Chocolate Fondue: Easy, Quick, And Delicious Melty Treat

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or having a romantic dinner for two. It's a great way to get your family and guests involved and engaged while they dip their favourite treats into the chocolate fondue. This simple dessert only requires a few basic ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes, making it a quick and easy treat to prepare.

Choosing the right chocolate

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your fondue, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use high-quality chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips, as bars tend to melt better and don't harden as quickly. Look for brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, Dove, Godiva, or Hershey, and opt for bars with ingredients you can pronounce.

If you do decide to use chocolate chips, make sure they are of good quality and fresh. Avoid using artificial chocolate-like melting wafers, as the flavour won't be right for fondue. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate to find your preferred taste. A combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate creates a perfect balance that isn't too sweet or bitter. Alternatively, you can use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate for a sweeter fondue.

Additionally, consider the cocoa content of the chocolate. For a deep chocolate flavour, choose bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao, or use semi-sweet chocolate chips as a substitute. If you prefer a darker fondue, combine semi-sweet and dark chocolate. You can also add chopped white chocolate to your mixture to make it creamier and lighter.

Lastly, the amount of chocolate you need will depend on the size of your batch. For a large batch or a chocolate fountain, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe to achieve the desired consistency.

Preparing the fondue

Ingredients:

• Chocolate (milk, dark, white, or a combination)
• Heavy/whipping cream
• Whole milk (optional)
• Salt (a pinch)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Your choice of dippers (fruit, cake, cookies, etc.)

Instructions:

• Chop the chocolate into small pieces. You can also use chocolate chips, but some brands may not melt as well, so opt for high-quality chocolate.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate and cream. You can also add a small amount of butter for a more mellow flavour.
• Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate has completely melted. Do not let it boil.
• If using, add a pinch of salt and stir until combined.
• Off the heat, add vanilla extract (if desired) and stir.
• Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or a small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving. You can also use a tea light or a small burner to keep it warm.
• Serve with your favourite dippers and enjoy!

Tips:

• If the fondue becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little milk or cream.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate and add-ins like peanut butter, liqueur, or extracts for unique flavours.
• Prepare your dippers in advance so that they are ready when the fondue is warm and ready to serve.

Dipping options

There are endless options for what you can dip into your chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruit

Fresh fruit is a classic fondue dipper. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, papaya, apples, pears, and dried apricots are all great options. If you're feeling fancy, you can even dip dried figs, pineapple, or mango. Or go for something more unusual like orange or tangerine wedges, or slices of peaches, plums, or apricots.

Cookies and Biscuits

Small cookies or biscuits are perfect for dipping. Try Oreos, gingernuts, custard creams, biscotti, shortbread, or pink wafers. For a real treat, dip a brownie (but cut it into a small piece first, as they're very rich!).

Cake

Cubes of cake are another excellent choice for fondue. Try pound cake, angel food cake, or even cheesecake. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own mini cakes, cupcakes, or small cake slices specifically for dipping.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a match made in heaven with chocolate fondue. Go for larger marshmallows, as they'll be easier to dip.

Pretzels and Potato Chips

For a sweet and salty combination, dip pretzels or potato chips into your fondue. Pretzel rods and wavy chips are especially good for this, as they're nice and sturdy.

Other Sweet Treats

There are plenty of other sweet treats that you can dip into your fondue. Try Rice Krispie treats, honeycomb, mini donuts, mini pancakes, waffles, or even candy like red licorice or jelly beans.

Keeping the fondue warm

Keeping your chocolate fondue warm is essential to the experience. Here are some ways to ensure your chocolate fondue stays warm and enjoyable:

Fondue Pot

The most common way to keep your fondue warm is by using a fondue pot. These pots are designed to maintain the ideal temperature for your chocolate fondue. There are three main types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots, usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to your table. Ceramic fondue pots are excellent for retaining heat and are easy to clean, with some models even being microwave-safe. Electric fondue pots are the safest option and heat up quickly, but they are more expensive and require a power outlet nearby.

Tea Candles or Sterno

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle to keep your chocolate fondue warm. Tea candles produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so they are a good option if you want a gentler heat source. However, if you choose to use Sterno, be cautious as it can burn very hot. Keep a close eye on it, and turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid if it gets too hot. You can always reheat it for a minute or two if needed.

Small Crockpot or Candle Warmer

Another alternative to a fondue pot is using a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer. These options provide a gentle heat source to keep your chocolate fondue warm without the risk of overheating.

Double Boiler

When preparing your chocolate fondue, it's essential to melt the chocolate slowly and gently. A double boiler, created by placing a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, is an excellent way to achieve this. This method ensures your chocolate doesn't burn and maintains a smooth consistency.

Add Dairy or Oil

To help keep your chocolate fondue in a liquid state, you can add a neutral-tasting oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Additionally, adding dairy products like cream or milk can help thin out the fondue and prevent it from solidifying. However, be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the consistency of your fondue.

Adding extra flavour

Alcoholic liqueurs

For a boozy kick, add a dash of your favourite liqueur. Try Grand Marnier for an orange twist, or go for almond and cherry flavours with Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream. For a more subtle hint of alcohol, steep aromatics such as a stalk of lemongrass or a bag of Earl Grey tea in the cream for an hour before making your fondue.

Spices

Add a pinch of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate flavour, or dust your fondue with cinnamon, chilli powder or crunchy sea salt. A good pinch of espresso powder can also add a nice depth of flavour.

Fruit

Add some orange zest to your fondue for a fruity twist, or steep citrus fruit segments in a warm oven for a juicy burst of flavour.

Extracts

Peppermint, almond, orange or vanilla extracts can be added to your fondue to give it a unique flavour. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Frequently asked questions