Chocolate Fondue: Slow-Cooked, Melty, Decadent Delight

Making chocolate fondue in a crock pot is a simple, delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The recipe requires few ingredients, and the crock pot makes preparation easy. The fondue can be served straight from the crock pot, or poured into a separate fondue pot. The best types of chocolate to use are semi-sweet or dark chocolate, but milk chocolate is also a good option. To make the fondue, simply combine the chocolate with milk or cream, and any desired flavourings, in the crock pot. Stir the mixture occasionally, and serve with your choice of dippers.

Choosing the right chocolate

When selecting chocolate for your fondue, it is recommended to use good-quality chocolate. Look for chocolate with a higher cocoa butter content and fewer additives. This will ensure a smooth, rich, and consistent texture and flavour. Quality chocolate will also melt evenly and stay smooth without seizing or becoming grainy. Some recommended brands include Ghirardelli or Guittard.

You can use different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate. You can also mix different types of chocolate to create your own unique flavour. For example, you can use half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate. If you want to add some extra flavour to your fondue, you can try adding peanut butter, cinnamon, peppermint extract, or a liqueur such as bourbon, orange, coffee, or hazelnut.

It is also important to consider the format of the chocolate. Chocolate chips or chopped bakers chocolate can be used. If using chocolate chips, ensure they are high quality as lower-quality chips may not melt as well and can become grainy.

Overall, when choosing the right chocolate for your crockpot chocolate fondue, opt for good-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content and minimal additives. Select the type of chocolate that suits your taste preferences, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types and flavours to find your perfect combination.

Preparing the crock pot

Next, add all of your fondue ingredients to the crock pot. The exact ingredients will vary depending on your recipe, but typically, you will need chocolate, a form of milk or cream, and a sweetener such as vanilla extract or corn syrup. You can also add a small amount of butter or salt to enhance the flavour and texture.

Once you have added all of your ingredients, give them a gentle stir to combine them. Then, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on a low heat setting. The cooking time will vary depending on your recipe and the amount of fondue you are making, but typically, it will take around one hour for the chocolate to melt completely. Be sure to stir your fondue occasionally during the cooking process to prevent it from burning or sticking.

Once the fondue is ready, you can turn your slow cooker to the "warm" setting if it has one, or turn it off completely if the fondue seems too hot. You can serve the fondue straight from the crock pot, or pour it into a separate fondue pot with a heat source to keep it warm.

Melting the chocolate

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. The chocolate is the star of the show, so be sure to use good-quality chocolate. You can use chocolate chips or bars of chocolate that have been chopped. You can also mix and match different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate, to find a blend that suits your taste. If you are making a large batch, you will need 18 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate, and 6 ounces of milk chocolate. For a smaller batch, simply use 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and 4 or 6 ounces of either bittersweet or milk chocolate.

In addition to chocolate, you will also need a liquid to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and is the right consistency for dipping. You can use heavy cream, milk, or evaporated milk. You will need 2 tablespoons of milk or 2/3 cup of evaporated milk for a small batch, or 13 ounces of evaporated milk for a larger batch. You can also add a small amount of butter (2 tablespoons) and corn syrup (2 tablespoons) to enhance the texture and flavour of the fondue.

Now you are ready to melt your chocolate! Combine the chocolate and liquid ingredients in your crock pot or slow cooker. You will need a small crock pot (2 quarts) for a small batch, or a 3-quart crock pot for a larger batch. Turn the slow cooker to low heat, cover, and let the chocolate melt. Depending on the size of your batch and the heat of your slow cooker, this should take between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Be sure to stir the chocolate occasionally as it melts—about once every 15 to 20 minutes. When the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, it is ready to serve!

Adding the finishing touches

Dippers

The best part about chocolate fondue is the dippers! You can dip just about anything into chocolate and it will taste amazing. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apple slices, cherries, oranges, mangoes, grapes, pears, etc.
• Cookies: Oreos, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, pirouettes, Nutter Butters, Girl Scout Cookies, etc.
• Treats: Pound cake, donut holes, brownies, marshmallows, granola bars, graham crackers, rice krispie treats, cream puffs, etc.
• Savoury snacks: Pretzels, potato chips, bacon, Ritz crackers, croissants

Variations

Want to change up your chocolate fondue? Try adding some of these ingredients to your fondue for a fun twist:

• Peanut butter
• Cinnamon
• Ancho chilli pepper
• Toffee bits
• Peppermint extract
• Kirsch, brandy, or cointreau

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any fondue left over, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave at 50% power or put it back in the slow cooker on low, stirring frequently until warmed through. If you are freezing your fondue, be sure to use corn syrup to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Choosing dippers

Fruits:

Fruits are classic choices for chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapples, apples, pears, oranges, mangoes, cherries, and grapes are all excellent options. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy chocolate.

Cookies and Treats:

Cookies provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours when dipped in chocolate. Oreos, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and Nutter Butters are just a few options. You can also dip treats like brownies, marshmallows, granola bars, rice Krispie treats, and cream puffs in your fondue.

Cakes:

Cakes are perfect for soaking up that delicious chocolate. Pound cake, angel food cake, donut holes, and eclairs are all excellent choices.

Savoury Options:

For a sweet and salty contrast, consider dipping pretzels, potato chips, bacon, Ritz crackers, or croissants in your chocolate fondue. These savoury options offer a unique twist to your dessert.

Other Sweet Treats:

If you're feeling extra indulgent, try dipping brownies, donut holes, or even Twinkies in your chocolate fondue. You can also experiment with different types of crackers, such as graham crackers or sweet crackers.

The possibilities for dippers are endless, so feel free to get creative and choose options that suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your chocolate fondue feast!

Frequently asked questions