Chocolate Fondue Dippers: Creative Combinations To Try

Chocolate fondue is a fun and tasty treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening, entertaining guests, or indulging in a solo self-love date, chocolate fondue is always a good idea. But what do you dip in this delicious melted chocolate? The options are endless!

Fresh or dried fruit is a popular choice, with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and bananas being crowd favourites. Marshmallows are also a classic pairing, especially when paired with graham crackers for makeshift s'mores. For a crunchy texture, pretzels and potato chips are a great option, adding a salty contrast to the sweet chocolate.

If you're feeling indulgent, brownies, cookies, donuts, and mini cakes are perfect for dipping. Cheesecake, Rice Krispie treats, and pound cake are also delicious options. For a unique twist, try dipping bacon or Ruffles chips in your chocolate fondue.

So, gather your favourite dippers, heat up some chocolate, and get ready to dip, swirl, and enjoy!

Fruit

Chocolate fondue is a great way to make fruit feel like an indulgent treat. It's a good idea to prepare your fruit before serving, cutting it into bite-sized pieces that are easy to skewer and dip.

Strawberries are a classic fondue fruit, and for good reason—chocolate-covered strawberries are considered one of the most romantic treats. But there are plenty of other berries that work well, including blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, marionberries, boysenberries, Tayberries, and Loganberries.

Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, and dragon fruit are also excellent choices, adding a burst of sweet and juicy flavour. Or, for something a little different, try bananas, kiwi, oranges, cherries, grapes, apples, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon.

Dried fruit is another option, lasting longer than fresh fruit and providing a great alternative if you want to prepare your fondue dippers in advance. Try dried apricots, mango, papaya, pineapple, or apples.

Cookies

Vanilla Wafers, Oreos, and Biscotti

Oreos, vanilla wafers, and biscotti are all excellent choices for dipping in chocolate fondue. These cookies have a crunchy texture that will hold up well against the fondue. Plus, who doesn't love the combination of chocolate and cookies?

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic for a reason—they're delicious! And they only get better when you dip them in chocolate fondue. The warmth of the fondue will slightly melt the chocolate chips, creating a delightful gooey texture.

Cinnamon-Flavored Cookies

Cinnamon and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon cookies will pair perfectly with the mildness of the chocolate fondue. If you're feeling extra indulgent, go for a snickerdoodle cookie—the soft, chewy texture will be the perfect contrast to the smooth fondue.

Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies are another excellent option for dipping in chocolate fondue. They have a rich, buttery flavor that will only be enhanced by the chocolate. And if you want to get really fancy, look for chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies—that way, you'll get an extra layer of chocolate with every bite.

Vanilla Cookies

Vanilla cookies are a classic choice for a reason—the simple, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the chocolate fondue. Look for cookies that are on the softer side, as they'll provide a nice contrast in texture to the fondue.

Edible Cookie Dough Balls

If you're feeling extra indulgent, skip the baked cookies altogether and go straight for the cookie dough! Edible cookie dough balls are all the rage these days, and they're perfect for dipping in chocolate fondue. You can even pop them in the freezer beforehand for a delightful contrast of warm chocolate and cold cookie dough.

Cake

Types of Cake

Cut cubes of pound cake, angel food cake, or sponge cake are excellent choices for dipping in chocolate fondue. The mild sweetness of these cakes pairs well with the rich chocolate. If you're feeling creative, you can also use brownies or ladyfingers.

Preparation

To ensure your cake cubes stick to the skewers better, it is recommended to let the cake sit out for a few hours before dipping. This will make it easier to dip and create a more enjoyable experience for your guests.

Presentation

When preparing your chocolate fondue setup, it is suggested to cut the cake into 2-inch cubes for dipping. There is no need for frosting or decorating, as the chocolate will provide more than enough flavour. Simply spear the cake cubes onto fondue forks or skewers and let your guests dip them into the warm, melted chocolate.

Storage

If you have any leftover cake cubes, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain fresh for a few days, but it is best to consume them within two days to ensure optimal freshness.

Combinations

You can also experiment with different cake flavours to create unique combinations with your chocolate fondue. For example, try using a lemon cake or a red velvet cake to create a contrast of flavours with the chocolate. Additionally, consider adding some toppings or sprinkles to your cake cubes before dipping them in chocolate for an extra layer of texture and flavour.

Savoury snacks

If you're looking for some savoury snacks to dip in chocolate fondue, there are plenty of options to consider.

Pretzels are a great introductory choice if you're feeling tentative about exploring sweet and savoury pairings. The salty snacks pair well with dark, milk, or white chocolate, creating a balanced treat with just the right amount of crunch. For an extra indulgent twist, try adding ingredients such as sprinkles, coconut flakes, or cinnamon powder to the wet surface of the chocolate-covered pretzel.

Another classic savoury snack that can be transformed into a sweet delight is potato chips. The starch, fat, and salt of the chip create the perfect balance when paired with chocolate. Ruffled chips offer more nooks and crannies to soak up the chocolate, while plain chips guarantee a smooth dipping surface. Dark chocolate will provide a sharper contrast to the salt, while milk chocolate will result in a subtler match.

For those who enjoy a smoky flavour, bacon is a must-try addition to your chocolate fondue. The sweet, salty, and smoky flavours of this duo will satisfy any craving. For easier dipping and a gratifying crunch, opt for extra-crispy bacon. Place the strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain the grease and bake them at a high temperature.

If you're a fan of chewy snacks, beef jerky is an excellent option to dip in chocolate fondue. The jerky comes in a range of flavour profiles, including smoky, spicy, sweet, and tangy, offering a variety of tastes to liven up your fondue night. Spicy meat dipped in sweeter milk chocolate will help tame some of the heat, while dark chocolate will add complexity to smoked varieties.

While it may seem like an unusual combination, popcorn is another savoury snack that can be transformed into a sweet treat when paired with chocolate. Dark, milk, or white chocolate are all fine choices to drizzle over your bowl of popcorn. Alternatively, you can dip individual kernels into the melted chocolate or even dump a bunch of kernels into a saucepan filled with melted chocolate for an ultimate indulgent treat.

So, the next time you're preparing a chocolate fondue, don't be afraid to experiment with these savoury snacks and create unique flavour combinations that will tantalise your taste buds.

Cheesecake

If you are making your own cheesecake, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it is suitable for dipping in chocolate fondue. Firstly, it is important to use a recipe that will hold its shape when cut into slices or cubes. A firmer cheesecake will also be easier to dip without breaking. Secondly, consider using a springform pan to bake your cheesecake, as this will make it easier to remove it from the pan and cut it into uniform slices or cubes. Finally, make sure your cheesecake is well-chilled before dipping, as this will help it hold its shape and make it easier to cut and handle.

When preparing your chocolate fondue, it is important to use a good-quality chocolate that melts well. Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips can be used, and you can experiment with different types of chocolate such as dark, milk, or white chocolate to find your preferred flavour. Heavy cream is typically used to thin out the chocolate and create a smooth and creamy fondue. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. It is important not to let the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as this can affect the texture and cause it to become grainy.

In addition to cheesecake, there are a variety of other foods that can be dipped in chocolate fondue. Fresh and dried fruits are a popular option, with strawberries, bananas, and pineapple being common choices. Cookies, such as vanilla wafers, Oreos, or shortbread, are also a great choice for dipping. If you're looking for a salty-sweet combination, pretzels and potato chips can be a fun and crunchy option. Marshmallows are another classic choice for chocolate fondue, especially if you want to make s'mores by sandwiching them between graham crackers.

Frequently asked questions