Chocolate Fondue With A Nutella Twist

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make for any occasion, whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a party with friends. It's also incredibly versatile, as you can use a variety of chocolates, from milk to dark to white, and add extra flavours like peppermint extract, cinnamon, or even peanut butter. The best part? It only takes a few simple ingredients and minutes to make! For a Nutella fondue, all you need is a jar of Nutella and some cream, heated and stirred together until smooth and warm. Serve with your favourite dippers, from fruit to cookies to pretzels, and enjoy!

Choosing the right chocolate

When making chocolate fondue, it's important to choose the right chocolate to ensure a rich, decadent, and tasty fondue. Here are some tips to help you select the best chocolate for your fondue:

Read the Ingredient List

Look for pure, high-quality chocolate with a short ingredient list. Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is a good choice, and it should have as few ingredients as possible. Avoid cheap brands that may contain unnecessary additives to keep costs down, as these types of chocolate won't give you the desired fondue consistency and flavour. Aim for chocolate with three to five ingredients, maximum.

Check for Freshness

Always check the best-before date on the packaging and ensure the chocolate is fresh. Inspect the chocolate itself—it should have a good sheen without any white or discoloured spots. These spots are not an indicator of staleness but are due to incorrectly melted chocolate, which can negatively impact the flavour and texture of your fondue.

Type of Chocolate

You can use either semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for your fondue, depending on your taste preference. Bittersweet chocolate has more than 35% pure chocolate and a small amount of sugar, offering a more intense chocolate flavour. Semisweet chocolate also contains at least 35% pure chocolate but includes cocoa butter and a higher amount of sugar, making it a sweeter and more versatile option. If you're unsure, a good starting point is to mix six ounces of semisweet chocolate with four ounces of bittersweet chocolate for a rich and velvety fondue.

Brand Recommendations

When it comes to chocolate chips, some recommended brands that melt well include Ghirardelli and Guittard. If you don't have access to these brands, consider using chocolate baking bars, which often melt better than chocolate chips. For a good baking bar option, look for Ghirardelli or Baker's brands. Avoid using chocolate chips from cheaper brands, such as Nestle, as they may not melt properly and can affect the taste of your fondue.

Selecting the right cream

Type of Cream

The most commonly used cream for chocolate fondue is heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream. This cream has a high fat content, typically around 35-40%, which gives the fondue a rich and creamy texture. It also helps to stabilize the melted chocolate, preventing it from separating or becoming grainy.

However, some recipes suggest using a combination of heavy cream and milk, which can result in a fondue that still has a good chocolate flavour but is not too heavy. You can experiment with different ratios of milk and cream to find the consistency and taste you prefer. For a lighter option, you could even try substituting milk for the cream entirely, though this will result in a thinner fondue.

Quality of Cream

When selecting your cream, it's important to choose a brand that is fresh and of good quality. Avoid cream that has gone past its expiration date, as this may affect the taste and texture of your fondue.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

If you're catering to guests with dietary restrictions, there are dairy-free and vegan alternatives you can use in place of traditional cream. For a dairy-free option, you could use a cream substitute made from cashews, or a blend of equal parts silken tofu and soy milk. These options will help you achieve a similar smooth and creamy texture without the dairy.

Amount of Cream

The amount of cream you'll need will depend on the recipe you're following and the desired consistency of your fondue. Most recipes call for a 1:10 ratio of cream to chocolate, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on the type of chocolate you're using and your personal preference for thickness.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have any leftover chocolate fondue, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply scoop the mixture back into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.

In summary, selecting the right cream for your Nutella chocolate fondue involves considering factors such as the type of cream, its quality, and the amount you use. Experiment with different options and ratios to find the perfect combination that suits your taste and the needs of your guests!

Preparing the fondue

Next, add the Nutella and heavy cream to a small saucepan or pot. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the ingredients are completely combined and warmed to a dippable liquid consistency. You can add more cream if the mixture seems too thick. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, if desired.

Finally, transfer the fondue to your favourite bowl or a fondue pot and serve with your chosen dippers. Enjoy!

Choosing dippers

First off, you can't go wrong with fruit. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, oranges, pears, and kiwi are all excellent choices for dipping into chocolate fondue. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try dipping slices of fresh coconut or large curls of dried coconut. Dried fruit is also a great option, as it will last longer than fresh fruit. Apricots, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and Bing cherries are all tasty options.

If you're looking for something a little more unusual, why not try dipping pretzels, graham crackers, Oreos, biscotti, or even potato chips into your Nutella fondue? The mix of sweet and salty flavours can be quite delicious.

For a more decadent option, consider dipping small cookies or cookie pieces, brownies, mini donuts, mini cakes, cupcakes, or small cake slices. Cheesecake, Rice Krispie treats, and honeycomb (which is often already coated in chocolate) are also excellent choices for dippers.

If you're feeling creative, you could even make your own dippers! Small pancakes, waffles, or homemade brownies or donuts can be a fun and unique addition to your fondue spread.

And let's not forget the classics: marshmallows and pound cake are always a hit when it comes to chocolate fondue.

So go ahead and get creative with your dippers! The sky's the limit when it comes to choosing what to dip into your Nutella fondue.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Chocolate fondue with Nutella is a delicious treat, and it's always a good idea to make extra to satisfy those unexpected cravings! Here's a detailed guide on storing and reheating your leftovers so you can enjoy them for longer:

Storing Leftovers:

• Allow the leftover fondue to cool down to room temperature.
• Transfer the fondue to an airtight container. Make sure it's sealed properly to prevent oxidation and odour absorption.
• Store the container in the refrigerator.
• The fondue will solidify in the fridge, so you'll need to reheat it before enjoying it again.

Reheating Leftovers:

• To reheat, simply scoop the desired amount of fondue into a small saucepan.
• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat on your stovetop.
• Stir the fondue continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Heat the fondue until it reaches a liquid consistency again.
• Once it's completely melted and smooth, your fondue is ready to be enjoyed!

Leftover chocolate fondue with Nutella can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is not recommended to freeze this fondue due to the presence of heavy cream, as not all dairy products freeze and thaw well.

Now you can enjoy your chocolate fondue with Nutella over multiple sessions without worrying about waste!

Frequently asked questions