Instant Pot S'mores Fondue: A Quick, Easy Treat

S'mores are a delicious treat, but what if you could make them even better? Introducing: S'mores fondue! This fun and easy dessert can be made in an instant pot and is perfect for any occasion. All you need are some simple ingredients like chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, and you're ready to go. Making s'mores fondue is a breeze – just melt the chocolate, mix in the marshmallow crème, add some rum (optional), and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Keep it warm in your instant pot and dip away! It's a great way to enjoy the taste of s'mores without the need for a campfire. So, get your instant pot ready and indulge in this sweet and gooey treat that's perfect for any day.

Melting the chocolate

To melt the chocolate, you can use a double boiler, the stovetop, or an Instant Pot. If using a double boiler or an Instant Pot, make sure the water is simmering and not boiling, as this can cause the chocolate to overheat and seize up. For the Instant Pot, pour 1-2 cups of water into the liner, place a glass bowl on top, and set the Instant Pot to Saute Normal. Add the chocolate and heavy cream to the bowl and stir occasionally until smooth.

If using the stovetop method, add the heavy cream to a saucepan and heat until it is almost boiling. Then, pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a glass bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes before stirring until smooth.

Regardless of the method, it is important to heat the chocolate and cream slowly and at low temperatures to avoid burning or seizing. Additionally, you can adjust the consistency of your fondue by adding more cream if needed.

Preparing the double boiler

To prepare the double boiler, you will need your Instant Pot and a glass bowl that fits on top of it. First, pour 1-2 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner. The amount of water should not be too much that it touches the bottom of the glass bowl. Next, place the glass bowl on top of the liner, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl sits inside the Instant Pot while the top remains above the liner. This setup will create a double boiler effect, allowing you to melt your chocolate safely.

Once you have the double boiler prepared, it's time to add the ingredients. Place your desired amount of chocolate and heavy cream into the glass bowl. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour. Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to "Sauté Normal." It's important not to use the "High" setting, as this may cause the chocolate to burn.

Stir the chocolate and cream mixture occasionally until it reaches a smooth consistency. This process should take around 10-15 minutes. Once the fondue is smooth, press "Cancel" and then select the "Keep Warm" setting. This will ensure that your fondue stays at the perfect temperature for serving.

If you need to adjust the consistency of your fondue, you can add more heavy cream to make it thinner. However, be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make your fondue watery. Additionally, avoid adding water to the chocolate, as it may cause it to seize up.

With this method, you can easily make delicious chocolate fondue in your Instant Pot. It's a fun and easy dessert idea that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Adding the cream

When making smores fondue in an instant pot, you'll want to use heavy whipping cream. This will give the fondue a rich and creamy texture. Pour approximately 1-2 cups of water into the bottom of the instant pot liner and place a glass bowl on top. The bottom of the bowl should fit inside the instant pot, while the top should be above the liner. Next, place the chocolate and heavy cream in the bowl.

Turn on the instant pot and set it to Saute Normal. Stir the chocolate and cream occasionally until smooth. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Once the fondue is smooth, press cancel and then hit the keep warm button. This will ensure your fondue stays at the perfect temperature for dipping.

If you're making the fondue on the stovetop, simply scald the cream in a medium saucepan and pour it over the chocolate chips in a glass bowl. Allow everything to sit for about 10 minutes, then stir until smooth.

It's important to note that you should not use water instead of cream, as this will cause the chocolate to seize up. Additionally, make sure to heat the chocolate and cream on low heat to avoid overheating the chocolate, which can make your fondue watery.

Stirring the fondue

When it comes to stirring your s'mores fondue, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it's important to add the chocolate slowly and stir constantly. This ensures that your fondue is smooth and prevents lumps from forming. Add a small handful of chocolate at a time, stirring well between each addition until the chocolate is fully melted before adding more. This process should be done patiently without rushing.

Additionally, it's recommended to grate the chocolate instead of chopping it. Grated chocolate melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. You can use the grater blade of a food processor to grate a large amount of chocolate quickly. If you don't have a food processor, a box grater or a coarse microplane grater will also work.

Another important tip is to toss the grated chocolate with cornstarch before adding it to the fondue. Cornstarch helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the chocolate from clumping. It's also gluten-free, which is great for those with dietary restrictions.

Once you've added all the chocolate and it's fully melted, you can move on to adding the other ingredients. In the case of s'mores fondue, you'll typically add marshmallows next. Place them on top of the chocolate mixture, side by side, covering the entire surface. Then, place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes until the tops of the marshmallows are toasted to your desired level of browning.

After broiling, you can give the fondue a final stir to combine all the ingredients and ensure a smooth, consistent texture. Your s'mores fondue is now ready to be served with your favourite dippers!

Serving suggestions

S'mores fondue is a fun and tasty treat, perfect for a party or date night. It's easy to make and even easier to eat! Here are some serving suggestions to make your fondue night a success:

Dippers

Fondue is all about the dippers! You can use almost anything to dip into that delicious, gooey chocolate, but here are some tried and tested favourites:

• Graham crackers are a must-have. Use squares or sticks for easy dipping.
• Strawberries are a great choice, especially if you're looking for something a little healthier.
• Marshmallows are a classic. Use large ones for extra gooeyness.
• Cookies are perfect for dipping—try something plain like digestive biscuits or rich tea.
• Pretzels add a nice savoury, salty contrast to the sweet chocolate.
• Bananas and apples are a great way to get one of your five a day!
• Cake—because why not?

Presentation

Presentation is key to making your fondue night special. Here are some ideas:

• Use a fondue pot to keep the chocolate warm and melty.
• If you don't have a fondue pot, a simple serving bowl will do. Just reheat the fondue in the Instant Pot or microwave if it starts to cool.
• Provide each guest with a small bowl of fondue and a selection of dippers to avoid double-dipping.

Drinks

What goes well with chocolate fondue? Here are some drink suggestions:

• For adults, a glass of sweet dessert wine or port is a perfect match for the rich, sweet fondue.
• Coffee or tea are also great choices, especially if your fondue is on the sweeter side.
• For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of ice-cold milk is always a winner.

Leftovers

If you have any fondue left over (unlikely, but possible), here's what to do:

• Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• To reheat, place it in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.
• Note that reheated fondue may have a slightly different texture, so it's best to make only as much as you need.

Frequently asked questions