Vegan Chocolate Fondue: A Decadent, Easy-To-Make Treat

Chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent dessert, perfect for date night, Valentine's Day, or a special occasion. Making a vegan version is easy and uses simple, dairy-free ingredients. This guide will teach you how to make a delicious vegan chocolate fondue, with tips on the best chocolate to use, how to melt it, and what to dip into it.

Choosing the right chocolate

Type of Chocolate

Most vegan chocolate fondue recipes call for dark chocolate, as it is naturally dairy-free. When selecting dark chocolate, look for one with a cocoa content of at least 60% for the best results. A higher cocoa content, such as 70%, will give your fondue a richer taste. If you prefer a sweeter fondue, you can opt for a chocolate with a lower cocoa content, such as 50%, but you may need to adjust the sweetness and texture with other ingredients.

Quality of Chocolate

It is important to choose a good quality chocolate that has a delicious taste. Organic chocolate is an excellent option, and you can refer to the Food Empowerment Project's Chocolate List to find ethically produced vegan chocolate. Some recommended brands include Real Food Source (UK and Europe), Hu Kitchen (for paleo chocolate), and Lily's Dark Chocolate (for stevia-sweetened, low-carb options).

Form of Chocolate

You can use various forms of chocolate for your fondue, such as chopped chocolate bars, chocolate chunks, or chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are convenient as they melt quickly, but be aware that some brands may contain stabilisers that can prevent them from melting smoothly. Look for a brand with fewer ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.

Amount of Chocolate

The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the number of people you are serving. A good rule of thumb is to use about 60g/2oz of chocolate per person. For a large party, you may need a bigger pot of fondue, while a romantic fondue for two would require a smaller amount. Adjust the recipe accordingly to suit your needs.

Selecting a liquid

Type of Liquid

You can use a variety of liquids to make vegan chocolate fondue, including non-dairy milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, or a combination of these. Some common non-dairy milk options include almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. These options have a more neutral flavour, allowing the taste of the chocolate to shine through. Coconut milk and coconut cream will result in a richer, more indulgent fondue with a subtle coconut flavour. You can also mix a thicker milk like coconut milk or coconut cream with a thinner milk like almond or cashew milk to get the best of both worlds.

Flavour

When selecting a liquid, consider the flavour you want to achieve. If you prefer a more neutral-tasting fondue, opt for unsweetened or unflavoured non-dairy milk. If you want a hint of coconut, go for coconut milk or cream. You can also enhance the flavour of your fondue by adding a splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or coconut extract. Keep in mind that some liquids, like coconut milk, have a stronger flavour than others, so a little goes a long way.

Consistency

The liquid you choose will impact the thickness and creaminess of your fondue. For a richer and thicker fondue, coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk are excellent choices. If you prefer a thinner consistency, opt for a thinner non-dairy milk or use a combination of thicker and thinner liquids. You can always adjust the consistency by adding more liquid or chocolate as needed. Keep in mind that the fondue will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.

Quality

As with any recipe, the quality of your ingredients will impact the final result. When selecting a liquid for your vegan chocolate fondue, opt for high-quality options. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and avoid those with added sugars or preservatives. Choosing a liquid that complements the flavour of your chocolate is also key. For example, if you're using a sweeter chocolate, you may want to use a lighter liquid to balance the flavours.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Keep in mind any allergies or dietary restrictions when selecting a liquid. If you or your guests have nut allergies, for example, it's best to avoid almond or cashew milk. Coconut milk and cream are generally safe choices, but always check the ingredient list to ensure they meet your dietary needs. If you're serving gluten-free guests, be mindful of cross-contamination when preparing and serving your fondue.

Melting the chocolate

Choosing the Right Chocolate

Select a good quality vegan chocolate with a delicious taste. Most dark chocolate is vegan, but it's important to double-check the ingredients. Look for chocolate with a cocoa content of around 70% for a rich flavour. You can use chopped chocolate bars, chunks, or chocolate chips. However, some chocolate chips have stabilizers added, which can affect melting, so opt for a brand with minimal ingredients.

Selecting the Liquid

For the liquid component, you have a few options. You can use coconut cream, full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or even dairy-free milk. If you want a more neutral flavour, opt for almond or cashew milk. Coconut cream or milk will result in a thicker, richer fondue.

Melting Techniques

There are a few methods you can use to melt the chocolate:

• Stovetop: Combine the chocolate and liquid in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir or whisk frequently to prevent burning until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy.
• Double Boiler: This method helps prevent overheating and ensures a smooth texture. Bring a small saucepan of water to a simmer and place a heatproof bowl containing the chocolate and liquid on top. Stir regularly until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
• Microwave: Place the chocolate and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and melted.
• Blender: Add the liquid and other ingredients (cocoa powder, sugar, salt) to a high-powered blender and blend. Then, add the chocolate and blend until smooth.

Adjusting the Consistency

Once the chocolate is melted, you can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of liquid if it's too thick or additional chocolate if it's too runny. Stir well to incorporate.

Now you're ready to serve your vegan chocolate fondue! Keep it warm using a fondue set, a small slow cooker, or a pan on low heat. Enjoy with your favourite dippers!

Adding flavour

There are many ways to add flavour to your vegan chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas:

• Swirl in some dairy-free white chocolate. It can be difficult to find in stores, but you can order it online. It is very sweet, but it looks pretty and is a hit with kids.
• Add some peanut butter. Warm it up a little first and then swirl it into the top of the fondue.
• Add a splash of almond extract to give your fondue an amaretto twist.
• Kick up the coconut flavour with a tiny dash of coconut extract – a little goes a long way!
• Add some flaky sea salt on top.
• Use a sweeter chocolate, such as 50% cocoa content, and leave out the maple syrup. Adjust the texture with a little more plant milk.
• If you like your chocolate fondue with a hint of orange, add some orange zest.
• If you like your chocolate fondue with a hint of spice, add some ginger powder.
• If you want to make your fondue extra creamy, add a little coconut oil to the beginning of the recipe.

Dippers

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

Fruits

Fresh fruits are a classic fondue dipper. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, apples, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and dragon fruit are all excellent options. If you're looking for something a little different, try dried fruit like apricots, mango, papaya, or figs.

Cookies and Biscuits

Small cookies or biscuits are perfect for dipping. Oreos, gingernuts, custard creams, biscotti, shortbread, and peanut butter cookies are all great choices. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping pink wafers or fortune cookies!

Cakes and Baked Goods

Mini cakes, cupcakes, or cake slices are perfect for dipping. Try vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or carrot cake. Angel food cake and sponge cake are also excellent options. For an extra indulgent treat, dip some brownies or cheesecake squares!

Sweet Treats

Marshmallows, rice crispy treats, pretzels, graham crackers, and even potato chips can be dipped into your vegan chocolate fondue. For a real treat, try dipping mini donuts or pancakes!

Nuts and Popcorn

Nuts and popcorn can add a savoury element to your fondue. Try using sweet, salty, or caramel popcorn for a delicious flavour combination. As for nuts, go for larger varieties such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.

Frequently asked questions