The Art Of Chocolate Fondue Sauce

Chocolate fondue is an interactive dessert that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is easy to make and can be personalised with a variety of dippers and extra flavours. To make a basic chocolate fondue sauce, you will need chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate, and add a variety of flavourings such as peppermint extract, cinnamon, chili, liquor, or citrus zest. The sauce can be made on the stovetop or in the microwave and served in a fondue pot to keep it warm.

Choosing your chocolate

The type of chocolate you use will depend on your taste preferences and the intensity of chocolate flavour you want to achieve. For a softer, more mellow chocolate flavour, opt for butter or cream. If you prefer a more intense chocolate hit, use milk instead of cream, and choose a bittersweet chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage (between 66% and 70%).

You can also vary the amount of liquid you add to the chocolate fondue to change the consistency. For a thicker fondue, use less liquid, and for a thinner fondue, add more liquid. You can also adjust the amount of liquid depending on whether you want a more or less intense chocolate flavour.

If you're making a large batch of chocolate fondue, it's a good idea to do a small test batch first to ensure you get the right consistency and flavour. This will allow you to adjust the recipe as needed before making a larger quantity.

Different types of chocolate will also give you different flavours and textures, so it's worth experimenting with a few options to find your favourite. For example, you could try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. You can also add extra ingredients to your chocolate fondue to create unique flavour combinations. For example, you could add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder, or some orange zest for a fruity twist.

Adding extra flavours

There are many ways to add extra flavours to your chocolate fondue sauce. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Peppermint Chocolate Fondue: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate fondue. Start with a small amount and increase according to taste. This will give your fondue a refreshing and minty flavour.

Mexican Chocolate Fondue: Add a 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and ancho chile pepper to the fondue to give it a spicy and warming kick. This combination is perfect if you're looking for something a little different.

Adult Twist: Spike your fondue with a dash of liquor. Try Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream for a more sophisticated flavour profile.

Fruity Chocolate: Add some orange zest to your fondue to give it a subtle fruity twist. Alternatively, steep a bag of Earl Grey tea in the cream for an hour before making the fondue for a stylish and contemporary flavour.

Peanut Butter Fondue: Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the chocolate fondue and stir to create a swirl effect. Leave streaks of peanut butter visible for a pretty presentation.

Marshmallow Fondue: Add a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff into the chocolate fondue and swirl it around. For an even more indulgent treat, leave streaks of marshmallow visible in the fondue.

What to dip in the fondue

Chocolate fondue is a great way to end a romantic meal, and it's an interactive dessert that lets everyone choose their favourite treats to dip. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your chocolate fondue:

Fresh Fruit

Fruit is one of the most popular items to dip in chocolate fondue. Strawberries are a classic, romantic choice, but you can also use bananas, pineapple, mango, papaya, pears, apples, oranges, blackberries, or raspberries.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit lasts longer than fresh fruit, so it's a great option if you want to prepare your fondue dippers in advance. Try dried apricots, figs, pineapple, or mangoes.

Cookies

Biscuits and cookies are great for dipping. Try shortbread, Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, or pink wafers.

Brownies and Cake

Cut up brownies, pound cake, angel food cake, or any other cake into small pieces or cubes for dipping.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows and chocolate are a match made in heaven! Use large marshmallows for dipping, or smoosh one between two graham crackers for a chocolate-covered s'more.

Pretzels and Potato Chips

The salty, crunchy texture of pretzels and potato chips makes a great contrast to the sweet, velvety chocolate fondue.

Cheesecake

Cut a large cheesecake into small squares for the perfect delicate, dippable treat.

Other Sweet Treats

Other sweet treats that can be dipped in chocolate fondue include Rice Krispie treats, honeycomb, mini donuts, mini pancakes, mini cakes or cupcakes, waffles, fudge, or nuts.

Fondue pots and other equipment

Fondue pots are the most important piece of fondue equipment. They come in various materials, sizes, and types, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right fondue pot and other equipment for making chocolate fondue sauce:

Fondue Pots:

• Metal Fondue Pots: These are usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are sturdy, durable, and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. Metal fondue pots are usually larger and heavier than other options.
• Ceramic Fondue Pots: Ceramic pots are excellent for retaining heat and are easy to clean. They come in various sizes, and some models can be heated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Electric Fondue Pots: Electric fondue pots are safer and heat up faster than other types. They offer precise temperature control and are easy to adjust. However, they require an electrical outlet nearby and tend to be more expensive.
• Chocolate Fondue Fountains: These are a fun addition to parties, creating a flowing cascade of chocolate. They can accommodate more guests than a single fondue pot but are more expensive and take up more space.

Other Equipment:

• Fuel: Choose the right type of fuel for your fondue pot, such as unscented tea lights, alcohol, fondue gel, or Sterno. Store fuel safely away from children and pets.
• Fondue Forks: Use two or three-pronged forks for meat and cheese fondue and shorter forks for dessert fondue. Color-coded forks help guests keep track of their utensils.
• Fondue Plates: These plates have multiple compartments for dips, raw and cooked meat, or side dishes.
• Dipping Trays: Some fondue sets include small bowls or compartments for dips and sauces.
• Fondue Kits: Ready-to-use fondue kits are available for cheese and chocolate fondue, eliminating the need for measuring and grating ingredients.

Storing and reheating the fondue

Storing your chocolate fondue is easy. Simply let the mixture cool, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for several days.

When you're ready to reheat your fondue, there are a few different methods you can use. Each method requires you to stir the fondue frequently to prevent overheating, burning, or curdling.

Microwave

Microwaving your fondue is the quickest way to reheat it. Place your fondue in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts of 15-30 seconds, stirring after each burst until the fondue is smooth and warm.

Stovetop

To reheat your fondue on the stovetop, use either a non-stick pan or a double boiler. If using a non-stick pan, add a knob of butter and a dash of milk or cream to the pan and heat. Once the milk or cream is warm, add the fondue and stir frequently. Reduce the flame to low once the fondue starts boiling.

If using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot halfway with water and place a glass bowl on top, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Add your fondue to the bowl and stir frequently until it becomes smooth and liquid.

Fondue Pot

You can also reheat your fondue in a fondue pot. However, this method gives you less control over the temperature, so it's easier to accidentally overheat your fondue. If reheating in a fondue pot, keep the heat very low and stir frequently. If the fondue starts to get too hot, turn off the heat or partially cover the pot. If needed, add a small amount of cream to the fondue and reheat for a minute or two.

Frequently asked questions