Chocolate Fondue: Melting The Right Chocolate

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make, and it's a great way to get creative with different types of chocolate and dippers. When making chocolate fondue, it's important to use high-quality chocolate to achieve the best flavour and texture. While chocolate chips can be used, they may not melt as well and can harden quickly, so it's recommended to use chopped chocolate bars instead. The type of chocolate you use is up to your preference, with options including semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white chocolate. You can even get creative and combine different types of chocolate to create a unique flavour profile.

Milk, dark, or white chocolate

When it comes to making chocolate fondue, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate – or a combination of these! The type of chocolate you choose will depend on your taste preferences and the desired intensity of the fondue. Here's a guide to help you select the right chocolate for your fondue:

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is a great option if you want a sweeter fondue. It has a creamy, mellow flavour and is a good choice for fondue because it doesn't harden as quickly as some other types of chocolate. Milk chocolate is also versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers, making it a popular choice for fondue.

Dark Chocolate

If you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavour, then dark chocolate is the way to go. Look for chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao, ideally 60% or more, to get that deep, complex flavour. Dark chocolate fondue is perfect for those who want a more sophisticated and indulgent experience.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Semi-sweet chocolate is another popular choice for fondue as it offers a balance between sweetness and bitterness. It has a more subtle chocolate flavour than milk chocolate but is not as intense as dark chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate is versatile and works well with a variety of dippers, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Bittersweet Chocolate

Bittersweet chocolate is an excellent option if you want a truly indulgent and intense chocolate experience. It has a higher percentage of cacao, usually ranging from 66% to 70%, resulting in a rich and slightly bitter flavour. Bittersweet chocolate fondue is perfect for those who want a more grown-up and decadent dessert.

White Chocolate

White chocolate fondue is a delightful alternative for those who want something different. It has a creamy, sweet flavour and can be paired with a variety of mix-ins and dippers. White chocolate fondue is often spiked with liquor or citrus zest to enhance its flavour.

Combinations

You don't have to stick to just one type of chocolate for your fondue. Combining different chocolates can result in a richer, more complex flavour. A popular combination is milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate, using a 2:1 ratio. You can also mix in some white chocolate for a creamier texture. Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect blend.

Chocolate chips or bars

When melting chocolate chips or bars for fondue, it's important to do so gently and slowly to avoid scorching or graininess. Combine the chocolate with milk, cream, or a combination of both, and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted. Avoid letting the mixture come to a simmer or boil. If the fondue becomes too thick, you can thin it out by whisking in additional cream or milk.

Additionally, when making chocolate fondue, it's crucial to ensure that any equipment that comes into contact with the chocolate is completely dry and free of water. Water can cause the chocolate to seize and ruin the fondue.

Adding alcohol or other extracts

Alcoholic Options

If you're looking to add a little kick to your fondue, consider spiking it with a high-quality liqueur. Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) or amaretto (with its almond and cherry notes) are excellent choices. For a more subtle hint of alcohol, try steeping aromatics like a stalk of lemongrass or a bag of Earl Grey tea in the cream before adding it to the chocolate. This will give your fondue a subtle, contemporary flavour. Alternatively, you could use a small amount of canned Sterno fuel or a tea candle to keep your fondue warm, which will also add a hint of alcohol to the flavour.

Extracts

Vanilla extract is a classic addition to chocolate fondue, but you could also experiment with other extracts like orange or peppermint for a refreshing twist. If you're feeling creative, try adding a combination of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate fondue, or a pinch of espresso powder for an unexpected but delightful kick.

Dipping options: fruit, cake, cookies, etc

There are endless options for what to dip into a chocolate fondue! Here are some ideas for fruit, cakes, cookies, and more.

Fruit

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic fondue choice, but you can also try raspberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, papaya, apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, or dried fruits like figs, pineapple, or mangoes.

Cake

Pound cake, angel food cake, and brownies are all solid options for dipping into chocolate fondue. Cut them into small cubes for easier dipping.

Cookies

Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, shortbread, graham crackers, and ginger snaps are all great choices for chocolate fondue.

Other sweet treats

Other tasty treats to dip into chocolate fondue include Rice Krispie treats, marshmallows, pretzels, potato chips, ladyfingers, and even cheesecake!

Using a fondue pot or alternative

If you have a fondue pot, making chocolate fondue is easy. Combine your chocolate, milk, and cream in the fondue pot and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Do not let it come to a boil.

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can still make chocolate fondue. You can use a regular pot and place it on an oven mitt on the table while you dip. Return the pot to the stove and stir in a little more hot cream if it starts to stiffen. Alternatively, you can use a small slow cooker, a small crockpot, or a clean candle warmer to keep your fondue warm.

If you want to get a fondue pot, there are three main types: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots are usually made from stainless steel or enameled cast iron. They are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. Ceramic fondue pots are great for holding heat and easy to clean. They come in a range of sizes and can be microwave-safe. Electric fondue pots are the safest and fastest to heat up, but they are also the most expensive.

Frequently asked questions