Instant Pot Chocolate Fondue: A Quick, Easy Treat

Making chocolate fondue in an instant pot is a fun, easy dessert idea that comes together in just minutes. You can dip strawberries, bananas, brownies, marshmallows, pretzels, cookies, and more into your homemade chocolate fondue. This fondue is made with only a few simple ingredients and an instant pot.

Ingredients and measurements

Making chocolate fondue in an instant pot is an easy and fun way to prepare a delicious dessert. Here is a list of ingredients and measurements to make this tasty treat:

• Chocolate: The type of chocolate you use is up to your preference. You can use chopped high-quality chocolate or chocolate chips. It is recommended to use good-quality chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chips, as not all brands of chocolate chips melt well. You can also mix different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet and milk chocolate, to create a creamier flavour. If you want to make a large batch, it is best to store the chocolate and cream separately and mix them just before serving for the best texture and flavour.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is used to thin out the chocolate and create a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the amount of heavy cream to make your fondue thicker or thinner, adding more for a thinner consistency. If you don't have heavy cream, you can try using whole milk or even lactose-free milk.
• Milk: Preferably not skim milk, milk is used along with the heavy cream to thin out the chocolate and create a smoother consistency. You can adjust the amount of milk and cream to achieve your desired thickness.
• Vanilla: Just a splash of vanilla extract is added to give the fondue a little depth of flavour.
• Other Ingredients: You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. Additionally, you can experiment with different extracts, such as orange extract or peppermint, to add a twist to your chocolate fondue. For a more grown-up version, you can include liqueurs like Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream.

The measurements for these ingredients can vary depending on your desired quantity and consistency. A typical recipe may include:

• 10-12 ounces of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1/3 cup of milk
• 1/3 to 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Remember, you can always adjust the consistency of your fondue by adding more cream, milk, or chocolate to achieve your desired thickness and flavour.

Step-by-step instructions

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The ingredients you will need are chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla. You can also add a splash of milk if you would like a thinner consistency. It is important to use good-quality chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chips, as not all brands of chocolate chips melt well. You can also add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of peanut butter for extra flavour.

Now, for the method. Begin by pouring one to two cups of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Then, place a glass bowl on top of the liner. Make sure the bowl has a "lip" so that it sits comfortably on top of the liner.

Next, add your chocolate and heavy cream to the bowl. If you are using vanilla or peanut butter, leave this out for now. Turn on your Instant Pot by pressing the "SAUTE" button. Stir the chocolate and cream occasionally as the water heats up and the chocolate begins to melt. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This should take around 8-15 minutes.

Once the chocolate is melted, press "CANCEL" and then the "KEEP WARM" button. Stir in the vanilla or peanut butter, if using. You can also add a little extra cream or milk if you would like a thinner consistency.

Finally, serve your chocolate fondue with your chosen dippers! Enjoy!

Dipping suggestions

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a variety of treats. The options for what to dip in chocolate fondue are endless, but here are some mouth-watering suggestions to get you started:

Fruits

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic for a reason, but don't stop there. Try other berries like blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, or even tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, and fresh coconut chunks. For a unique twist, dip dried fruits such as apricots, mango, or papaya. If you're feeling adventurous, add a bit of crunch with apple or pear slices.

Cookies and Baked Goods

Cookies are a perfect match for chocolate fondue. Try vanilla wafers, biscotti, Oreos, shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or even fortune cookies. For a real treat, dip a piece of pound cake, angel food cake, or cheesecake into the chocolate. If you're feeling extra indulgent, go for a brownie or cinnamon roll.

Sweet Treats

Marshmallows are a must-have for chocolate fondue. You can also dip rice crispy treats, graham crackers, or even pretzels for a sweet and salty combination. If you're feeling extra creative, try dipping candy like cinnamon bears or licorice.

Savory Snacks

For a surprising twist, dip potato chips or pretzels into the chocolate fondue. The combination of sweet and salty is sure to delight your taste buds.

No matter what you choose to dip, chocolate fondue is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a variety of treats. So, go ahead and get creative!

How to adjust consistency

The consistency of your chocolate fondue is important to get right. It's much easier to make fondue thinner than it is to thicken it, so it's better to start with a thicker consistency and adjust from there.

If your fondue is too thick, you can add some more heavy cream, milk, or water to thin it out. However, be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as this can make your fondue too watery. Add a little at a time and stir well until you reach the desired consistency.

If you've added too much liquid and your fondue is now too thin, you can try adding more chocolate to thicken it up. Simply stir in some extra chopped chocolate or chocolate chips until you reach the right consistency.

It's also important not to overheat your fondue, as this can cause it to separate or become grainy. Keep the heat low and slow, and stir often to avoid overheating.

Additionally, the type of chocolate you use can affect the consistency. Higher-end chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard, tend to melt better than cheaper brands. If you're using chocolate chips, you may need to add a little extra cream or milk to thin out the fondue. Alternatively, you can use a baking bar of chocolate, which usually melts better than chips.

Storing and reheating

Firstly, it's important to note that reheated chocolate may have a slightly different texture than freshly made fondue. Therefore, it's best to only make as much as you need for each occasion. If you do have leftovers, store the chocolate and cream separately and mix them together just before serving. This will ensure that the fondue has the best possible texture and flavour.

To store your fondue, place it in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 2-3 days.

When you're ready to reheat your fondue, there are a few different methods you can use. You can place the fondue in a heat-safe bowl and microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.

If you want to keep your fondue warm while serving, you can use a fondue pot, a small slow cooker, or the Instant Pot on the 'keep warm' setting.

Frequently asked questions