Chocolate Fondue: Decadent, Delicious, And Fun!

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that allows people to choose their own dippers and customise their dessert experience. It is usually made by melting chocolate and combining it with cream, milk, or other liquids to create a smooth and dip-able consistency. The melted chocolate is then transferred to a fondue pot and served with various items such as fruits, cookies, cakes, and candies for dipping. While semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are commonly used, combinations of different chocolates can also be used to create unique flavours. Fondue pots are ideal for keeping the chocolate warm, but it can also be served straight from a saucepan or transferred to a small slow cooker.

What ingredients do you need?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for parties, romantic meals, or family gatherings. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Chocolate

The type of chocolate you use is important. Good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars are ideal. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate is commonly used, but you can also use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination of different chocolates to create your desired flavour. If you want to get creative, you can even use chocolate candy bars or chocolate with nuts or toffee bits for some extra flavour and crunch. Just make sure to use high-quality chocolate to ensure the best flavour and texture.

Cream/Milk

Heavy cream is typically used in chocolate fondue recipes to create a creamy and smooth texture. However, you can also use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk to lighten the flavour and make it less heavy. Adjust the amounts of cream and milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Vanilla/Extracts

Vanilla extract is often added to enhance the flavour of the fondue. You can also get creative and experiment with different extracts like orange, peppermint, almond, or cinnamon to add a unique twist to your fondue.

Dippers

The fun part about chocolate fondue is choosing what to dip into that delicious melted chocolate! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, oranges, pineapple, apples, etc.
• Dried fruit: Apricots, mango, papaya, dried figs, etc.
• Cookies: Vanilla wafers, Oreos, biscotti, graham crackers, etc.
• Cake: Angel food cake, pound cake, brownies, etc.
• Marshmallows
• Pretzels
• Potato chips
• Candy: Peanut brittle, caramel, etc.
• Nuts: Toasted coconut, slivered almonds, crushed hazelnuts, etc.

So, gather your ingredients, choose your dippers, and get ready to dip, savour, and enjoy!

What equipment do you need?

Making chocolate fondue is easy and requires very little equipment. Here is a list of the equipment you will need:

A Heat Source

You will need a stove or hot plate to heat your chocolate fondue. Most recipes recommend using a low to medium-low heat setting to prevent the chocolate from burning.

A Saucepan

A medium-sized saucepan or stovetop-proof pot is required to melt the chocolate and other ingredients. It should be heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching and non-reactive to avoid affecting the flavour of the chocolate.

A Stirring Implement

Use a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to stir the chocolate fondue as it melts and combine the ingredients.

A Double Boiler (Optional)

Some recipes suggest using a double boiler to melt the chocolate. This can be created by placing a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. This method provides a more gentle heat, reducing the risk of burning the chocolate.

A Fondue Pot (Optional)

While not essential, a fondue pot will keep your chocolate fondue warm while serving. There are various types available, including electric, ceramic, and metal fondue pots, each with advantages and disadvantages. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can serve the fondue straight from the saucepan or transfer it to a small slow cooker or crockpot to keep it warm.

Dipping Equipment

Finally, you will need something to dip into the chocolate fondue. Fondue forks or skewers are traditional, but you can also use bamboo skewers, seafood forks, or salad forks. Provide a plate or bowl for each person to place their dipped treats on before eating.

How do you make it?

Making chocolate fondue is a simple process, but it does require some attention to detail to get the right consistency. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

Fondue is a combination of chocolate and some form of dairy, usually cream or milk. Some recipes also add a pinch of salt to taste and/or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For the chocolate, it is recommended to use a premium or high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cacao. You can use chocolate chips or chop up chocolate bars. Bars tend to melt better and not harden as quickly as chips. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even melt candy bars for your fondue!

Equipment:

You will need a saucepan or a stovetop-proof fondue pot. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot with an oven mitt to protect your hands and/or a trivet to place the pot on. You will also need a heat source, such as a stove, a small burner, or a candle. If you are making a double boiler, you will need a glass or metal bowl that fits over your saucepan without touching the water. Finally, you will need something to dip into the fondue and a plate or platter to put the dippers on.

Method:

Start by preparing your dippers and laying them out on a platter or plate. Then, heat your dairy (and a pinch of salt, if using) over medium-low heat until it is steaming or gently simmering. Be careful not to let it boil. If you are making a double boiler, heat a small saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and place a glass or metal bowl on top, making sure the water does not touch the bowl. Then, add the dairy to the bowl and heat until hot.

Once your dairy is hot, add your chocolate and stir until it is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. You can also add vanilla extract at this point if you are using it. If your fondue seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more dairy or some vegetable oil if you are using the fondue in a fountain.

Once your fondue is smooth, transfer it to your fondue pot or serving dish and enjoy! If you are using a fondue pot, you can light the fuel underneath to keep the fondue warm. If not, you can place the fondue on a trivet on the table and return it to the stove to reheat if it starts to cool. You can also keep it warm in a small slow cooker or crockpot on the "keep warm" setting.

Tips:

• If your fondue starts to get grainy or separate, just stir in a little more dairy a teaspoon at a time until it smooths out again.
• If it starts to burn, turn off the heat source and stir in more dairy to rescue it.
• You can add a variety of extra flavours to your fondue, such as peanut butter, Nutella, liqueurs, or extracts like mint, peppermint, almond, or orange.
• If you have leftovers, fondue can be refrigerated and reheated gently over low heat.

What can you dip in it?

Chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent treat, perfect for parties or a night in with friends and family. The best part? You can dip almost anything into that gooey, chocolatey goodness!

Fruits

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic, romantic treat, but there are so many other fruits that pair perfectly with chocolate fondue. Try tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, or dragon fruit for a burst of sweetness. Or go for something more crisp and juicy like apples, pears, or oranges. If you're feeling adventurous, dip in some spicy chilli peppers for a bold kick of flavour.

Cookies and Cakes

Cookies are a perfect choice for chocolate fondue. Shortbread, peanut butter, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, ginger snaps, and even fortune cookies are just a few options. For a real indulgent treat, dip a slice of cheesecake or a cube of pound cake, angel food cake, red velvet cake, or chocolate cake.

Sweet Treats

Chocolate fondue is a great way to elevate your favourite sweet treats. Try dipping marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, graham crackers, or even potato chips for a sweet and salty combination. If you're feeling extra indulgent, go for some candy bars, caramels, or peanut brittle.

Something Different

For a unique twist, try dipping slices of cheesecake or fresh, warm churros. You can even pair certain types of cheese with your chocolate fondue. Thin slices of Gruyere go well with milk chocolate, while more acidic cheeses pair nicely with darker chocolate.

How do you keep it warm?

Keeping your chocolate fondue warm is essential to maintaining its smooth, creamy texture and making sure it doesn't thicken or solidify. Here are some ways to keep your chocolate fondue warm:

Fondue Pot

Using a fondue pot is one of the most effective ways to keep your chocolate fondue warm. There are three main types of fondue pots: metal, ceramic, and electric. Metal fondue pots, usually made of stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are sturdy and can be placed directly on the stovetop. Ceramic fondue pots are excellent for retaining heat and are available in various sizes. Electric fondue pots are safer, heat up quickly, and are easy to adjust, but they tend to be more expensive.

Tea Candle or Sterno Fuel

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle to keep your chocolate fondue warm. Tea candles produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so they are a good option if you want to avoid overheating your fondue. If using Sterno fuel, monitor the temperature closely as it can burn very hot. Turn it off or partially cover the can with the lid if it gets too hot.

Slow Cooker or Crockpot

A small slow cooker or crockpot can be an effective way to keep your chocolate fondue warm throughout your gathering. Simply prepare your fondue on the stovetop and then transfer it to the slow cooker to maintain its temperature.

Stovetop

If you don't have a fondue pot or slow cooker, you can keep your chocolate fondue warm by placing the pot on a warm setting on your stovetop. This method is suitable for small gatherings or family fondue nights, as the fondue will stay silky and pourable for about 20 minutes off the heat before it starts to thicken.

Food-Warming Candle

For individual servings or smaller portions, you can use small portable burners or food-warming candles. These are great for preventing double-dipping and ensuring that each person has their own warm fondue portion.

Frequently asked questions