How To Store Chocolate Fondue: Fridge Or Pantry?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a party with friends. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients: chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. The key to achieving the right consistency is to use high-quality chocolate and to heat it gently, being careful not to let it boil.

But what about storing leftovers? Can you refrigerate chocolate fondue? The answer is yes! Leftover fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth and warm. So, go ahead and make a batch of chocolate fondue, dip away, and enjoy the sweet treats with your loved ones!

How to make chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is an indulgent and fun dessert that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is also incredibly easy to make! Here is a simple recipe for chocolate fondue, along with some tips and tricks to ensure your fondue is a heavenly success.

Ingredients:

• High-quality chocolate (milk, dark, semisweet, or white chocolate chips or bars)
• Heavy whipping cream
• A pinch of salt
• Vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavour:

• Cinnamon and ancho chilli pepper (for a Mexican hot chocolate twist)
• A pinch of espresso powder
• Orange zest
• Peppermint extract
• Liquor or citrus zest
• Aromatics such as a bruised lemongrass stalk or a bag of Earl Grey tea

Method:

• In a medium-sized saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot, heat the heavy whipping cream and a pinch of salt over medium-low heat until steaming. Do not let it boil.
• Add the chocolate (chopped into small pieces if using bars) and stir constantly until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. You can also add any optional ingredients for extra flavour at this stage.
• Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
• If you are not using a fondue pot, transfer the chocolate fondue to a serving bowl. If using a fondue pot, simply serve straight from the pot.
• Arrange your chosen dippers on a platter or plates around the chocolate pot.
• Enjoy!

Tips:

If your fondue starts to stiffen, simply add a tablespoon of heavy cream and stir.

Storing and Reheating:

• You can make the chocolate fondue up to a day or two in advance. Allow the mixture to cool, then refrigerate.
• When you are ready to enjoy it, gently reheat the chocolate fondue in the microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until it is smooth and warm. Alternatively, you can place the chocolate fondue in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water to warm it up.

Dippers:

The options for dippers are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fruit: strawberries, bananas, pineapple chunks, dried apricots, pears, orange or tangerine wedges, peaches, plums, dried figs, mango, etc.
• Sweet treats: brownies, pound cake, marshmallows, ladyfingers, wafers, cookies, rice krispie treats, etc.

What to dip in chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be served at various occasions, from romantic meals to family game nights. While the options for what to dip in chocolate fondue are endless, here are some popular and creative ideas to elevate your chocolate fondue experience:

Fruits

Fruit is a classic and popular choice for chocolate fondue. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the creamy chocolate. Here are some specific fruits that work well:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Mangoes
• Apples
• Pears
• Apricots
• Oranges
• Tangerines
• Peaches
• Plums
• Figs
• Grapes

Baked Goods

Various baked goods can be cut into small pieces or cubes to create delicious chocolate fondue dippers. Here are some options:

• Pound cake
• Angel food cake
• Ladyfingers
• Brownies
• Cheesecake
• Muffins
• Cupcakes
• Mini cakes
• Cookies (Oreos, gingernuts, custard creams, biscotti, shortbread, vanilla cookies, etc.)
• Rice Krispie treats
• Waffles
• Pancakes
• Donuts
• Croissants
• Cinnamon bears

Savoury Options

For those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savoury, there are several savoury options that pair surprisingly well with chocolate fondue:

• Pretzels
• Potato chips/crisps
• Bacon
• Nuts (macadamias, pecans, etc.)
• Cheesy items (Gouda, cheese fondue, etc.)

Other Sweet Treats

There are also several other sweet treats that can be dipped into chocolate fondue:

• Marshmallows
• Honeycomb
• Fudge
• Popcorn (caramel, sweet and salted, etc.)
• Candy bars
• Graham crackers
• Animal crackers
• Nilla wafers

With so many options to choose from, you can create a chocolate fondue spread that will impress your guests or satisfy your own chocolate cravings!

How to keep chocolate fondue warm

There are several ways to keep chocolate fondue warm. Here are some tips and methods to ensure your chocolate fondue stays at the perfect temperature:

Use a Fondue Pot

The most common way to keep chocolate fondue warm is by using a fondue pot. Fondue pots are designed to keep food warm, and there are three main types: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. Ceramic fondue pots are great at retaining heat and are easy to clean. Electric fondue pots are the safest option and heat up quickly, but they are more expensive.

Tea Candles or Sterno Fuel

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle to keep your chocolate fondue warm. Tea candles produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so they are a good option if you want to avoid overheating your fondue. However, if you choose to use Sterno fuel, be sure to keep an eye on it as it can burn very hot. When it gets too hot, turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid.

Small Crockpot or Candle Warmer

Another option for keeping your chocolate fondue warm is by using a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer. These can be great alternatives if you don't have access to a fondue pot or tea candles.

Maintain Heat with a Heat Source

To prevent your chocolate fondue from burning during heating and setting as it cools, maintain a low heat level with a heat source served alongside the fondue. This can be done with a small portable burner or a food-warming candle.

Add Neutral-Tasting Oil or Dairy

You can also add a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, to the chocolate mixture to help keep it in a liquid form. Additionally, adding dairy, such as cream or milk, can create a chocolate "sauce" that will stay warm for longer. However, be cautious as too much dairy can affect the consistency of your fondue.

How to make chocolate fondue thicker

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, but sometimes it can turn out too thin. If this happens, there are several ways to thicken it without compromising taste. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect consistency for your chocolate fondue.

Add more chocolate

Adding more melted chocolate to the fondue without increasing the amount of liquid will thicken the mixture. Simply melt some extra chocolate in a double boiler or saucepan over low heat, being careful not to let it scorch or burn. Then, slowly add the melted chocolate to your fondue, stirring continuously, until you reach the desired thickness.

Cornstarch and cream

Another effective method is to use cornstarch and cream. In a small bowl, slowly add very cold whipping cream to the cornstarch, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once you have a smooth mixture, pour it into your fondue and whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are fully combined and the fondue has thickened.

Powdered cocoa

If you don't have cornstarch, you can add some powdered cocoa to your fondue. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired consistency. The powder will absorb some of the moisture and thicken the fondue.

Allow it to cool

Remember that chocolate thickens as it cools, so letting your fondue cool down a bit might be all you need to get it to the right consistency. If it thickens too much, simply reheat it gently and add a small amount of milk or cream to adjust the consistency.

How to store and reheat chocolate fondue

Storing and reheating chocolate fondue is simple. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to two months.

To reheat, there are a few different methods you can use:

• Microwave at 50% power, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• Reheat in a double boiler to prevent the chocolate from scorching.
• Reheat in a slow cooker on low, stirring frequently.

If you're making the fondue in advance, you can prepare the chocolate fondue up to a day or two ahead. Let the mixture cool, then refrigerate. When you're ready to enjoy it, gently warm the chocolate mixture in the microwave or over a pot of simmering water.

Frequently asked questions