Making Decadent Dark Chocolate Fondue: A Simple Guide

Dark chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make. It is a great way to make dessert more interactive and get your guests gathered around the table. The fondue itself only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in advance. You can also get creative with the dippers, using anything from fruit to cookies to marshmallows. So, if you're looking for a delicious and entertaining dessert option, dark chocolate fondue is definitely the way to go!

Choosing the right chocolate

Type of Chocolate

The type of chocolate you choose will depend on your taste preferences and the desired sweetness of your fondue. Dark chocolate, as the name suggests, will give a deeper, richer flavour to your fondue. If you prefer a less intense chocolate flavour, you can opt for semi-sweet or milk chocolate. You can also combine different types of chocolate to create a unique flavour profile. For example, combining dark and milk chocolate can result in a creamier, lighter fondue.

Quality of Chocolate

When it comes to chocolate fondue, it is important to use high-quality chocolate. Look for real, pure chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips. Chocolate chips often don't melt as well and can harden quickly, affecting the texture and taste of your fondue. Choose well-known brands that are specifically made for melting, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard. If you can't find these brands, opt for chocolate baking bars, which are usually found in the baking aisle of grocery stores.

Quantity of Chocolate

The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the number of people you are serving and your desired thickness. A good rule of thumb is to use 10-12 ounces (about 300-340 grams) of chocolate for a standard fondue recipe. However, if you want a thicker fondue, you can increase the amount of chocolate or add additional ingredients like peanut butter or marshmallow fluff to enhance the flavour and texture.

Chocolate Combinations

Experimenting with different chocolate combinations can make your fondue more exciting. For example, you can combine dark chocolate with white chocolate to create a creamier and lighter fondue. Alternatively, you can add chopped hazelnuts to the fondue and replace brandy with hazelnut liqueur for a hazelnut fondue twist. If you want to explore more sophisticated flavour profiles, consider steeping aromatics like a bruised lemongrass stalk or a bag of Earl Grey tea in the cream before adding it to the chocolate.

Storage and Preparation

When preparing your chocolate fondue, ensure that all utensils and dishes that come into contact with the chocolate are completely dry. Water can cause the chocolate to seize and ruin your fondue. You can make your fondue ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth and warm.

Melting the chocolate

To melt the chocolate, combine it with heavy cream or milk in a medium saucepan or a stovetop-proof fondue pot. Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let the mixture come to a simmer or boil, as this can cause the fondue to scorch and become grainy.

Once the chocolate is fully melted, you can stir in a small amount of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour. If the fondue is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by whisking in additional cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached.

It is also possible to melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in short intervals and stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler by placing the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Adding extra flavourings

Cinnamon and Chilli

Add a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper to your fondue for a Mexican hot chocolate twist. This combination will add a subtle warmth and spice to your fondue, perfect for a cosy winter dessert.

Espresso Powder

A pinch of espresso powder can enhance the flavour of your dark chocolate fondue. Coffee and chocolate are a classic combination, and the espresso powder will add a depth of flavour that is sure to impress your guests.

Orange Zest

For a fruity twist, add some orange zest to your fondue. This will give your fondue a subtle citrus note that will complement the dark chocolate perfectly. You could also add some orange liqueur for an extra kick.

Peppermint Extract

A few drops of peppermint extract will give your fondue a refreshing, minty flavour. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, as too much can be overpowering. You could also use crushed peppermint candies or peppermint oil.

Alcohol

For an adult-only fondue, try adding a splash of your favourite liqueur. Options such as Amaretto, Bailey's Irish Cream, or hazelnut liqueur will all pair well with dark chocolate. Just be sure to add the alcohol off the heat, as cooking alcohol can cause it to evaporate.

Marshmallow Fluff

Swirl in a couple of spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff for a sweet and gooey fondue. This is a great option for those who like their fondue extra indulgent. Leave some streaks of marshmallow for a pretty presentation.

Peanut Butter

Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to your fondue for a delicious, nutty flavour. You can stir it through or leave streaks of peanut butter visible for a more interesting texture and flavour profile.

Steeping Aromatics

Try steeping aromatics such as a bruised lemongrass stalk or a bag of Earl Grey tea in your cream for an hour before making your fondue. This will add a subtle and sophisticated flavour to your dessert.

Dipping foods

There are endless options for foods to dip into your dark chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fruits are the most popular choice for chocolate fondue. You can use any kind of fruit you like, but some of the most popular options include:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Oranges
• Apples
• Grapes
• Cherries
• Kiwi
• Blueberries
• Raspberries

You could also use dried fruits such as apricots, mangoes, or figs.

Pastries, Biscuits, and Cookies

For a more indulgent treat, try dipping pastries, biscuits, or cookies into your fondue. Some options include:

• Waffles
• Pancakes
• Churros
• Doughnuts
• Croissants
• Marshmallows
• Shortbread
• Digestives
• Gingerbread
• Ladyfingers
• Oreos
• Biscotti
• Brownies
• Mini cakes or cupcakes

Savouries

If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping some savoury foods into your fondue. Some options include:

• Pretzels
• Potato crisps
• Bacon strips
• Cheesecake bites
• Popcorn
• Nuts

Keeping the fondue warm

Keeping your dark chocolate fondue warm is important to ensure that it remains in a dippable state. Here are some ways to achieve that:

Using a Fondue Pot

The most common way to keep fondue warm is by using a fondue pot. 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 be placed directly on the stovetop. They tend to be heavier and larger than other options. Ceramic fondue pots are excellent at retaining heat, easy to clean, and come in various sizes. Some ceramic pots are microwave-safe and stovetop-safe. Electric fondue pots are the safest and fastest-heating option, as they don't require an open flame. However, they are more expensive and need to be plugged into an outlet.

Tea Candles or Sterno

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 a gentler heat source. If you choose to use Sterno, be cautious as it can burn very hot. Keep a close eye on it, and turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid if it gets too hot. You can also add a little more cream to the fondue and reheat it with Sterno for a minute or two if needed.

Small Slow Cooker or Crockpot

Another option for keeping your fondue warm is to use a small slow cooker or crockpot. This method is ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature without the risk of overheating.

Heating Pad or Hot Water Bath

If you made your fondue in a saucepan, you can keep it warm by placing the saucepan on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot, just-boiled water. This method may not keep the fondue as hot as other methods, but it will still be enjoyable.

Adding Oil or Dairy

To prevent your fondue from solidifying, you can add a neutral-tasting oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Additionally, incorporating more dairy, such as cream or milk, can help maintain a sauce-like consistency. However, be cautious as adding too much liquid can thin out your fondue.

Frequently asked questions