Creating A Caramel Fondue: Simple, Sweet, And Savory

Caramel fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for a romantic evening or a group of friends on a cold night. It is a great interactive dish that is both delicious and entertaining. You can make it in the microwave, crockpot, or on the stove-top, and it only takes about 10-20 minutes to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and you can dip a variety of treats into the fondue, such as fruit, pretzels, cookies, and marshmallows.

Choosing a pot: a fondue pot is best, but a small cast iron or ceramic pot will also work

When making caramel fondue, the best choice of cookware is a fondue pot, which can be placed on the table and will keep the caramel warm throughout the duration of your dessert. However, if you don't have a fondue pot, there are other options.

A small cast iron pot is a great alternative to a fondue pot. It can be used to cook the caramel fondue on the stove and then served directly to your guests. This option is elegant and functional, keeping the caramel warm for a while. A ceramic pot is another good choice for cooking and serving your fondue.

If you don't have a fondue pot, or either of the above alternatives, you can simply use a saucepan to cook the caramel fondue. Transfer the caramel to a microwave-safe bowl and place it on a tray with a heat-proof trivet when serving. You can then reheat the caramel fondue in the microwave as needed.

While a fondue pot is ideal, it is not necessary to enjoy this delicious dessert. With a little creativity, you can use various pots and pans to create a memorable and enjoyable caramel fondue experience.

Ingredients: soft caramels, heavy cream, butter, sea salt, and water

Soft caramels, heavy cream, butter, sea salt, and water are the key ingredients for making a delicious caramel fondue. Here's a detailed breakdown of each ingredient's role and some tips for preparation:

Soft Caramels

The soft caramels form the base of your fondue and give it that signature sweet and buttery flavour. When purchasing caramels, look for soft and chewy ones as they will melt more easily when combined with the heavy cream. Alternatively, you can make your own soft caramels from scratch if you're feeling adventurous. This allows you to control the ingredients and create a truly unique fondue.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is a crucial ingredient in caramel fondue as it helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. When shopping, look for heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, which have a higher fat content (at least 36% butterfat). This higher fat content ensures that your fondue will be rich and indulgent. Avoid using milk or light cream as they will not provide the same creamy consistency.

Butter

Butter is another essential ingredient that adds flavour and richness to your fondue. For the best results, use salted butter as the extra salt enhances the flavour of the caramels. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, simply add a pinch of fine salt to the butter and cream mixture. Melt the butter gently and combine it with the cream before adding it to the caramel mixture.

Sea Salt

A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavour of your fondue and brings out the sweetness of the caramels. Flaky or grey sea salt is a good option for sprinkling over the fondue as it cools, adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert. Regular table salt or kosher salt will also work if that's what you have available.

Water

While not always mentioned, water plays an important role in the caramel-making process. When cooking the sugar, adding a splash of water helps to prevent crystallisation and ensures a smooth texture. It also helps to create steam when covered with a lid, allowing any sugar stuck to the sides of the pan to melt back into the mixture.

Dippers: apples, marshmallows, pretzels, brownies, cheesecake, and more

When it comes to dippers for caramel fondue, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Apples

Apples are a classic choice for dipping in caramel. Go for a tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance out the sweetness of the caramel. Cut them into wedges or slices for easy dipping.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a perfect match for caramel fondue. They are soft and fluffy, providing a nice contrast to the sticky caramel. You can use regular or mini marshmallows, but larger ones are easier to dip.

Pretzels

Pretzels add a salty contrast to the sweet caramel. Go for the classic twist shape or the stick variety. Either way, they provide a nice crunchy texture to your fondue experience.

Brownies

Chocolate brownies are a decadent choice for dipping in caramel fondue. Cut them into long strips or bite-sized squares. They will be rich, so you might want to have a glass of milk handy!

Cheesecake

Cheesecake might seem like an unusual choice for fondue, but it is surprisingly delicious. The cold, creamy cheesecake pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey caramel. Cut the cheesecake into bite-sized squares for easy dipping.

Other Options

There are also plenty of other options to explore. Here are a few more ideas:

• Cookies: Oreos, gingernuts, custard creams, biscotti, or shortbread.
• Cakes: Vanilla cake, pound cake, or angel food cake cut into cubes or slices.
• Dried fruit: Apricots, raisins, or mango will add a chewy texture.
• Donuts: Mini donuts or larger ones broken into pieces.
• Rice Krispie treats: These provide a gooey, chewy texture.

So, get creative and experiment with different dippers to find your favourite combinations!

Cooking method: heat sugar and water, add cream, then butter, and finally salt

To make caramel fondue, start by combining sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Use a wet pastry brush to remove any sugar crystals that form at the edge of the saucepan during cooking.

Next, increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a medium amber colour. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the heavy cream. The cream will bubble and steam, so take care at this stage. Whisk the mixture until a smooth sauce forms. If lumps occur, place the caramel over medium heat and stir until the lumps dissolve.

Now, add the butter and stir until it melts. Then, whisk in the vanilla extract and fine grain sea salt. Pour the caramel sauce into a microwave-safe bowl or a fondue pot with an active burner.

Just before serving, drizzle the remaining heavy cream on top of the caramel and use a fork to create a swirled pattern. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of flake sea salt on the surface of the fondue and arrange your chosen dippers around the pot.

Serving: drizzle with heavy cream and sprinkle with sea salt

When serving your caramel fondue, you can add an extra touch of luxury by drizzling it with heavy cream and sprinkling it with sea salt. This is a simple way to elevate the presentation and flavour of your fondue.

To drizzle the fondue with heavy cream, you can use a spoon and gently pour or drip the cream over the fondue in a circular motion. You can also warm the cream slightly to make it easier to drizzle. If you're feeling creative, you can even use a plastic squeeze bottle or a piping bag to create more precise patterns.

The heavy cream will add a gorgeous swirl pattern to the surface of the fondue and give it an extra creamy texture. You can also try using a fork to gently swirl the cream into the fondue, creating a marble-like effect. This technique is a great way to impress your guests and add a unique touch to your dessert.

After drizzling with heavy cream, finish the fondue by sprinkling a pinch of flake or sea salt on top. This will not only enhance the flavour but also create a beautiful contrast of colours and textures. The salt will provide a savoury note to balance the sweetness of the caramel and cream.

Remember to serve the fondue with an assortment of dippers such as fresh fruit, cake squares, brownies, or even frozen cheesecake. Enjoy the sweet and salty combination of your caramel fondue and indulge in this delicious and entertaining dessert!

Frequently asked questions