Chocolate Fondue: Heavy Cream, Melty, Decadent Delight

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for a group. It can be made with just a few simple ingredients: chocolate, milk or cream, and butter. To make a chocolate fondue with heavy cream, start by melting butter in a fondue pot or pan over low heat. Then, add milk and heat until steaming. Be careful not to let the milk scald. Next, slowly add your chocolate, stirring until it is completely melted. Keep the fondue on low heat while serving to prevent the chocolate from hardening. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a double boiler, which is a pot of barely simmering water with a metal or glass bowl on top. Serve your fondue with fruit, pretzels, marshmallows, or any other treats you desire!

How to Make Chocolate Fondue with Heavy Cream

Choosing the right chocolate

The chocolate you choose for your fondue is important, as it is the star of the show. The better the chocolate, the better your fondue will taste. You can use chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars, but make sure to chop the chocolate bars finely so they melt evenly. It is also important to use real, high-quality chocolate bars, as chocolate chips are not pure chocolate and can harden quickly.

When selecting your chocolate, you can choose from a variety of options, including semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. If you want a richer and deeper flavour, you can even use a mixture of semi-sweet and milk chocolate. Most dark chocolate is naturally dairy-free, so if you are making a dairy-free fondue, this is a good option.

If you are using a chocolate bar, be sure to chop it into small pieces to ensure even melting. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your fondue, such as vanilla extract, butter, or heavy cream. However, if you want an intense chocolate flavour, it is best to use milk instead of cream and omit the butter.

Experiment with different types of chocolate to find the perfect flavour for your fondue. You can also add a variety of dippers, such as fresh fruit, cookies, cake, or marshmallows, to make your fondue even more enjoyable.

Using heavy cream and other liquids

Chocolate fondue can be made with a variety of liquids, including heavy cream, milk, coconut milk, and almond milk. Heavy cream and butter will result in a softer, mellower chocolate flavor. For a more intense chocolate flavor, use milk instead of cream and omit the butter.

If you are making a dairy-free chocolate fondue, you can use a mixture of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream and a thinner milk like almond milk or cashew milk. It is important to note that if you are using chocolate chips, you will need to use dairy-free and gluten-free chips.

When making chocolate fondue, it is best to use a high-quality chocolate, as this will be the star of the dish. Chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chips can be used, but it is important to chop the bars finely so that the chocolate melts evenly.

To make the fondue, combine the chocolate with your chosen liquid (and butter, if using) in a small bowl. Melt gently in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on medium power for about 2 minutes. Stir until completely smooth, and add more liquid if desired.

Remove from the heat and stir in any additional ingredients, such as vanilla extract or salt. Serve the fondue immediately, or set it aside and rewarm it briefly before serving.

If your fondue becomes too thick or cool, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or in a pan of barely simmering water.

Melting the chocolate

Preparation

Before you begin melting, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. For this recipe, you will need chocolate, heavy cream, and any desired add-ins such as butter, vanilla extract, or salt. You will also need a heat source, such as a stovetop or microwave, and a suitable melting vessel like a fondue pot, saucepan, or microwave-safe bowl.

Chopping the Chocolate

Start by chopping your chosen chocolate into small, even-sized pieces. This step is important because it helps the chocolate melt uniformly and prevents uneven heating, which can cause burning. Use a sharp knife to chop the chocolate, aiming for pieces that are roughly the same size.

Melting Method

There are two common methods for melting chocolate: using a double boiler or a microwave.

Double Boiler Method

Fill a pot with a small amount of water and place it on the stovetop. Bring the water to a gentle simmer—you don't want it to be boiling vigorously. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add your chopped chocolate to the bowl, along with any additional ingredients like butter or cream. Stir the mixture continuously as the chocolate melts. This method ensures gentle and even heating, reducing the risk of scorching.

Microwave Method

Place the chopped chocolate and any additional ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in short intervals, typically around 30 seconds, stirring well after each interval. This technique helps prevent overheating and ensures that you don't accidentally burn the chocolate. Continue microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Adding Heavy Cream

When melting the chocolate, you can add heavy cream to enhance the texture and flavour. Heavy cream adds richness and a softer, mellower chocolate flavour. Adjust the amount of cream to your preference, but typically, a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 of chocolate to cream works well. Add the cream gradually, stirring continuously, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Tips for Melting

• Ensure that your utensils and equipment are completely dry before melting chocolate. Even a small amount of water can cause the chocolate to seize and ruin the fondue.
• Stir continuously while melting to prevent scorching and promote even melting.
• Be cautious when melting chocolate in the microwave. Use low to medium power settings and short intervals to avoid overheating.
• If your fondue becomes too thick or starts to harden, simply reheat it gently, adding a small amount of cream or milk if needed, to restore the desired consistency.

Adding extra ingredients

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a classic addition to chocolate fondue, enhancing the flavour and adding a subtle sweetness. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both dark and milk chocolate fondue. When adding vanilla extract to your fondue, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences.

Butter

Butter can be a great addition to chocolate fondue, resulting in a softer and mellower chocolate flavour. It helps to smooth out the fondue and adds a hint of richness. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavour, you can omit the butter.

Sea Salt

Adding a pinch of sea salt to your chocolate fondue can enhance the flavour and bring out the sweetness of the chocolate. It is a great way to balance the sweetness and create a more complex flavour profile. You can also offer flaky sea salt as a topping for your fondue, allowing your guests to sprinkle it on their dipped treats.

Alcohol

Adding a small amount of alcohol to your chocolate fondue can give it a unique twist. Choose a complementary liquor such as orange liqueur, rum, or Baileys, and add it to the fondue while melting the chocolate. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as too much alcohol can overpower the chocolate flavour.

Spices

Incorporating spices into your chocolate fondue can add warmth and depth of flavour. Cinnamon, cardamom, and chilli powder are all great options to consider. These spices pair particularly well with dark chocolate. When adding spices, start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve your desired flavour.

Nuts

Chopped nuts can add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour to your chocolate fondue. Consider using toasted shaved almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts. You can also offer nuts as a topping, allowing your guests to customise their dipped treats.

Dipping suggestions

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

Fresh Fruit

Berries, bananas, apples, orange segments, pineapple, pears, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, clementines, mango, papaya, and dried apricots are all great options. Dried fruit lasts longer than fresh fruit, so it's a good choice if you want to prepare your dippers in advance.

Cookies and Biscuits

Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, shortbread, vanilla wafers, and pirouette cookies all make excellent dippers. For a more indulgent treat, consider dipping brownies or mini donuts.

Sweet Treats

Rice Krispie treats, marshmallows, pretzels, candy such as gummy bears, and popcorn (sweet, salted, or caramel) are all delicious options. For a more savoury twist, try dipping potato chips or candied bacon.

Cake

Cut pound cake, angel food cake, mini cakes, cupcakes, or small cake slices into cubes for dipping. Cheesecake also makes a delicate but delicious dipper.

Other Ideas

Fudge, mini pancakes, waffles, or nuts would also be great choices for dipping into chocolate fondue. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures!

Frequently asked questions