Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue: A Decadent Dessert Experience

A slow cooker is a great option for making chocolate fondue. It is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, be it Valentine's Day, baby showers, or a simple get-together with friends. All you need to do is toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The best part? You can keep the fondue warm in the slow cooker itself, making it perfect for serving. So, go ahead, grab your slow cooker and some chocolate, and get ready to dip into a delicious, velvety pool of chocolate heaven!

What type of chocolate is best for fondue?

When it comes to choosing the best chocolate for your fondue, it's important to consider your personal preference for sweetness, flavour, and how well the chocolate melts. Here are some options to consider:

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is a classic choice for fondue as it melts easily and has a sweet flavour. However, it may be too sweet for some people, especially when paired with other sweet treats like strawberries, bananas, or cake.

White Chocolate

White chocolate, made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids, and vanilla, offers a different fondue experience. It pairs well with most types of fruit and creates a sweet and creamy dip.

Semisweet Chocolate

Semisweet chocolate is a middle ground between milk and dark chocolate, containing about 35% cocoa. It has a good balance of sweetness and flavour, making it a great option for fondue.

Bittersweet Chocolate

Bittersweet chocolate typically contains around 50% cocoa, giving it a rich, dark flavour without being overpowering. It works well in fondue, especially when paired with sweeter treats like fruit or cake.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has the highest cocoa content, making it the most bitter but also the most flavourful. It creates a unique and intense fondue that pairs well with sweet treats like pound cake or brownies.

Couverture Chocolate

Couverture chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa butter, resulting in a smooth and glossy finish. It is a popular choice among professionals for dipping or coating due to its easy melting properties, making it ideal for fondue.

Chocolate Morsels or Chips

Chocolate morsels or chips, available in various types like white, milk, semisweet, and dark, are convenient for fondue as they melt easily. However, some brands may not melt as well, so choose high-quality chips like Ghirardelli or Guittard.

Chocolate Melting Wafers

Chocolate melting wafers are designed to melt smoothly and maintain a liquid consistency, making them perfect for fondue. They are a good choice if you want to avoid the risk of burning your chocolate.

Compound Chocolate

Compound chocolate, made with cocoa, vegetable fat, and sugar, is a more affordable option. However, it may not melt as well as other types of chocolate, so it's best used only if you don't have other options.

Ultimately, the best chocolate for your fondue depends on your taste preferences and the type of treats you plan to dip. You can even mix different chocolates to create your unique blend, but be sure to melt them separately to avoid a messy grey colour.

How long does it take to melt chocolate in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make chocolate fondue. It's a great way to melt chocolate and keep it at the perfect temperature for dipping.

To melt chocolate in a slow cooker, it's recommended to use a low heat setting. The time it takes to melt chocolate in a slow cooker can vary depending on the amount of chocolate and the specific slow cooker being used. On average, it should take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to melt chocolate in a slow cooker.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chocolate on high for 30 minutes, then whisking the ingredients and setting the slow cooker to low. Other recipes suggest stirring the chocolate every 10 minutes for 30-45 minutes, or until fully melted.

It's important to note that moisture and high heat can ruin melted chocolate. Therefore, it's recommended to use a heat-proof spoon or spatula made of rubber or silicone when stirring the chocolate. Additionally, be sure to wipe down all surfaces and utensils that will come into contact with the chocolate to prevent moisture from ruining the batch.

What to dip in chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of dippers. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your slow cooker chocolate fondue:

Fruits

Fresh or dried fruits are classic choices for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, blackberries, and raspberries are popular options. Tropical fruits like mango and papaya can also be a sweet and juicy treat. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try dipping blueberries or cherries.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a perfect match for chocolate fondue. Go for larger marshmallows as they are easier to dip. You can also smoosh a marshmallow between two graham crackers for a chocolatey s'more.

Cookies and Cakes

Small cookies or cookie pieces, such as Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, and shortbread, are ideal for dipping. You can also dip brownies, but be sure to cut them into small pieces first. As for cakes, pound cake, angel food cake, and vanilla cake slices are excellent choices.

Crackers and Pretzels

For a sweet and salty combination, pretzels and crackers are a great option. Go for classic pretzel shapes or the stick variety. You can also add different types of crackers, such as honey, chocolate, or cinnamon graham crackers, for a crunchy texture.

Cheesecake and Rice Krispie Treats

Cutting a large cheesecake into small squares creates a delicate, yet indulgent, dipper for your chocolate fondue. Similarly, slicing Rice Krispie treats into dippable pieces provides a gooey and chewy contrast to the chocolate.

Other Creative Options

If you want to explore more unique combinations, consider dipping mini donuts, mini pancakes, waffles, or even potato chips! You can also add a savoury element by dipping candied bacon or peanut butter-filled pretzels.

How to store leftover fondue

Leftover fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, you may need to add more cream or milk to thin out the chocolate as it will thicken when stored. You can reheat fondue in the microwave or in a slow cooker on a low setting, stirring frequently.

If you have a large amount of leftover fondue, you can freeze it. First, pour the fondue into an airtight, freezer-safe container and let it cool completely. Then, place it in the freezer for up to one month. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently in the microwave or slow cooker.

You can also get creative with your leftovers and use them in other desserts or treats. Here are some ideas:

• Ice cream topping
• Cake or cheesecake topping
• Fudge swirl
• Hot chocolate
• Truffles
• Fudge
• Tarts
• Frosting
• Chocolate cream filling
• Chocolate-covered cookies
• S'mores

Can you reheat leftover fondue?

Yes, you can reheat leftover fondue, but it is generally agreed that it tastes better when consumed immediately after making it. Fondue can be reheated in a double boiler, on a stovetop, or in a microwave.

The double boiler method is the best way to reheat fondue, but it requires time and patience. First, fill a pot halfway with water and let it come to a boil. Next, place a glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring that the boiling water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Add your leftover fondue to the bowl and constantly mix it with a spatula or fork until it becomes liquid and achieves a smooth texture.

If you're in a hurry, you can use a stovetop or a microwave to reheat your fondue. When using a stovetop, place a non-stick pan on medium heat and add a knob of butter, along with a dash of milk or cream. Once heated, add the leftover fondue and keep mixing it through. Reduce the flame to low once the fondue starts boiling to prevent overcooking, which can result in a gritty and lumpy texture.

For small amounts of fondue, the microwave method is the fastest. Simply transfer the fondue to a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or cream if the texture is too thick, and heat in short bursts of 15 seconds, mixing after each interval to prevent lumps.

When reheating fondue, avoid heating it multiple times, as this can cause the cheese to curdle or the chocolate to burn. Additionally, if your leftover fondue contains food particles, it is recommended to discard it instead of storing it for later consumption.

Frequently asked questions