Chocolate Fondue Without A Fondue Set: A Simple Guide

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and you don't need a fondue set to enjoy it. All you need is a heavy-bottom saucepan, a stove, and some simple ingredients. You can use a variety of chocolates, such as bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, or even Toblerone and Nutella for a unique twist. The key is to melt the chocolate slowly and gently, either in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to achieve a smooth and glossy consistency. Serve with an assortment of dippers like fruits, cakes, cookies, and marshmallows, and you've got a delicious and interactive dessert that everyone will love!

Melting chocolate in a microwave

Preparing the Chocolate:

• Cut the chocolate into small, uniform pieces. Chopping the chocolate into similar-sized pieces ensures that it melts evenly. You can use a serrated knife or simply break the chocolate into small chunks.
• Place the chocolate pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. It is important to use a bowl that is suitable for microwave cooking. Look for bowls marked as microwave-safe, usually with a symbol of a small square with wavy lines. Avoid using bowls with any metallic trim or designs, as metal can cause sparks in the microwave.
• Add a small amount of milk, butter, or oil (optional). If you prefer a thinner consistency for your fondue, you can add a small amount of milk, butter, or unflavored oil like canola or coconut oil. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. It is important to note that water should not be added to the chocolate, as it can cause the chocolate to seize and become lumpy.

Microwaving the Chocolate:

• Set the microwave to low power or defrost setting. As microwave settings vary, using a lower power setting helps prevent the chocolate from scorching.
• Microwave the chocolate in short bursts, stirring in between. Start with 30 seconds of microwaving, then remove the bowl and stir the chocolate. Chocolate can retain its shape even when it starts to melt, so it is important to stir it regularly. Use a spoon or rubber spatula and make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, as these areas heat up the fastest.
• Continue microwaving in 10-15 second intervals. Keep microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is almost melted, with just a few small solid pieces remaining. The total time will depend on the amount of chocolate and the power of your microwave, typically taking 1-2 minutes.
• Stop microwaving before the chocolate is completely melted. The residual heat in the bowl will finish melting the remaining solid pieces.
• Stir the chocolate until it is completely smooth. Once you've removed the bowl from the microwave, continue stirring until all the chocolate pieces have melted. If needed, return the bowl to the microwave for an additional 5-10 seconds.
• Allow the chocolate to cool. Microwaved chocolate will be very hot, so let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. If the chocolate starts to harden while you're preparing your fondue, you can microwave it again for short bursts of 10-20 seconds, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Using a saucepan on a stove

Making chocolate fondue in a saucepan on a stove is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather your desired ingredients. While recipes vary, the basic components are chocolate, a liquid (such as cream, milk, or butter), and flavourings (like vanilla or brandy). You can also experiment with add-ins like Nutella, peanut butter, or cinnamon.

Step 2: Combine and Melt

Combine your chosen ingredients in a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat it gently over a low flame. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even melting. Avoid letting the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as this can affect the texture and cause scorching.

Step 3: Stir and Adjust

Once the chocolate is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Continue stirring until you have a glossy, thick, and smooth mixture. If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually whisk in additional cream or milk until you achieve your desired texture.

Step 4: Serve

Your chocolate fondue is now ready to serve! Transfer it to a fondue pot or a small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving. Provide a variety of dippers, such as fruits, cakes, cookies, or marshmallows, and let everyone customise their treats.

Tips:

• Choose good-quality chocolate that melts well. Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips usually work well.
• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can serve the fondue directly from the saucepan. Place an oven mitt on the table and put the hot saucepan on top. Return the saucepan to the stove if the fondue starts to stiffen, adding a little hot cream to adjust the consistency.
• Chocolate fondue doesn't need to stay extremely warm to remain delicious. Even as it cools, it will stay soft and dippable.

Dipping options

Chocolate fondue is a great way to end a romantic meal, and the dip-ables can be prepared in advance. Fruit is the obvious place to start: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, dried apricots, pears, blackberries, raspberries, mango, papaya, and orange segments are all great options.

If you want to go beyond fruit, marshmallows, brownies, pound cake, shortbread, pretzels, potato chips, and even candied bacon are all tasty options. For a more indulgent treat, try dipping slices of cheesecake, Rice Krispies treats, or mini donuts.

For a gluten-free option, try dipping biscotti, Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, or pink wafers. You can also dip mini cakes, cupcakes, or small slices of cake.

If you're looking for a salty-sweet combination, pretzels and potato chips are great choices, providing a crunchy texture contrast to the velvety sweet flavour of the chocolate.

So, get creative with your dipping options and enjoy the interactive and indulgent experience of chocolate fondue!

Keeping the fondue warm

Keeping your chocolate fondue warm is essential to ensure it remains in a dippable state. Here are some ways to keep your chocolate fondue warm without a fondue set:

Tea Candles

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle to keep your chocolate fondue warm. Tea candles produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so they are a good option if you're looking for a gentle heat source. However, it's important to keep an eye on the candle to ensure it doesn't burn out.

Sterno Fuel

Sterno fuel can be used to keep your chocolate fondue warm, but it burns very hot, so you'll need to keep a close eye on it. If it gets too hot, turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid. If your fondue becomes too thick, add a little cream to thin it out and put the Sterno back on for a minute or two to warm up again.

Small Slow Cooker or Crockpot

A small slow cooker or crockpot is a great way to keep your chocolate fondue warm without a fondue set. Simply transfer your fondue to the slow cooker and adjust the heat setting to keep it at your desired temperature. This method is convenient as it allows you to keep your fondue warm for an extended period.

Heating Pad or Hot Water Bath

If you don't have access to a slow cooker, you can keep your fondue warm in the same saucepan you made it in. Place the saucepan on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water. This method may require more frequent attention to ensure the fondue stays warm.

Microwave or Double Boiler

If your fondue starts to cool and thicken, you can always rewarm it. Place it in the microwave at medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature and consistency. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water) to gently warm your fondue.

Customising your fondue

Flavours

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin. For a fruity twist, add some orange zest or a few drops of orange extract. If you're a fan of peppermint, add a quarter to half a teaspoon of peppermint extract to taste. For a boozy kick, spike your fondue with a little liquor such as Amaretto or Bailey's Irish cream. You can also steep aromatics in the cream for an hour before making the fondue. Try a bruised lemongrass stalk for white chocolate or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate.

Dippers

The options for dippers are endless! Go for the classic fruit option with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apricots, and pears. If you want something sweeter, try brownies, pound cake, marshmallows, ladyfingers, or cookies such as Nilla wafers, Oreos, or animal crackers. For a more unique experience, dip crystallised ginger, Rice Krispies treats, graham crackers, or even cinnamon bears.

Frequently asked questions