Caramel Fondue: Slow-Cooked Sweetness In A Crock Pot

A sweet, indulgent treat, caramel fondue is a simple yet delicious dessert that can be made in a crock pot. With a bold caramel flavour, it is perfect for dipping, pouring, or even eating by the spoonful. This fondue is rich, creamy, and gooey, and can be served with a variety of dippers such as apples, marshmallows, strawberries, pretzels, and crackers. The best part? It only takes a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker to make this decadent dessert.

Choosing a recipe

When choosing a recipe for caramel fondue in a crock pot, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to make the caramel from scratch or use store-bought caramel. While making your own caramel can be a fun and rewarding process, it requires more time and equipment, such as a candy thermometer. On the other hand, store-bought caramel is a convenient and quick option, with options like Kraft Caramel Bits melting faster due to their smaller size.

Secondly, consider the ingredients you want to use and the level of difficulty of the recipe. Some recipes are as simple as using a single ingredient—sweetened condensed milk—and slow cooking it in the can. This method is easy and efficient, but it requires caution as the cans are under pressure and can explode if not handled properly. Other recipes call for a combination of ingredients such as caramels, milk or cream, and marshmallows, which come together to create a rich and gooey fondue. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavour.

Lastly, think about the serving size and the time you have available for preparation. Some recipes yield larger quantities and can serve up to six people, while others are designed for smaller portions. Additionally, consider the cooking and preparation time, as some recipes can be prepared in as little as 10 minutes, while others may take several hours.

When selecting a recipe, it's important to read through the instructions thoroughly and ensure you have the necessary equipment, ingredients, and time available. Adjust the recipes as needed to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements.

Selecting a crock pot

When selecting a crock pot for making caramel fondue, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose a crock pot that is the appropriate size. A 3-quart or 3 1/2-quart crock pot is typically recommended for fondue. If you use a larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the ingredient quantities to ensure the pot is at least half full, or the fondue may burn.

Another consideration is the temperature settings of the crock pot. Caramel fondue recipes usually involve cooking the ingredients on a high setting initially, and then reducing the heat to low once the ingredients have melted. Therefore, it is important to select a crock pot that offers temperature control settings.

Additionally, you may want to consider the material and shape of the crock pot. Some materials, such as ceramic, may be better at retaining heat and distributing it evenly. A crock pot with a round shape can also help with even cooking.

It is also worth noting that while a dedicated fondue pot is not necessary, especially if you plan on making fondue occasionally, investing in one could be beneficial if you plan on making fondue regularly. Fondue pots often have features specifically designed for fondue, such as temperature control settings and fondue forks.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to read reviews and compare different crock pot models to find one that best suits your needs and budget.

Preparing the ingredients

To make caramel fondue in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients:

• A 10-ounce bag of marshmallows
• 10-16 ounces of caramels of your choice (you can make your own, buy the individually wrapped kind, or get the bits)
• A 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup of caramel topping
• 1 pound of melting chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup of milk chocolate chips

You can also add a scant 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, if desired.

For dipping, you can use apples, pretzels, marshmallows, cookies, crackers, strawberries, bananas, graham crackers, or anything else you like!

Cooking the fondue

Place all the ingredients in the crock pot. A 3-quart or 3.5-quart crock pot works best. If you use a larger slow cooker, you may need to double or triple the ingredients. Make sure the pot is at least half full, or the fondue may burn.

Turn the crock pot on high. Let the ingredients melt for 30 to 45 minutes, then stir. If you are using a microwave, place the ingredients in a large bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, then stir.

Turn the heat to low, cover, and continue cooking until you are ready to serve. In a microwave, this will take 1-2 minutes.

Once the fondue is smooth, stir in a pinch of salt if desired.

Serve warm with your favourite dippers!

Serving suggestions

Caramel fondue is a versatile dessert with endless serving options. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh fruits are a perfect pairing for caramel fondue, especially those with a slightly tart or crisp texture. Try apples, bananas, and strawberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet fondue. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also dip other fruits like oranges, pears, or pineapple.

Cookies and Crackers

The options are endless when it comes to cookies and crackers. Try dipping pretzels, graham crackers, or even chocolate chip cookies. For a more sophisticated option, serve it with shortbread or butter cookies. The salty-sweet combination of caramel and crackers is always a hit.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a classic fondue choice for a reason. They are a perfect blank canvas for the caramel, and their soft, fluffy texture makes them ideal for dipping. You can use regular marshmallows or go for mini marshmallows for a bite-sized treat.

Confectionery

Take your dessert to the next level by dipping chocolates, or even other confectionery like candy bars or peanut butter cups, into the caramel fondue. For a more indulgent option, try dipping cookies filled with cream or caramel.

Other Sweet Treats

If you're feeling creative, there are plenty of other sweet treats that can be dipped in caramel fondue. Churros, for example, are a South American favourite. You can also try dipping muffins, pancakes, crepes, or even cake pops. For a truly indulgent experience, drizzle the fondue over ice cream.

Savoury Options

While caramel fondue is typically a sweet dessert, you can also offer some savoury options on the side. Try pairing it with salty snacks like pretzel rods or crackers. For a more sophisticated savoury option, offer a selection of cheeses and charcuterie.

Frequently asked questions