Chocolate Fondue: A Simple, Sweet, And Indulgent Treat

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it's a great way to add an interactive element to your meal. It's simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients like chocolate, cream, and a pinch of salt. You can also add extra flavours such as peppermint extract, cinnamon, or liquor. While a fondue pot is ideal for keeping the chocolate warm, it's not necessary; a regular pot or a small slow cooker will also do the trick.

When it comes to choosing what to dip in your chocolate fondue, the possibilities are endless. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, is always a popular option. But you can also get creative with cookies, brownies, marshmallows, or even pretzels. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your chocolate, and get ready to dip, savour, and enjoy!

Fondue pots and alternatives

Fondue pots are available in a range of materials, sizes, and heating methods. Here is a guide to help you choose the right one for your chocolate fondue.

Fondue Pot Materials

Fondue pots are typically made from metal, ceramic, or electric. Metal fondue pots, usually made from stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. They are often heavy and larger than other options. Ceramic fondue pots are great for retaining heat and are available in microwave-safe options. Electric fondue pots are safer and heat up faster but are more expensive and require a power outlet nearby.

Fondue Pot Sizes

Fondue pots come in various sizes, from small pots for couples or appetizers to larger pots for fondue parties or bigger families. Smaller pots have the advantage of being easier to store. When choosing a size, consider that you'll need about half a pound of cheese per person for cheese fondue, and at least 2 ounces of chocolate per person for chocolate fondue.

Heating Methods

Fondue pots can be heated using electricity, gel fuel, tea lights, or canned heat sources like Sterno. Electric fondue pots offer excellent heat control but require an outlet nearby. Gel fuel, tea lights, and canned heat sources allow for more flexibility in where you use your fondue pot but may be more challenging to control the temperature.

Alternatives to Fondue Pots

If you don't have a fondue pot, there are several alternatives you can use for your chocolate fondue. You can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt or heating pad, a small slow cooker, or a clean candle warmer. You can also use a tea candle or Sterno fuel to keep your chocolate fondue warm, but be careful as they can burn very hot. Another fun alternative is a chocolate fondue fountain, which can also be used for nacho cheese.

Chocolate types and quantities

The type and quantity of chocolate you use for your fondue will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve. Using a combination of different chocolates will result in a richer, deeper flavour.

If you want a darker fondue, you can use a combination of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate in a 2:1 ratio. Alternatively, you can use only semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for a more intense flavour. For a creamier, lighter version, you can add some white chocolate to the mix.

It's important to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavour and texture. Avoid using chocolate chips as they don't melt well and can make the fondue grainy. Instead, opt for chocolate baking bars or good-quality chocolate chips from brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard.

• 12 ounces of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
• 10 ounces of milk chocolate and 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate
• 18 ounces of chocolate, using a combination of milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark
• 10 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 10 ounces of chopped chocolate, using a combination of milk chocolate and semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate

Additional ingredients

There are many different ingredients you can add to your chocolate fondue to give it an extra kick. Here are some ideas:

Alcoholic Drinks

You can add a tablespoon of cognac, liqueur, or brandy to your chocolate fondue. These drinks will give your fondue a more adult taste.

Spices

Adding cinnamon and ancho chile pepper to your chocolate fondue will give it a Mexican hot chocolate spin. You could also add a pinch of espresso powder or orange zest to create a fruity chocolate fondue.

Extracts

Adding extracts such as peppermint or orange to your fondue will give it a unique twist. Start with a small amount and increase according to taste.

Liquor or Citrus Zest

Adding liquor or citrus zest to white chocolate fondue will create a heavenly taste.

Aromatics

You can steep aromatics such as a bruised lemongrass stalk or a bag of Earl Grey tea in the cream for an hour before making your fondue. This will add a subtle and stylish flavour to your dessert.

Peanut Butter

Adding a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to your fondue will give it a delicious swirl. Leave streaks of peanut butter visible for a prettier presentation.

Marshmallow Fluff

Adding a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff to your fondue will create a beautiful swirl. For a more elegant look, avoid stirring it in completely.

Dippers

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that allows everyone to choose their favourite "dippers". Here are some ideas for what foods go well with chocolate fondue:

Fruits

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic for a reason, but you can also try other fruits such as bananas, pineapple, pears, apples, oranges, apricots, peaches, plums, dried apricots, dried figs, kiwis, dragon fruit, papaya, fresh coconut chunks, or mangoes. For a more unusual flavour combination, try dipping slices of spicy chilli peppers into the chocolate fondue.

Cookies and Biscuits

Vanilla wafers, Oreos, biscotti, shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, ginger snaps, meringue, fortune cookies, and even cinnamon-flavoured Graham crackers can all be dipped into chocolate fondue.

Cakes

Pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, fruit cake, wedding cake, and even cheesecake are all delicious when dipped into chocolate fondue.

Other Sweet Treats

Other sweet treats that can be dipped into chocolate fondue include brownies, marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, candy, crystallised ginger, graham crackers, waffles, ice cream bars, donut holes, granola bars, and even potato chips!

Adjusting consistency

Adjusting the consistency of your chocolate fondue is simple. If your fondue is too thick, you can add milk, cream, or milk and butter to thin it out. If you are using milk chocolate, add milk to thin the fondue, and if you are using dark chocolate, add cream. You can also add a touch of butter to your fondue to mellow the flavour and soften the texture. Simply whisk in your chosen ingredient(s) a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

It is much easier to make fondue thinner than it is to thicken it, so it is better to start with a thicker consistency and adjust from there. If your fondue becomes too thin, you may need to start a new pot.

If your fondue begins to stiffen, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream and stir to loosen it up.

Frequently asked questions