The Perfect Chocolate Fondue: A Simple, Sweet Indulgence

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it's a great way to add an interactive element to your meal. It's simple to prepare and only requires a few basic ingredients, such as chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. You can also add extra flavours to the chocolate, like peppermint extract, cinnamon, or liqueur, to make it even more special. The best type of chocolate to use for fondue is semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, as these have the perfect consistency for melting. To make the fondue, simply heat your dairy of choice, add the chocolate, and stir until smooth. Then, transfer it to a fondue pot or serve straight from the pot. The perfect foods to dip into your fondue include fruit, cake, marshmallows, and pretzels.

How to Make Chocolate Fondue

Choosing your chocolate

Chocolate is the star of the show in a fondue, so choosing the right type is important. The best chocolate for fondue is either semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, or a combination of both. The difference between the two is the percentage of cacao in each—semisweet chocolate contains less cacao and tastes slightly sweeter. You can also use chopped chocolate bars if you prefer, or experiment with different types of chopped-up candy bars.

The amount of liquid you need depends on the type of chocolate you use. In general, you'll need a 1 cup to 10 ounces dairy-to-chocolate ratio to prevent the chocolate from becoming grainy or separating. For semisweet and bittersweet chocolates, a good rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of liquid (equal parts milk and cream) for every 10 ounces of chocolate. This will give you consistent results regardless of the type of chocolate used.

When it comes to the type of chocolate, you can use either chocolate chips or bars of chocolate. If you're using bars, just be sure to chop them up into small pieces first. You can also get creative and use different types of chocolate to create your own unique flavor combinations. For a rich, extra-chocolatey fondue, you can even use two different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet and milk chocolate. However, if milk chocolate isn't your favourite, you can always add some dark chocolate to the mix or stick to semi-sweet.

The quality of the chocolate you use will also make a difference in the overall taste of your fondue. Opting for good-quality chocolate chips or bars will result in a smoother, more flavourful fondue. If you're unsure about which brand to choose, Lindt or Callebaut are two premium options recommended by chefs.

Preparing your fruit

It is important to note that you should prepare the fruit just before serving or eating it. If you cut the fruit too far in advance, it may start to brown or dry out, which can affect the taste and texture. Therefore, it is best to prepare the fruit while the chocolate is melting or even after the chocolate fondue is ready. This way, you can ensure the fruit is fresh and ready for dipping.

Once you have cut the fruit, you can arrange it on a platter or plate. It is recommended to have two platters of fruit to make it easier for guests to access, especially if you are using a fondue pot. Place the platters on either side of the pot so that people don't have to reach over the hot chocolate to get their fruit. You can also provide different types of skewers or forks for dipping, as well as plates for guests to place their dipped fruit on before eating.

If you want to get creative, you can even decorate your fruit platter with herbs or edible flowers. For example, a few sprigs of mint or rosemary can add a nice touch to the display. You could also add some colour by using flowers like violas or rose petals. This will make your chocolate fondue setup look even more inviting and delicious!

Heating your dairy

Start by heating your dairy over medium-low heat until it gently simmers. You can use a combination of heavy cream and milk, or just milk. If you are using cream, you will need 1/2 a cup. If you are using a combination, you will need 1 cup of liquid (equal parts milk and cream). Warm the dairy until it just starts to simmer, and you see tiny bubbles forming around the edge of the pan.

Once your dairy is heated, you can add your chocolate. Remove the pan from the heat and add your chocolate. You can use chocolate chips, or a bar of chocolate that has been chopped up into small pieces. You will need 10 ounces of chocolate, or about 12 ounces of milk chocolate. Let the chocolate sit in the hot dairy for a couple of minutes to start melting, then stir until smooth. You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

If your chocolate starts to get grainy, you can add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it smooths out again.

Adding extra flavour

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be easily personalised with extra flavours. Here are some ideas to elevate your chocolate fondue:

Liqueur

Add a splash of your favourite liqueur to the chocolate fondue for a more adult version. Popular choices include orange liqueur, amaretto, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua), Bailey's Irish Cream, hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico), and almond liqueur. You can also spike white chocolate fondue with a little liquor for a heavenly treat.

Spices and Extracts

Add a pinch of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate twist. For a fruity twist, add some orange zest or a bit of peppermint extract. You can also steep aromatics in the cream for an hour before making the fondue. For example, a bruised lemongrass stalk for white chocolate or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate.

Peanut Butter

Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to the chocolate fondue and swirl it around, leaving streaks of peanut butter visible. This creates a delicious and visually appealing contrast.

Marshmallow

Add a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff to the chocolate fondue and swirl it without fully incorporating it. The streaks of marshmallow will make for a pretty presentation.

Chilli

Add a kick to your chocolate fondue by incorporating some chilli. Cinnamon and chilli together can give your fondue a Mexican spin.

Experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your favourite combinations. The possibilities are endless!

Melting and serving

Melting the chocolate is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a smooth fondue. Firstly, heat your chosen liquid—this could be milk, cream, or a combination of both—over a medium-low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to enhance the flavour. Then, remove the liquid from the heat and add your chocolate. It's best to use chocolate chips, but you can experiment with different types of chocolate, including chopped-up candy bars or chocolate bars. Leave the chocolate to sit in the hot liquid for a few minutes to begin melting, then stir until you have a smooth mixture. If you like, you can add a tablespoon or two of liqueur to taste. Suggested liqueurs include orange liqueur, amaretto, or coffee liqueur.

If you're using a fondue pot, transfer your chocolate mixture to the pot and light the fuel underneath, remembering to keep the flame low to avoid burning the fondue. If you don't have a fondue pot, don't worry! You can simply place your saucepan of melted chocolate on the table on a trivet or an oven mitt, and dip away. If the chocolate starts to cool, you can always warm it up again over a low heat. Alternatively, transfer the fondue to a small slow cooker and keep it on the "warm" setting.

When serving chocolate fondue, it's important to provide a variety of dippers to cater to different tastes and preferences. Fresh fruit is a classic option, with strawberries, bananas, apples, and pineapple being popular choices. For a more indulgent treat, try dipping marshmallows, brownies, or pound cake. If you're a fan of salty and sweet combinations, pretzel rods, potato chips, or pretzels are excellent choices. To elevate your fondue experience, consider adding some garnishes like flaky salt, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.

Remember to always use a fondue fork, skewer, or a separate utensil for dipping, and avoid eating directly from it. It's also a good idea to have two platters of dippers placed on either side of the pot, so everyone can easily reach them without having to stand up or reach over the fondue. Most importantly, enjoy the interactive and delicious experience of chocolate fondue!

Frequently asked questions