Chocolate Fondue Feast: How Much Per Person?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for parties or romantic meals at home. The amount of chocolate fondue you'll need per person depends on the number of guests and the variety of dippers you plan to serve. As a guideline, a standard serving size for chocolate fondue is around 1/4 cup per person, but this can vary depending on the sweetness of the fondue and the type of dippers offered. It's always a good idea to prepare extra fondue, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Chocolate fondue recipe

Ingredients

• 10 ounces (283 g) chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (higher % cacao for deeper flavour)
• 1/3 cup milk (preferably not skimmed) or 1/2-3/4 cup whole milk (for a more intense flavour)
• 1/2-3/4 cup heavy cream (or 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter)
• 1/2-3/4 cup half-and-half (or 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Dipping options: fruit (strawberries, bananas, oranges, pineapple, apples, etc.), cookies (Oreos, vanilla cookies, etc.), marshmallows, pretzels, cake (pound cake, brownies, etc.)

Utensils

• Saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot
• Small bowl (if melting chocolate in the microwave)
• Fondue pot or small slow cooker (optional)

Method

Combine the chocolate, milk/cream, and butter (if using) in a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot. Place over low heat and stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let the mixture come to a boil. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. If the fondue is too thick, whisk in a little extra milk or cream until the desired consistency is reached.

Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep warm while serving. Serve with your chosen dippers.

Tips

• The type of chocolate you use is important. Good-quality chocolate bars are better than chocolate chips, which often don't melt as well and can affect the taste.
• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can keep the fondue warm in a small slow cooker or in the same saucepan you used to make it, placed on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water.
• Leftover fondue can be stored in the refrigerator and warmed over low heat when you want to enjoy it again.

How much chocolate fondue per person?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a romantic meal for two, it's always a good idea to have enough chocolate fondue for everyone. But how much chocolate fondue should you plan per person?

A good rule of thumb is to allow for about 1/4 cup of chocolate fondue per person. This may vary depending on the number of dippers and the appetite of your guests, but it's a good starting point to ensure you have enough for everyone.

For example, if you are expecting 16 people at your party, you would need about 4 cups (1 quart) of chocolate fondue. This amount should provide enough for each person to have a generous serving of chocolate fondue, even with a variety of dippers.

It's always better to have too much than too little, so if you're unsure, it's a good idea to make a little extra. Leftover chocolate fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and warm.

When planning your chocolate fondue party, be sure to have a variety of dippers for your guests to choose from. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, is always a popular choice. Cookies, marshmallows, and pretzels are also great options that will appeal to both kids and adults.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your chocolate fondue party is a sweet success, with enough delicious fondue for everyone to enjoy!

Dippers for chocolate fondue

There are endless options for what to dip into chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas for dippers to go with your chocolate fondue, separated into categories:

Fruit

Fresh fruit is a classic fondue dipper. Strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, and pineapple are all popular choices. If you're looking for something more exotic, try dragon fruit, papaya, or kiwi. Dried fruit is another option that will last longer than fresh fruit. Some ideas for dried fruit include apricots, mango, and pineapple.

Baked Goods

Cake and chocolate go together naturally. Cubed angel food cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, and even cheesecake can be used as dippers. Cookies are another obvious choice. Suggested types include shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla wafers. For a more indulgent option, try dipping brownies or donuts.

Sweet Treats

Marshmallows and chocolate are a match made in heaven. For the best dipping experience, use larger marshmallows rather than mini ones. Other sweet treats that can be dipped in chocolate fondue include pretzels, honeycomb, and popcorn.

Savoury Options

Although less common, there are some savoury foods that can be dipped in chocolate fondue. Potato chips are a surprisingly good combination. You could also try dipping pretzels, especially the stick variety, for a mix of sweet and salty.

Chocolate types for fondue

When it comes to chocolate fondue, the type of chocolate you use is important. It's best to use chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips, as not all brands of chocolate chips melt well. Opt for bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, with brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Baker's melting the best. If you can't get your hands on these, a chocolate baking bar is a good alternative. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they don't always melt well and can affect the taste.

For a deep chocolate flavour, go for bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips or a combination of both for a richer, deeper flavour. White chocolate fondue is also an option, and you can spike it with liquor or citrus zest. If you're making the fondue for kids, a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate is a good option, as they might not appreciate the bitterness of dark chocolate.

You can also experiment with different types of chocolate and add extracts or liqueurs to the fondue for extra flavour. For example, you can try orange extract, peppermint extract, Grand Marnier (orange liqueur), or amaretto (almond/cherry flavour).

No fondue pot?

If you don't have a fondue pot, don't worry! You can still make and enjoy chocolate fondue. Here are some alternative methods and tips to help you create this delicious treat without a fondue pot:

Alternative Methods:

• Saucepan on the stove: You can make chocolate fondue in a saucepan on the stove. Simply combine the ingredients in the saucepan, melt them together, and keep the fondue warm on low heat while serving. This method is suitable for a small group where the fondue is the main focus, and you'll be eating it right away.
• Slow cooker: A small slow cooker can be used to make and keep your chocolate fondue warm. Prepare the fondue as usual and then transfer it to the slow cooker to maintain its temperature.
• Double boiler: You can use a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to create a double boiler. This method ensures gentle heating and prevents the chocolate from burning. Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir until smooth.
• Regular pot with an oven mitt: Place a regular pot of melted chocolate on an oven mitt on your table. Return it to the stove and add hot cream if it starts to stiffen.

Keeping the Fondue Warm:

• Tea candle: A tea candle produces less heat than canned Sterno fuel and can be used to keep your fondue warm.
• Sterno fuel: Use with caution as it can burn very hot. Keep an eye on it and adjust as needed by partially covering the can with the lid.
• Small crockpot or candle warmer: These can also be used to maintain the temperature of your fondue.

Tips:

• Chocolate quality: Use good-quality chocolate or chocolate chips. Not all brands melt well, so choose chocolate that is known to melt smoothly, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard.
• Stirring: When melting the chocolate, stir occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain a smooth texture.
• Temperature control: Do not let the fondue come to a simmer or boil. Keep it on low heat to prevent it from becoming too hot.
• Consistency: The fondue should be thick and glossy. If it's too thick, you can adjust by whisking in additional cream or milk gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Dippers: Offer a variety of dippers such as fruit (strawberries, bananas), baked goods (brownies, cookies), and candies (marshmallows).

Frequently asked questions