Rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey, this Arkansas Chocolate Gravy Recipe is my take on a Southern classic-comfort breakfast food elevated.
This is part of my Forks in the Road: Recipes From Across America series, where week by week, I'll explore the foods and flavors of America and recreate the most popular recipes from all 50 states.
I'm the kind of person who can't resist trying new foods! So when I spotted biscuits and chocolate gravy on the menu at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge during our recent Arkansas trip, I knew I had to give it a try.
Well... all I can say is that it didn't exactly blow me away. It was too thick and WAY too sweet for my taste, but I could see its potential. I knew that with a few tweaks, I could turn it into something truly special.
Why You'll Love This Arkansas Chocolate Gravy
It's rich, silky, and perfect over hot biscuits, French toast, or even pound cake. Using simple pantry staples, it achieves that perfect gravy-like consistency with a rich chocolate flavor that makes any breakfast feel a little more special. Whether you have a sweet tooth or just love trying Southern classics, this homemade chocolate gravy recipe is easy to make and impossible to resist.
One of the things I love about this chocolate gravy recipe is how RV-friendly it is. It uses simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, and all you need is a medium saucepan and a whisk-no extra appliances taking up space. It cooks in about 10 minutes, scales perfectly for two, and cleanup is a breeze.
A Little History of Southern Chocolate Gravy
Chocolate gravy is a beloved comfort food that is considered a traditional southern dish, particularly in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains, where it is often served over buttermilk biscuits for breakfast. While its exact origins are a bit mysterious, it is thought to have been influenced by trading routes that brought Mexican-style chocolate to the region, which was then adapted by Southern cooks into the sweet, rich gravy enjoyed today.
Let's Gather Up the Ingredients
Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - the heart of the chocolate flavor
- All-purpose flour - thickens the gravy to a silky consistency
- Sugar - you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Some people like their chocolate gravy very sweet, others just lightly sweetened to balance the richness.
- Whole milk - creates a creamy base
- Butter - adds richness. It also contributes to the smooth texture, consistency, and overall balance of the chocolate gravy
- Vanilla extract - adds depth
- Kosher salt - salt naturally boosts the chocolate's richness and balances the sweetness, making the chocolate flavor taste deeper and more complex
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Gravy
In a cast-iron skillet or medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the dry ingredients-cocoa powder, flour, and sugar-until smooth.
Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, if using. Serve immediately over hot biscuits.
You can absolutely make your own homemade biscuits if you want, but I like to keep Grands frozen Southern biscuits in the RV freezer. They're surprisingly delicious, super easy to bake, and perfect for making just enough for two. All you have to do is pull out however many you want, pop them in the oven, and in a few minutes, you've got fresh, warm biscuits ready for your chocolate gravy.
Tips for Success
- Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Serve immediately for the best experience.
- Works beautifully on French toast or pound cake.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arkansas Chocolate Gravy
Chocolate gravy is a sweet, warm sauce made with common pantry ingredients like milk, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and butter. Unlike a thin chocolate syrup or rich hot fudge, chocolate gravy has a thicker, more velvety consistency similar to chocolate pudding.
There are a few common reasons your gravy might be too thin:
Too-low heat: The flour needs enough heat to properly thicken the mixture. Make sure the gravy reaches a simmer.
Not cooked long enough: The mixture may need 5 to 10 minutes to reach its proper thickness. Don't rush the process.
Incorrect measurements: Using too little flour or too much milk can result in a runny gravy. Follow the recipe carefully.
Yes, but it thickens as it cools, so it's best eaten right away. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. When ready, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
I love discovering new foods from the places we visit, and chocolate gravy was a delicious surprise from our trip to Arkansas. It's easy to make at home, and every bite is a little taste of our adventure on the road.
If you are enjoying my Forks in the Road series, check out more of the classic recipes I have adapted from around the United States.
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As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
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Arkansas Chocolate Gravy
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet or medium saucepan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar adjust for sweetness
- ⅛ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter.(6 tablespoons butter)
- Whisk in the dry ingredients-cocoa powder, flour, and sugar-until smooth.(¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup flour, ½ cup sugar, ⅛ teaspoon salt)
- Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.(2 cups milk)
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.(1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Serve warm over hot biscuits, French toast, or even a slice of pound cake.
Notes
- Stir constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you like it sweeter or more chocolate-forward.
- If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir until smooth.
Arkansas Chocolate Gravy for Two
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar adjust for sweetness
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.(3 tablespoons butter)
- Whisk in the dry ingredients-cocoa powder, flour, and sugar-until smooth.(2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons flour, ¼ cup sugar)
- Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.(1 cup milk)
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.(½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Serve warm over hot biscuits, or use for a cozy French toast or pound cake breakfast.
Notes
- Stir constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you like it sweeter or more chocolate-forward.
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