessert that’s easy and will satisfy your chocolate craving!

It’s creamy, smooth, and full of deep, rich chocolate flavor!

The kids and I love to make this recipe for ice cream sundaes.

Before I went vegan I enjoyed ice cream on a regular basis! Now, I don’t eat the vegan version of ice cream all that often.

I have put in some effort into curbing my sweet tooth. But when I want to indulge, or celebrate a special occasion, then vegan ice cream sundaes are where it’s at!

We make a homemade vegan strawberry ice cream, that is absolutely the best with this chocolate sauce!

But it also makes an excellent chocolate dip for fresh fruit, like strawberries, kiwi, and slices of banana!

We’ve already decided we’re making this as a surprise for my husband on Valentine’s Day! He’s almost as in love with chocolate as I am! We’ll pair it with this vegan vanilla ice cream!

vegan chocolate sauce in mason jar with spoon dipped in sauce hanging over the jar with a drip coming down. Ice cream and strawberries in the background.

Why you’ll love this vegan chocolate sauce…

Rich chocolate flavor
Super easy and quick to make
Stores well in the refrigerator
Only a few simple pantry ingredients are needed
Drizzle over ice cream
Use as a dessert dip for fruit
Use as a glaze for your favorite desserts (cakes, cupcakes, vegan cheesecakes)

Recipe Ingredients and Notes

coconut cream, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and almond butter in small bowls on counter top — oco

Coconut Cream gives this recipe a smooth, rich creaminess. Opt for coconut cream, not coconut milk, for best results.

Maple Syrup adds sweetness in the form of unrefined sugar. You can use a little less if you prefer a less sweet taste for your chocolate sauce.

You can’t have chocolate sauce without Cocoa Powder! Cocoa powder is naturally bitter, but when combined with the maple syrup and coconut cream you get that dark chocolate flavor.

Almond Butter is added to thicken the sauce, and also creates a more fudge like consistency.

Vanilla Extract when added to chocolate brings out the natural flavor.

Tools and Equipment

Blender-I use a blender to combine all of the ingredients and make sure everything is smooth, and there aren’t any chunks of almond butter or cocoa powder. You want it completely creamy before heating.

Medium Saucepan-Once the ingredients are mixed and blended, you’ll add them to a saucepan to heat.

Mason Jar (or other glass container): You will use a mason jar or any other glass container to store your vegan chocolate sauce in the refrigerator.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Sauce – Step by Step

Step 1: Add cocoa powder, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond butter to a blender. Blend until the consistency is extra smooth, about 30 seconds. You don’t want any bits of cocoa or nut butter.

Step 2: Transfer to a small saucepan. Heat on medium until it begins to bubble. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Sauce will be runny. Transfer to a mason jar. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. It will begin to thicken as it cools.

mason jar filled with chocolate sauce on sitting on white counter top with white dish cloth in the background

Step 4: When ready to use stir well with a spoon, and pour over your favorite ice cream, dip in fruit, or drizzle over your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts.

spoon drizzling chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream in white bowl, with mason jar filled with chocolate sauce, and bowl full of strawberries in the background

Note: Store in the refrigerator. When ready to use again allow it to sit out on the countertop and come to room temperature. Then whisk, and drizzle!

Top Tips for Making the Best Vegan Chocolate Sauce

If you like a runnier texture, leave out the almond butter.
If you like a thicker texture, add an additional tablespoon of almond butter.
Be sure to achieve an extra smooth texture before heating. If you don’t have a blender, you can skip this step, and vigorously whisk until smooth.

Recipe FAQS

Does this sauce taste like coconut?

Even though this recipe uses coconut cream it does not taste like coconut! I personally love the flavor of coconut, but I realize that many do not! Have no fear!

If you or someone you love does not like coconut, and you want to make this chocolate sauce, you won’t be able to tell it’s there. The coconut cream is thick and indulgent, but with the other ingredients, the coconut flavor blends into the background.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

I use maple syrup in this recipe to keep it refined sugar free. If you do not have maple syrup, or do not want to use it, there are numerous substitutions you can make. I suggest using agave syrup, or honey (if you use honey in your diet). Another option is to use coconut sugar.

What can I use instead of almond butter?

The almond butter thickens the sauce and adds more creaminess to the sauce. I recommend using raw almond butter. I find mine at Trader Joe’s. It’s super creamy, and doesn’t have an overpowering flavor. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use any other nut butter, or even tahini. Use raw nut butter if possible.

What does vegan chocolate sauce taste like?

It tastes like a rich chocolate fudge sauce. It has a rich, velvety, dark chocolate flavor, rather than a milk chocolate flavor.

Can I freeze this chocolate sauce?

Yes! You can freeze this chocolate sauce. Transfer to a freezer safe container. When ready to use, defrost on the stovetop. Then allow it to cool for 10 minutes before using.

What makes vegan chocolate vegan?

Vegan chocolate does not contain any milk or dairy. Therefore, milk chocolate is not vegan. However, dark chocolate is typically vegan. But you want to check the ingredients on the label to be sure. Cocoa powder is vegan because nothing else is added. When I buy chocolate bars, or chocolate chips, I buy vegan certified chocolate to be sure it hasn’t been cross contaminated.

Strawberry dipped in chocolate sauce over white bowl filled with chocolate sauce

Ways to Use Vegan Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle over your favorite vegan ice cream!
Make as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries.
Top your pancakes, waffles, or crepes to make them extra special.
Use as a glaze for cakes, cupcakes, or even brownies!
Turn your morning oatmeal into a chocolate creation!

overhead of hand holding strawberry on stick dipped in chocolate sauce

How to Store and Keep

Store leftovers in a mason jar or other glass container with a lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When stored in the refrigerator it will thicken and turn solid. To use again, remove from the refrigerator, and allow it to come to room temperature.

Or place it in the microwave for a 10-20 seconds to slightly warm and bring it back to a liquid consistency.

bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with vegan chocolate sauce

Check out these other vegan chocolate recipes!