Chocolate Fondue: A Sweet, Creamy Indulgence With Condensed Milk

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for any occasion. It's an interactive dessert that allows everyone to choose their favourite dippers, from fruit to brownies to marshmallows. Making chocolate fondue with condensed milk is simple and only requires a few additional ingredients. All you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips (either semi-sweet or milk chocolate), and a heavy saucepan. You can also add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavour. Simply combine the ingredients in the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, transfer it to a bowl or fondue pot, and you're ready to dip!

Ingredients and preparation

Making chocolate fondue with condensed milk is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious treat:

Ingredients:

• Sweetened condensed milk (one 14-ounce can)
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, about 1 1/2 cups)
• Butter (2 tablespoons)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• A pinch of salt

You can also add a few tablespoons of water to adjust the consistency and a dash of cinnamon or chilli powder for a spicy kick.

Preparation:

• Combine the condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter, and water (if using) in a heavy saucepan.
• Place the saucepan over medium to medium-low heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent scorching until the chocolate and butter are completely melted.
• Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 more minutes until the mixture thickens. Be careful not to let it boil.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Transfer the chocolate fondue to a fondue pot, slow cooker, or serving bowl. Keep it on a low heat setting to maintain warmth.

Your chocolate fondue is now ready to serve! You can pair it with a variety of dippers, such as fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, etc.), pretzels, cookies, marshmallows, pound cake, brownies, or rice Krispie treats.

Tips:

• If you want to make the fondue in advance, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• To thin out the fondue, simply add a little milk or heavy cream and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
• For a boozy twist, add a splash of Cognac, Kahlua, rum, or Bailey's Irish Cream.

What to dip in the fondue

There are endless possibilities for what to dip in your chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruit

Fresh or dried fruit is a great option for dipping in chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, papaya, pears, apricots, and blackberries or raspberries are all popular choices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try dipping blueberries, although they may be a bit small. Dried fruit options include figs, dried pineapple, or dried mango.

Cookies and Biscuits

Biscotti, Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, shortbread, and wafer cookies are all perfect for dipping. If you're feeling indulgent, you can even dip brownies or mini donuts.

Marshmallows

Large marshmallows are a better option than mini ones as they are easier to dip. And if you're feeling extra indulgent, try making s'mores by sandwiching a marshmallow between two graham crackers.

Cake

Pound cake, angel food cake, and mini chocolate loaf cakes are all great options for dipping in chocolate fondue. Cut them into cubes or slices for easy dipping.

Pretzels and Potato Chips

For a salty-sweet combination, try dipping pretzels or potato chips in your chocolate fondue. Pretzel rods and wavy chips are especially good as they can handle the weight of the chocolate without breaking.

Cheesecake

Cut a large cheesecake into small squares and dip them into the chocolate fondue. Just be careful, as cheesecake is one of the more delicate dip options.

Other Sweet Treats

Other sweet treats that can be dipped in chocolate fondue include Rice Krispie treats, honeycomb, mini pancakes, mini cakes or cupcakes, waffles, fudge, and nuts.

How to keep the fondue warm

To make a chocolate fondue with condensed milk, you will need sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Combine the ingredients in a heavy saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the fondue to a bowl or fondue pot and serve with your favourite dippers.

Now, to keep the fondue warm:

Use a Fondue Pot

Using a fondue pot is the most effective way to keep your chocolate fondue warm. There are three main types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots, usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. Ceramic fondue pots are great for retaining heat and are easy to clean, while electric fondue pots heat up the fastest and are the safest option.

Tea Candles or Sterno Fuel

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle to keep your fondue warm. Tea candles produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so they are a good option if you want to avoid overheating your fondue. However, if you choose to use Sterno fuel, be sure to keep an eye on it as it can burn very hot. When it gets too hot, turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid. You can also add a little more cream to the fondue and reheat it for a minute or two.

Small Crockpot or Candle Warmer

Another option for keeping your fondue warm is to use a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer. These can be great alternatives if you don't have a fondue pot or prefer not to use an open flame.

Regular Pot with Oven Mitt

If you don't have any specialized equipment, you can simply use a regular pot and place it on an oven mitt on your table. If the fondue starts to stiffen, return the pot to the stove and stir in some hot cream to thin it out again.

Heating Pad or Boiling Water

If you made the fondue in a saucepan, you can keep it warm by placing the saucepan on a heating pad or over a pot of boiling water. This method may not keep the fondue as hot as other methods, but it will still help to maintain its temperature.

How to thin the fondue

If your chocolate fondue is too thick, there are several ways to thin it out. Firstly, you can add a little milk to the mixture and stir. You can also add a little more heat to the fondue, as it will thicken as it cools. If you want to thin the fondue without changing the flavour, simply add a little more cream or milk. If you are happy to add some extra flavour to the fondue, you could try adding a spirit such as Baileys, Kahlua, or whiskey, or an extract such as mint, peppermint, almond, or orange.

If you are using your fondue in a chocolate fountain, you will need to thin it out more than for regular fondue. You can do this by adding a bit of vegetable oil to the mixture, as it will need to be thin enough to flow flawlessly.

When to serve fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be served on various occasions. Here are some ideas on when to serve fondue:

Romantic Dinner for Two

Chocolate fondue is an excellent way to end a romantic meal for two. You can prepare the dippers, such as fruits or marshmallows, in advance and quickly make the chocolate sauce before serving. It adds a sweet and interactive element to your dinner, allowing you and your partner to enjoy a delightful dessert experience together.

Family Gatherings

Whether it's a special occasion or a casual weeknight treat, chocolate fondue is a perfect dessert for family gatherings. It encourages interaction and conversation as everyone gathers around the table to dip their favourite treats into the chocolate fondue. It's a fun way to bring family members together and create memorable moments.

Parties

Chocolate fondue is an excellent dessert option when hosting a party. It adds a touch of elegance to your gathering and provides a unique and engaging experience for your guests. You can set up a fondue station with various dippers, allowing your guests to customise their treats and enjoy a delightful chocolate experience.

Holiday Celebrations

Consider serving chocolate fondue during the holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, or Valentine's Day. It's a festive and enjoyable way to celebrate with loved ones. You can incorporate holiday-themed dippers or add festive decorations to your fondue setup to make it even more special.

Everyday Treat

Chocolate fondue doesn't have to be reserved only for special occasions. You can enjoy it as an everyday treat with your family or friends. It's a delightful way to elevate an ordinary day and create memorable moments. Serve it as an after-school snack for kids, or indulge in it during a cosy night in with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions