Chocolate Fondue: How Much Do You Need?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make at home. It's a great way to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different types of chocolate and dippers. The basic ingredients for chocolate fondue are chocolate, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. The type of chocolate you use is important – a combination of semisweet and bittersweet chocolate is a good option, or you can use chocolate chips. The amount of chocolate you need will depend on how many people you are serving and how thick you want your fondue to be. A good rule of thumb is to use a 1:1 ratio of chocolate to dairy, so for every 10 ounces of chocolate, you would use 1 cup of milk or cream.

Chocolate type and quantity

The type and amount of chocolate you need for a fondue will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve, as well as the number of people you are serving.

For a classic, deep chocolate flavour, it is recommended to use bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao. Alternatively, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips, or a combination of both. The difference between semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate is the percentage of cacao in each. Semi-sweet chocolate contains less cacao than bittersweet chocolate and tastes slightly sweeter. If you want a creamy white fondue, you can substitute a pound of high-quality white chocolate chips or baking chocolate.

For a fondue with an old-fashioned cocoa flavour that is not too sweet or bitter, you can combine milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate.

Most recipes call for a 1:1 ratio of dairy to chocolate, or 1 cup of dairy for every 10 ounces of chocolate, so that the chocolate doesn't get grainy or separate. However, you can adjust the ratio depending on the type of chocolate and your desired consistency. For semi-sweet chocolate, you may need a little more liquid, while bittersweet chocolate will require a little less.

For a large batch or a chocolate fountain, you will need a significant amount of chocolate, such as 18 bars of milk or dark chocolate. For a smaller batch, you can use as little as 4 to 6 ounces of chocolate.

• 8 ounces of premium dark chocolate and 8 ounces of premium milk chocolate
• 10 ounces of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
• 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and 4 ounces of milk chocolate
• 5 ounces of milk chocolate, 5 ounces of dark chocolate, and 4 ounces of white chocolate

Liquid type and quantity

The liquid used in chocolate fondue is usually a combination of milk and cream. The ratio of liquid to chocolate is important to ensure that the fondue doesn't become too grainy or separate. A ratio of 1 cup of liquid to 10 ounces of chocolate is recommended.

For a richer, more intense chocolate fondue, you can use milk instead of cream or half-and-half. If a thinner consistency is desired, additional cream or milk can be whisked in until the ideal consistency is achieved.

• 1/3 cup milk and 1/3 cup heavy cream for every 10 ounces of chocolate
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of milk or cream (or a combination of both) for every 10 ounces of chocolate
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of whole milk for every 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate and 4 ounces of milk chocolate
• 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup of whole milk for every 10 ounces of chocolate
• 1 cup of liquid (equal parts milk and cream) for every 10 ounces of chocolate

Heating method

The key to successfully melting chocolate is to heat it gently and slowly. There are several ways to do this, and you don't necessarily need a fondue pot, although it is recommended if you plan on making fondue regularly.

Using a Fondue Pot

If you have a fondue pot, follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. You can combine your chocolate and liquid ingredients in the fondue pot and heat gently, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth.

Stovetop Method

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a heavy-bottom saucepan on a gas or electric stove. Simply combine your chocolate and liquid ingredients in the saucepan and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted. Do not let the mixture come to a boil, as this can cause the fondue to scorch and become grainy.

Double Boiler Method

Another option is to use a double boiler, which involves placing a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Add your chocolate to the bowl and stir until smooth.

Microwave Method

You can also melt your chocolate in the microwave, although this requires a bit more care to avoid burning. Place your chocolate and liquid ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted.

Keeping the Fondue Warm

Once your fondue is melted, you can keep it warm in a fondue pot, slow cooker, or on a warm setting on the stove. If you don't have any of these options, you can place your saucepan of fondue on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot water to keep it warm.

Fondue is best served warm, but it doesn't need to be piping hot. Even as it cools, it will stay soft and dippable.

Dippers

When it comes to dippers for your chocolate fondue, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh, dried, or even crystallised fruits pair well with chocolate fondue. Try strawberries, orange segments, bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, mango, papaya, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, apricots, figs, dates, or dragon fruit. You could also try warming dried fruits in the oven to make them crispy.

Baked Goods

Cake and chocolate go hand in hand, so why not try dipping cubes of angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, fruit cake, wedding cake, or cheesecake into your fondue? Alternatively, go for brownies, blondies, Rice Krispie treats, or biscotti.

Cookies

Shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla wafers, oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, ginger snaps, meringues, fortune cookies, and even Oreos are all great choices for dipping.

Sweet Treats

For even more sweetness, dip marshmallows, pretzels, potato chips, candy, honeycomb, or nuts into your fondue. You could also try mini donuts, mini cakes, cupcakes, or small slices of cheesecake.

Something Different

For a savoury twist, try dipping sweetbreads or bread such as raisin bread, date bread, banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, or even cinnamon rolls.

Fondue pot alternatives

If you don't have a fondue pot, there are several alternatives you can use to achieve similar results. Here are some options to consider:

Slow Cooker or Crockpot

A slow cooker or crockpot is an excellent option for keeping your fondue warm throughout a party. Simply make the fondue as you usually would and then transfer it to the slow cooker, setting it to the "keep warm" function. This method ensures your fondue stays at an ideal temperature without overheating or burning.

Double Boiler

The double boiler method is a common alternative to a fondue pot. It involves using a glass or metal bowl placed over a saucepan of gently simmering water. The boiling water heats the bowl indirectly, providing a gradual melting process for your chocolate or cheese fondue. It is important to continuously stir the ingredients and add them gradually to prevent lumps from forming.

Thick-Based Pot

A thick-based pot can also be used in place of a fondue pot, but it is crucial to use a very low flame. Similar to the double boiler method, you would start by adding the wine and garlic, followed by gradually adding the cheese while stirring to prevent lumps. This method tends to produce excellent results, similar to those achieved with a traditional fondue pot.

Oven Broiling

If you're looking for a quick and direct heat option, oven broiling can be used to create a baked cheese dip. Grate your desired cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, and place them into ramekins. Drizzle olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper. Pop them under the broiler for a few minutes, and you'll have a delicious melted cheese dish ready to serve with crusty bread.

Electric Hotplate

An electric hotplate can be a simple solution for keeping your fondue warm. You can use small bowls to serve the fondue and refill them as needed from a pot on the hotplate. This method may not be the most elegant, but it is functional and gets the job done!

Bricks

For a creative and unique approach, you can even use bricks as a heat source. Wrap bricks in foil, warm them in the oven, and use them as a makeshift hotplate to keep your fondue warm.

While a fondue pot is convenient, these alternatives show that it is not necessary to create a delicious and enjoyable fondue experience. Each of these methods has its advantages and can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you're looking for a slow cooker, direct heat, or something in between.

Frequently asked questions