Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue: A Decadent, Easy Dessert Experience

Chocolate hazelnut fondue is a fun and engaging dessert that's perfect for parties and intimate celebrations. This guide will teach you how to make a delicious and smooth chocolate hazelnut fondue, with tips on equipment, ingredients, and serving suggestions. Making chocolate fondue is a simple process that only requires a few basic ingredients and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, chocolate hazelnut fondue is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Choosing a fondue pot

While making chocolate hazelnut fondue, you can use a fondue pot or a saucepan. However, if you want to keep the fondue warm for longer, a fondue pot is a better option.

There are three main types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric.

Metal fondue pots are usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are sturdy and can be placed directly on the stovetop. They tend to be heavier and larger than other options.

Ceramic fondue pots are great at retaining heat and are easy to clean. They come in a variety of sizes, and some models can be used on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Electric fondue pots are safer and heat up faster since they don't use an open flame. They are easy to adjust but tend to be more expensive, and you'll need access to an electrical outlet to plug them in.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider factors such as size, material, heat source, and ease of cleaning. If you plan to use it regularly or for larger groups, a larger pot with a heat source that is easy to control might be preferable. Additionally, look for a pot that is easy to clean and has features like temperature control and a non-stick surface.

You can find fondue pots at various price points, and they are available at kitchenware stores, online retailers, and even thrift or vintage stores.

Selecting the right chocolate

Start with a High-Quality Chocolate:

When it comes to the chocolate you choose, quality is key. Opt for a premium chocolate with a high percentage of cacao, ideally 60% or more. This will ensure a deep, rich chocolate flavour in your fondue. Look for brands known for their chocolate quality, such as Guittard or Ghirardelli. Avoid store-brand chocolates, as they may not provide the desired flavour and smoothness.

Choose the Right Type of Chocolate:

You can use either bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate for your fondue. Bittersweet chocolate will give a deeper, more intense flavour, while semi-sweet chocolate will make it slightly sweeter. You can also experiment with white chocolate for a creamy, delicious alternative. If you want to create a milk chocolate fondue, opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips and adjust the amount of cream in your recipe accordingly.

Consider Chocolate Chips:

Chocolate chips are a convenient option and easily melt into a smooth fondue. They are also easy to measure and combine with other ingredients. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can chop your own chocolate bars, but be sure to select high-quality bars with a high cacao percentage.

Amount of Chocolate:

The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the serving size and desired thickness of your fondue. A good rule of thumb is to use equal parts chocolate and heavy cream, or slightly more chocolate if you want a thicker consistency. For a large batch, you may need up to 1½ pounds of chocolate.

Add-Ins and Flavour Variations:

While the chocolate is the star, you can also enhance its flavour with add-ins. For a classic chocolate hazelnut fondue, use chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella, to amplify the hazelnut flavour. You can also add a touch of butter to make the fondue smoother and richer. If you want to spike your fondue, hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico) is an excellent choice, but you can also experiment with other liqueurs like coffee, chocolate, almond, or raspberry.

Remember, when selecting chocolate for your fondue, always prioritise quality. The better the chocolate, the more delicious and indulgent your chocolate hazelnut fondue will be!

Preparing the ingredients

To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients, which typically include chocolate, heavy cream, and hazelnuts. You can use different types of chocolate, such as semisweet, bittersweet, or dark chocolate chips. If you want a more indulgent fondue, you can also add some butter. For the hazelnuts, look for chopped, toasted hazelnuts to add a crunchy texture to your fondue.

Next, measure out the required amounts of each ingredient. The amount of chocolate you'll need can vary depending on your preference, but typically, you'll need around 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips or 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a larger batch. For the heavy cream, measure out 1½ cups, and if you're using butter, you'll need a few tablespoons. As for the hazelnuts, 2-4 tablespoons of chopped, toasted hazelnuts should be plenty.

If you plan on adding a liqueur to your fondue, measure out about ¼-½ cup of your chosen variety. Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other options like coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, almond liqueur, or raspberry liqueur. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the liqueur with vanilla extract, almond extract, or hazelnut extract.

Once you have all your ingredients measured out, it's a good idea to prepare any additional toppings or dippers you want to serve with your fondue. Chopped fruit like strawberries, bananas, and apples are always a great option. You can also consider treats like pretzels, pound cake, biscotti, or even marshmallows.

With all your ingredients ready and measured, you're now just one step away from creating your chocolate hazelnut fondue!

Melting the chocolate

Method 1: Using a Fondue Pot or Saucepan

If you have a fondue pot, start by pouring the heavy whipping cream into it. You can also use a regular saucepan if you don't have a fondue pot, but remember to transfer the mixture to a dish before serving. Turn the heat to medium-low. Add your chocolate chips—go for a quality brand of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate to ensure a rich flavour. You will need 12 ounces of chocolate chips, or 1½ cups of finely chopped chocolate.

Next, add a dash of cinnamon to your pot and whisk continuously. Keep whisking until the chocolate chips begin to melt and the cream and chocolate are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth and shiny mixture. This method ensures that the chocolate melts gradually and evenly, reducing the risk of burning or seizing.

Method 2: Using a Microwave

Place your chocolate chips in a large, microwave-safe container, such as a glass or ceramic bowl. A measuring cup with a spout works well for easy pouring later. You can also prepare it directly in the serving bowl, as long as it is microwave-safe. Add the heavy cream and butter to the chocolate chips. The cream will help thin out the melted chocolate, making it richer and smoother, while also preventing it from solidifying as it cools.

Microwave the mixture for 2 minutes to start the melting process. Keep an eye on it to avoid scorching. Once the time is up, remove the container from the microwave and use a whisk to combine the ingredients until smooth. If there are still lumps of unmelted chocolate, return the mixture to the microwave in 15-second intervals until it is completely melted.

Method 3: Using a Double Boiler

Fill a small saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Set a heatproof glass or metal bowl on top of the saucepan to create a double boiler, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. This method provides gentle heat to melt the chocolate without burning it.

Add your chocolate to the bowl and stir until it is completely melted and smooth. You can use chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for this method. Once melted, whisk in a small amount of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour.

Regardless of the method you choose, always avoid mixing water with the chocolate, as it can cause it to seize and become lumpy. Ensure that all your utensils and cookware are completely dry before beginning.

Once your chocolate is melted and smooth, you can move on to the next steps of making your chocolate hazelnut fondue!

Adding the finishing touches

Now for the fun part: adding the finishing touches!

First, decide on your vessel. You can serve your fondue in a fondue pot to keep it warm, or simply use a large bowl. If you're using a fondue pot, transfer the mixture to the pot and heat the fuel underneath to keep it warm over a medium-low heat. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a saucepan, but be sure to transfer the fondue to a dish before serving and eat it quickly.

Next, it's time to add the liqueur. Mix in hazelnut liqueur to taste. This will give your fondue a nutty flavour and a slightly thinner consistency. If you don't want to include alcohol, you can add a couple of teaspoons of vanilla extract, almond extract, or hazelnut extract instead.

Finally, sprinkle some chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for added flavour, crunch, and garnish.

And that's it! Your chocolate hazelnut fondue is ready to serve. Don't forget to prepare some delicious dippers, such as strawberries, bananas, pretzels, pound cake, or biscotti. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions