Melted Caramel Fondue: A Sweet Treat Experience

Fondue is a great dish to share with friends and family, and a fondue pot is a great way to keep your fondue warm and ready for dipping. But can you melt caramel in a fondue pot? The answer is yes! In fact, making caramel fondue is a fun and easy way to enjoy this sweet and salty treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a fondue pot, you can create a delicious and interactive dessert that your guests will love. So go ahead and give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!

What to dip in caramel fondue

Caramel fondue is a delicious dessert that can be served warm and creamy. It can be made in a fondue pot, a crockpot, a saucepan, or even in the microwave. The best part about caramel fondue is that there is no limit to what you can dip into it! Here are some ideas for what to dip in your caramel fondue:

Fruits

Fruits are always a good idea for dipping into caramel fondue. Apples are a classic choice, but you can also try bananas, strawberries, grapes, or any other fruit you like. The combination of sweet, sticky caramel and fresh fruit is hard to beat.

Cookies, Crackers, and Pretzels

For a sweet and crunchy treat, try dipping cookies, crackers, or pretzels into your caramel fondue. The caramel will harden slightly as it cools, making for a satisfying bite.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a perfect choice for dipping into caramel fondue. They are soft and fluffy, and the warm caramel will melt them slightly, creating a delicious, gooey treat.

Cheesecake

For a truly indulgent experience, try dipping frozen cheesecake squares into your caramel fondue. The cold, creamy cheesecake pairs perfectly with the warm, salty-sweet caramel.

Chocolate

If you're a true sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with dipping chocolate into your caramel fondue. The combination of chocolate and caramel is a match made in dessert heaven.

Other Treats

The options for dipping are endless! You can also try pound cake, brownies, or even a spoonful of caramel by itself. Get creative and dip your favourite treats into the fondue.

How to make salted caramel fondue

Fondue is a fun and interactive dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family on a cold night. Salted caramel fondue is a delicious dessert option that is surprisingly easy to make. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 2/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream at room temperature, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, cubed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
• Flake salt for finishing (optional)
• Assorted foods for dipping: frozen cheesecake squares, berries, grapes, pound cake, brownies, etc.

Instructions:

• Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Use a wet pastry brush to remove any sugar crystals that form at the edge of the saucepan during cooking.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a medium amber colour.
• Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in 2 2/3 cups of heavy cream. The cream will bubble and steam, so take caution. Whisk until a smooth sauce forms. If lumps occur, place the caramel back on medium heat and stir until the lumps dissolve.
• Add the butter and stir until melted.
• Whisk in the vanilla extract and fine grain sea salt.
• Pour the caramel sauce into a microwave-safe bowl or a fondue pot with an active burner. If using a fondue pot, keep the heat low to maintain a warm, not hot, temperature.
• Just before serving, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream on top of the caramel and lightly swirl with a fork to create a pretty pattern.
• Sprinkle a pinch of flake sea salt on the surface of the fondue for an extra touch of flavour.
• Arrange your desired dipping options around the pot. If you're using a bowl, reheat the caramel in the microwave as needed in 30-second increments.

Dipping Ideas:

• Frozen cheesecake squares
• Fresh fruit, such as berries or grapes
• Pound cake squares
• Brownies
• Marshmallows
• Vanilla pound cake
• Chocolate brownies
• Homemade marshmallows
• Pretzels
• Graham crackers
• Apple slices
• Cheesecake bars

So, gather your ingredients, fire up your fondue pot, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet and salty dessert experience!

How to store caramel fondue

Caramel fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for a romantic evening or a group of friends. It can be made in a fondue pot or a saucepan on a stovetop. But how do you store it?

Firstly, it's important to note that caramel is good at room temperature for a long time, but the fondue will harden fairly rapidly. So, if you're serving it, keep the caramel sauce warm.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to a month. To reheat, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between to avoid burning or exploding. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, which is ideal.

If you want to freeze your fondue, it will last for up to four months. After this, it's time to make a new batch!

Caramel fondue vs. electric fondue pot

Fondue is a fun and interactive dish that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a romantic night in. While traditional fondue usually involves melting cheese or chocolate, caramel fondue is a unique and delicious variation. You can make caramel fondue in a fondue pot or on a stovetop, and it's easy to serve and enjoy. Here is a comparison of using a caramel fondue pot versus an electric fondue pot for your next fondue gathering.

Caramel Fondue Pot

Caramel fondue is a sweet and indulgent treat that can be made in a fondue pot, on a stovetop, or even in a slow cooker or microwave. It is a simple dessert that only requires a few basic ingredients: caramels, milk or heavy cream, marshmallows, and sea salt (optional). The preparation is straightforward: combine the caramels and milk in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in short intervals until smooth, then add the marshmallows and sea salt. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Caramel fondue can be served directly from the fondue pot, a small cast iron pot, or a ceramic pot, making it a convenient and attractive option for serving guests. The fondue pot keeps the caramel warm and melted, ready for dipping. This option is perfect for those who want a simple and straightforward way to enjoy caramel fondue without the need for additional equipment.

Electric Fondue Pot

Electric fondue pots offer a convenient and modern approach to the traditional fondue experience. These pots have adjustable temperature settings, making it easy to melt and maintain the desired temperature for various types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, and even hot oil or broth for cooking meat and vegetables. They typically come with a range of accessories, such as fondue forks, rings to hold the forks in place, and small cups for dipping ingredients.

One advantage of electric fondue pots is their ease of use. You can prepare and serve the fondue directly in the pot without needing to transfer it from a stovetop. The adjustable temperature settings also give you more control over the cooking process, reducing the risk of scorching or boiling your fondue. However, they do require an electrical power source and may have shorter cords, limiting where you can set them up.

Both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a simple and sweet dessert option, caramel fondue in a traditional fondue pot is a great choice. It's easy to prepare and serve, and the fondue pot keeps the caramel warm and ready for dipping. On the other hand, if you want more flexibility in the types of fondue you can make and prefer the convenience of adjustable temperature settings, an electric fondue pot might be the better option. Consider your fondue goals and guest list before making your choice!

How to prevent caramel from burning

Yes, you can melt caramel in a fondue pot. Here are some tips to prevent the caramel from burning:

Use the Right Type of Pan: Choose a sturdy, heavy-bottomed metal pot with tall sides. A light-coloured bottom will also help you monitor the colour changes in your caramel.

Clean Your Pan: Ensure your pot is sparkling clean before you start. Leftover crumbs or burnt bits can get into your caramel and ruin its texture and consistency.

Use the Right Sugar: Opt for granulated white refined sugar, made from sugarcane or sugar beet. It melts easily, yields a smooth texture, and is less likely to clump.

Prevent Crystallisation: Gently swirl the pan and use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar that sticks to the sides. You can also add a tiny amount of cream of tartar or lemon juice to inhibit crystallisation.

Monitor the Temperature: Avoid overheating your caramel. Don't melt it on the stove's highest setting, as it will scorch and taste burnt. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and prevent overcooking.

Don't Fear a Dark Colour: Allow your caramel to achieve a darker colour for a richer flavour. Keep the flame low to prevent it from burning.

Be Vigilant: Stay focused during the entire process. The difference between perfect and burnt caramel can be just a few seconds.

Follow these tips, and you'll be able to enjoy delicious, melted caramel in your fondue pot without worrying about burning it.

Frequently asked questions