Chocolate Fondue: Best Dippers For A Sweet Treat

Chocolate fondue is a great way to end a romantic meal or entertain a crowd. But what should you dip into that chocolate waterfall?

Fruit is a popular choice, with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, apples, oranges, and kiwi all making the list. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try dipping avocado or pickles. For a longer-lasting option, dried fruit like apricots, mango, and papaya can be a great choice.

Cookies are another classic fondue dipper. Shortbread, Oreos, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla wafers are all solid options.

If you're looking for something salty to balance out the sweet, pretzels and potato chips are a great choice. Ruffled chips can add extra texture, while pretzel rods or sticks provide a sturdy base for dipping.

For a truly indulgent experience, try dipping brownies, cheesecake, pound cake, or even bacon into your fondue.

So, whether you're a classic dipper or like to get creative, there are plenty of options to choose from for your next chocolate fondue party.

Fresh or dried fruit

When it comes to dried fruit, choose options that are soft enough to pierce with a fondue fork. Dried apricots, figs, dates, papaya, pineapple, and apples are all good choices. Chocolate-covered dried bananas are delicious, but they can be a bit tricky to manage due to their softer texture.

Cookies

If you're looking for a more DIY approach, you can make your own cookies specifically for dipping. Here are some ideas for cookie recipes that will pair well with chocolate fondue:

• Peanut butter cookies
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Chocolate sandwich cookies
• Oatmeal raisin cookies
• Snickerdoodles
• Ginger snaps
• Meringue cookies

When preparing your cookies for dipping, it's important to cut them into bite-sized pieces ahead of time. This will make the dining experience simpler, as you'll be able to dip and pop each piece into your mouth without any mess.

Pretzels and potato chips

For pretzels, you can use either the classic shape or opt for pretzel rods or sticks, which are heavier and provide a satisfying bite. When it comes to potato chips, both plain and ruffled varieties work well. Ruffled chips offer more texture and surface area for the chocolate to cling to, while plain chips provide a smooth and even dipping surface.

If you want to enhance the experience further, you can add toppings to your pretzels and potato chips before the chocolate sets. Try sprinkles, coconut flakes, or a dusting of cinnamon powder for an extra layer of flavour and texture.

So, the next time you're preparing for a chocolate fondue night, be sure to include pretzels and potato chips on your list of dippers. They offer a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavours that will tantalise your taste buds and elevate your fondue experience.

Marshmallows

To elevate your marshmallow dipping experience, consider using gelatine-free marshmallows such as Dandies vanilla marshmallows. These marshmallows are known for their delicious flavour and are a great option for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

If you want to get creative, you can even make your own marshmallows at home. Homemade marshmallows tend to be softer and fluffier than store-bought ones, and you can experiment with different flavours and colours to add a unique twist to your fondue.

When dipping marshmallows, it is best to use fondue forks or skewers. This allows you to easily spear the marshmallows and swirl them in the chocolate without making a mess. You can also use tongs if you prefer, especially if you are dipping larger marshmallows.

Once you have dipped your marshmallows in the chocolate, you can enjoy them as they are or get creative with toppings and combinations. For a classic treat, sandwich a chocolate-dipped marshmallow between two graham crackers to make a delicious makeshift s'more, no campfire needed!

For a more indulgent option, roll your chocolate-covered marshmallows in crushed graham crackers, nuts, or sprinkles to add a crunchy texture and extra flavour. You can also dip them in crushed Oreos, peanut butter cups, or other cookies for an ultimate sweet treat.

If you want to explore more sophisticated flavour combinations, consider pairing your chocolate-dipped marshmallows with a glass of wine. The sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate can be beautifully contrasted with a dry wine such as Champagne or Prosecco. For a more harmonious pairing, a sweet wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a Port will enhance the flavours of the dessert.

Cheesecake

• Cut everything into bite-sized pieces ahead of time. This simplifies the dining experience as you can dip the item and pop it straight into your mouth.
• Choose dippers that can withstand moisture. If something becomes too soft after dipping, it will create a mess.
• Use fondue forks to prevent burns and to keep fingers from touching the chocolate.
• Use a large enough pot for the number of guests you have. You can also have multiple pots for different types of fondue.
• Cut up your chocolate fondue dippers before your guests arrive to make things easier.
• Place the food on platters for easy access and have a few small tongs handy.
• Use high-quality chocolate for your fondue.
• Make sure your chocolate fondue stays warm throughout the gathering. A fondue pot is ideal for maintaining a steady temperature.

Frequently asked questions