The Best Chocolate Types For A Fondue Night

Chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent treat, perfect for a romantic dinner or a crowd-pleasing party trick. But what type of chocolate should you buy to make the perfect fondue?

The type of chocolate you use will depend on your personal preference and what you plan to dip into it. White chocolate is a classy choice, pairing well with strawberries, pretzels, chocolate cookies, and even cheesecake or brownie bites. Milk chocolate is a crowd-pleaser and goes with almost any dipper. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for salty snacks like candied bacon, pretzels, or potato chips. If you're using dark chocolate, look for a cacao percentage between 60 and 70 to avoid bitter chocolate.

You can also get creative and melt candy bars for your fondue. Toffee, nuts, or chocolate bars with additional ingredients can add extra flavour and crunch.

Dark, milk or white chocolate

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate for your fondue, you can opt for dark, milk, or white chocolate—or a combination of these! Here's a breakdown of each type to help you decide:

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate, pairs perfectly with salty dippers. Think candied bacon, pretzels, or potato chips. If you're a fan of bitter chocolate, go for a higher cacao percentage. However, if you're not a fan of the bitter taste, look for chocolate with a cacao content between 60% and 70%. Dark chocolate fondue will surely add a touch of elegance to your gathering.

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate fondue is a crowd-pleaser and a classic for a reason. It goes well with just about any dipper, from fruits to cookies and everything in between. Milk chocolate melting wafers are also readily available and convenient for fondue preparation. If you're looking to satisfy a wide range of taste preferences, milk chocolate is a safe bet.

White Chocolate

For a classy touch at your next gathering, white chocolate fondue is an excellent choice. It tastes delightful with strawberries, pretzels, chocolate cookies, and even cheesecake or brownie bites. To make white chocolate fondue, simply substitute dark or milk chocolate with white chocolate in your recipe. White chocolate melting wafers are also available if you prefer the convenience of wafers over chopping chocolate bars.

Combination

You can also mix and match these chocolates to create a unique fondue experience. However, be cautious when combining them, as certain flavours may clash. Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect blend.

Remember, when making chocolate fondue, it's best to use melting wafers instead of chocolate chips to minimise the risk of burning and to achieve a smoother, creamier consistency.

Melting wafers

Wilton's Chocolate Pro Melting Wafers are a popular choice for chocolate fondue. They are easy to use and melt in the microwave. The chocolate is of premium quality and has a rich flavour and smooth texture. It is the ideal consistency for fondue and fountains and does not require the addition of oil. The wafers come in 2-pound bags and are available in packs of one or two.

Another option is By The Cup's Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers, which come in 2-pound or 5-pound bags. They are easy to melt and mould, and have a nice flavour. They are ideal for all kinds of confectionery adventures, including molding, piping, and drizzling.

When choosing chocolate for fondue, it is best to use either semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, or a combination of both. Semisweet chocolate contains less cacao than bittersweet chocolate and tastes slightly sweeter. A ratio of 1 cup of dairy to 10 ounces of chocolate is recommended to prevent the chocolate from becoming grainy or separating. It is also important to heat the dairy first before adding the chocolate.

Fondue pots

Metal Fondue Pots:

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

Ceramic Fondue Pots:

Ceramic fondue pots are excellent for retaining heat and are easy to clean. They come in a variety of sizes, and some models, like the Emil Henry Flame ceramic, can be used on stovetops. Ceramic pots are also microwave-safe, making them convenient for reheating chocolate fondue.

Electric Fondue Pots:

Electric fondue pots are known for their safety and fast heating capabilities. They are easy to adjust and control, but they tend to be more expensive than other options. One consideration when using an electric fondue pot is the need for a nearby power outlet.

Tea Candle Fondue Warmers:

For a smaller setup, tea candles can be used to keep the chocolate fondue warm. They produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so it's important to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as needed.

Small Crockpots or Candle Warmers:

Another option for keeping chocolate fondue warm is to use a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer. These alternatives can maintain the fondue's temperature without the need for a flame or direct heat source.

Dippers

When it comes to chocolate fondue, the dippers are just as important as the chocolate itself! Here are some mouth-watering ideas for what to dip into that warm, melted chocolate:

Fresh or Dried Fruit

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic choice, but you can also try other berries like blackberries or raspberries. Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya are sweet and juicy, adding a touch of summer to your winter fondue. Dried fruits such as apricots, mangoes, and papayas are also excellent options.

Cookies

Cookies are a perfect match for chocolate fondue. Try shortbread, peanut butter, chocolate chip, or even fortune cookies. For extra decadence, dip vanilla wafers, Oreos, or biscotti into the melted chocolate.

Cake

Cut pound cake, angel food cake, or even cheesecake into cubes and skewer them for easy dipping. The contrast between the fluffy cake and the rich, warm chocolate is simply irresistible.

Pretzels and Potato Chips

For a sweet and salty combination, pretzels and potato chips are excellent choices. Their crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the velvety chocolate. Go for sturdy options like pretzel rods and wavy chips to avoid breakage.

Marshmallows

Dunk jumbo marshmallows into the chocolate fondue for a gooey treat. Or, get creative and make your own s'mores by sandwiching a marshmallow between two graham crackers.

Candied Bacon

For a unique savoury option, try dipping candied bacon into the chocolate. The salty, smoky flavour of the bacon pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the chocolate.

Other Ideas

Other possibilities include rice krispie treats, graham crackers, brownies, tropical fruits like dragon fruit and kiwi, and even sweetbreads like raisin bread or banana bread. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite chocolate fondue dippers!

Chocolate fountains

Chocolate Type:

• White chocolate: For a classy touch, white chocolate is an excellent choice. It pairs well with strawberries, pretzels, chocolate cookies, and even cheesecake or brownie bites.
• Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is a crowd-pleaser and goes well with almost any dipper. It is a versatile option that will satisfy a variety of tastes.
• Dark chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavour, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate is a good option. It complements salty dippers such as candied bacon, pretzels or potato chips. When selecting dark chocolate, consider the cacao percentage, as a high cacao content leads to a more bitter taste. Aim for chocolate with a cacao percentage between 60% and 70% to avoid excessive bitterness.

Melting Wafers:

Chocolate melting wafers are designed specifically for use in chocolate fountains. They melt smoothly and maintain a liquid consistency, ensuring a steady flow of chocolate. Chocolate Pro Melting Wafers, for example, have a smooth texture and rich flavour, making them ideal for dipping fruit, pound cake, and cookies.

Candy Melts:

Candy Melts are colourful candy coatings that make for a fun and unique fondue experience. They melt quickly and come in a variety of flavours and colours, allowing you to match your party's theme. For a more traditional fondue experience, opt for the Light Cocoa or Dark Cocoa Candy Melts, which have a rich chocolatey taste that pairs well with both sweet and savoury dippers.

Chocolate Chips:

While you can use white, milk, or dark chocolate chips for fondue, it is recommended to use melting wafers instead. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers to maintain their shape and may not melt as smoothly, increasing the risk of burning.

In conclusion, when choosing chocolate for your chocolate fountain, consider the type of chocolate that best suits your taste and the purpose of your event. Additionally, opt for melting wafers or Candy Melts for a smoother and more reliable melting experience. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions