The Best Way To Make Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and easy dessert to make. It is a great way to make dessert more interactive and get your family or guests gathered around the table. The method for making chocolate fondue is simple: heat dairy (usually a combination of milk and cream) and then add chocolate. It is important to use high-quality chocolate, and chocolate chips are usually preferred over chocolate bars as they melt better. The fondue can be served in a fondue pot or simply in the same saucepan it was made in.

Using a saucepan on the stove

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic chocolate fondue, you will need chocolate, milk or cream, and optionally, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Choose high-quality chocolate, either semisweet or bittersweet, and chop it into small pieces. You can also use chocolate chips, but some brands may not melt as well. If you want to get creative, you can add a variety of flavours such as peppermint extract, cinnamon, chilli, or liqueur.

Step 2: Combine and Melt

In your saucepan, combine the chocolate with the milk or cream. Some recipes suggest a ratio of 1 cup of dairy to 10 ounces of chocolate to prevent graininess or separation. You can also add butter at this stage for a mellower flavour. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat the mixture on low to medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Do not let the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as it may scorch and turn grainy.

Step 3: Add Extras and Serve

Once the chocolate is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. This is the time to add any extra ingredients, such as vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or your chosen flavourings. Stir well to combine. Your chocolate fondue is now ready to serve! Transfer it to a fondue pot, or simply serve straight from the saucepan. Keep the fondue warm by placing the saucepan on a heating pad or over a bowl of very hot water.

Step 4: Dipping

The best part about chocolate fondue is the endless dipping options! Prepare an assortment of dippers such as fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, etc.), cookies (Oreos, biscotti, etc.), marshmallows, brownies, pound cake, and more. Skewer the dippers and arrange them on a platter or plates around the chocolate pot. Dip, enjoy, and indulge!

Tips:

• If your fondue becomes too thick, simply whisk in additional cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
• Be careful not to get any water into the fondue, as it can cause the chocolate to seize and ruin the fondue.
• Leftover fondue can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently on low heat when needed.

Using a slow cooker

Preparing the Ingredients:

First, gather all your ingredients. For a basic chocolate fondue, you will need chocolate, milk or cream, and optionally, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate and add extra flavours like peppermint extract, cinnamon, or liqueurs. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and measure out the desired amount of milk or cream.

Melting the Chocolate:

Combine the chocolate and milk or cream in a small bowl. You can also add butter at this stage for a more mellow chocolate flavour. Gently melt the ingredients using a double boiler (a barely simmering water bath) or a microwave on medium power for about 2 minutes. Stir the mixture until it is completely smooth and well-incorporated. If the fondue seems too thick, you can add more milk or cream to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Adding Flavours:

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, you can enhance the flavour by adding a pinch of salt and/or vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients into the fondue until well combined. If you want to get creative, you can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin, a pinch of espresso powder, orange zest, or even steep aromatics like lemongrass or Earl Grey tea in the cream beforehand for subtle flavour infusions.

Using the Slow Cooker:

Now it's time to set up your slow cooker. Transfer the warm fondue mixture into the slow cooker and set it to the "Warm" setting. This will keep your fondue at an ideal temperature throughout your meal. If you don't have a slow cooker, you can also use a fondue pot, a tea candle, or Sterno fuel to keep the fondue warm. However, be cautious with Sterno as it can burn very hot and may require occasional adjustments.

Dipping and Serving:

Prepare an assortment of dippers such as fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, etc.), cookies, brownies, marshmallows, pound cake, and anything else you desire. Skewer the dippers or arrange them on a platter for easy access. Provide fondue forks, bamboo skewers, or other utensils for dipping. When serving, remind your guests to use one utensil for dipping and a separate one for eating. Enjoy your delicious chocolate fondue!

Using a fondue pot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather your desired type of chocolate, such as semisweet, bittersweet, or milk chocolate, and chop it into small pieces. You can also use chocolate chips, but some sources suggest that chocolate bars melt better and don't harden as quickly. You will also need dairy, such as milk, cream, or a combination of both, and optional ingredients like butter, vanilla extract, or liqueur.

Step 2: Combine and Melt the Ingredients

In a small saucepan or stovetop-safe fondue pot, combine the chocolate with the dairy. Place the pot over low heat and stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Do not let the mixture come to a simmer or boil, as this can scorch the chocolate and affect its texture.

Step 3: Add Flavourings

Once the chocolate is melted, remove the pot from the heat. This is the time to add any flavourings, such as vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or your choice of liqueur. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency

If the fondue is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by whisking in additional cream or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Fondue is usually better when it's on the thicker side, as it's easier to make it thinner than thicker.

Step 5: Transfer to a Fondue Pot

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into your fondue pot and light the fuel to keep it warm. If you're using a tea candle or Sterno fuel, keep an eye on the heat to avoid overheating the fondue. You can also use an electric fondue pot, which is safer and easier to adjust but may be more expensive.

Step 6: Dip and Enjoy!

Arrange your desired dippers, such as fruit, cookies, or marshmallows, on a platter or plates around the fondue pot. Provide fondue forks, bamboo skewers, or other utensils for dipping. Enjoy the chocolate fondue while it's warm and melted, and add a small amount of cream if it starts to thicken or stiffen.

Melting chocolate in the microwave

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate

Start by chopping your chosen chocolate into small, uniform pieces. This step is important as it ensures even melting. Chocolate chips are already the perfect size, so you can skip this step if you're using them. Place the chopped chocolate or chips into a microwave-safe bowl. A glass or ceramic bowl is best, as metal can cause issues in the microwave.

Step 2: Microwave in Short Bursts

Now, you'll want to heat the chocolate in short bursts to avoid overheating or burning it. Set your microwave to a low heat setting if possible, and heat the chocolate for 20-30 seconds at a time.

Step 3: Stir and Repeat

After each burst of heat, remove the bowl from the microwave and give the chocolate a stir. Use a dry spoon or spatula, and be sure to use a non-metallic utensil if your bowl is also metal-free. Repeat the process of heating and stirring until the chocolate is almost completely melted.

Step 4: Finish Melting and Cool

Once the chocolate is mostly melted, with just a few small pieces remaining, stop microwaving and set the bowl aside. The residual heat will melt the last few pieces. Stir the chocolate until it is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before using, as microwaved food continues to cook for a short time after being removed from the microwave.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid using a metal bowl and utensils to prevent any issues with metal in the microwave.
• Ensure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before starting. Even a small amount of water can cause the chocolate to become grainy and lumpy.
• Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it burns easily.
• If you're using white or milk chocolate, try even shorter intervals, like 15 seconds, to avoid burning.
• If you want to thin out your fondue, simply whisk in additional cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Adding extra flavours

There are many ways to add extra flavours to your chocolate fondue. You can add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff to your chocolate fondue and just swirl it around. For a prettier presentation, you can leave streaks of marshmallow or peanut butter.

You can also steep aromatics in the cream for an hour beforehand to add a subtle flavour. For example, steep a bruised lemongrass stalk for white chocolate or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate.

Additionally, you can add a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ancho chile pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate spin, or add a pinch of espresso powder or orange zest.

If you want to make a peppermint chocolate fondue, add peppermint extract. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase according to taste.

For a more grown-up version, add some liquor such as Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream.

Frequently asked questions