Chocolate Fondue: Decadent, Delicious, And Defined

Chocolate fondue is a dessert made of chocolate melted with milk or cream, into which people dip fruit, cake, marshmallows, and other treats. The word fondue comes from the French word fondre, which means to melt. The Swiss Cheese Union popularised the dish in the 1930s as a way of increasing cheese consumption, and it was extended to chocolate fondue in the 1950s by Swiss restaurateur Konrad Egli.

Chocolate fondue ingredients

Chocolate fondue is a dessert made of chocolate melted with milk or cream. The melted chocolate is then used as a dip for fruits, pastries, and other treats. The chocolate can be melted in a fondue pot, a regular pot, or a slow cooker.

There are many different types of chocolate that can be used for fondue, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. It is important to choose a good-quality chocolate that melts well, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips. If using a baking bar of chocolate, look for one that is located above the chocolate chips in the baking aisle.

In addition to chocolate, the other main ingredient in chocolate fondue is milk or cream. Heavy cream is often used, but other types of milk can also be used, such as lactose-free milk or oat milk. It is important to note that using a different type of milk may affect the consistency of the fondue.

To make the fondue, the chocolate and milk or cream are combined in a saucepan or fondue pot and heated on low, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. It is important not to let the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as this can cause the chocolate to scorch and become grainy. Once the chocolate is melted, a small amount of vanilla extract can be stirred in. If a thinner consistency is desired, additional cream or milk can be whisked in until the desired consistency is reached.

The fondue can then be transferred to a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep it warm while serving. The fondue can be served with a variety of dippers, such as strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake, brownies, or cookies.

How to make chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for parties or romantic meals at home. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious chocolate fondue:

Ingredients:

• Chopped chocolate or good-quality chocolate chips (semi-sweet or bittersweet)
• Heavy cream or milk (preferably not skim milk)
• A pinch of salt
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Dippers of your choice (fruit, marshmallows, cookies, etc.)

Utensils:

• A fondue pot, slow cooker, or a regular pot
• A small saucepan
• A whisk or a bamboo skewer for stirring
• Fondue forks, bamboo skewers, or regular forks for dipping

Instructions:

• Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the cream with a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until tiny bubbles start to form and the cream begins to simmer lightly.
• Melt the chocolate: Once the cream is heated, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate. Whisk or stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract at this stage if you like.
• Avoid boiling: Do not let the fondue come to a simmer or a boil, as it can scorch and affect the texture, making it grainy.
• Adjust the consistency: If the fondue is too thick, you can adjust it by whisking in additional cream or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Transfer to a fondue pot: Pour the chocolate mixture into a fondue pot, slow cooker, or a regular pot to keep it warm while serving.
• Prepare your dippers: Arrange your chosen dippers on a platter or plates around the chocolate pot. Popular options include strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake, brownies, and cookies.
• Dip and enjoy: Use fondue forks, bamboo skewers, or regular forks to dip your chosen treats into the hot melted chocolate. Enjoy the sweet and indulgent experience!

Tips for Customization:

• Chocolate fondue can be customized with various extracts and additives. For a festive twist, add orange extract or peppermint extract. For a spicy kick, add cinnamon and chili powder. For a more adult version, try Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream.
• If you want to thin out the fondue further, simply add a little more cream or milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
• To keep the fondue warm, you can use a tea candle or Sterno fuel. Just be cautious and keep an eye on the heat source to avoid overheating.
• Chocolate fondue can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it in the microwave or over a pot of simmering water.

What to dip in chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a delightful dessert, but it can be made even better with the right dippers. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your chocolate fondue:

Fruits

Fruits are one of the most popular items to dip in chocolate fondue. Strawberries are a classic choice and are often seen as a romantic treat. Other berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries can also be used, although smaller berries like blueberries may be a bit tricky to dip. Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya are sweet and juicy, making them perfect for dipping. Dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, pineapple, or mango, are another great option as they last longer than fresh fruit.

Baked Goods

There are several baked goods that pair well with chocolate fondue. Pound cake is a popular choice, as it is dense enough to hold up to dipping and has a crumbly texture that goes well with gooey chocolate. Angel food cake is another option, especially if it is lightly toasted in butter first. This gives it a marshmallow-like taste and a crispy texture. Cheesecake cubes are a more delicate option, but they are definitely worth trying. For a more interactive dessert, brownies or cupcakes can be used, although they may need to be cut into smaller pieces to avoid being too rich. Mini donuts or donuts broken into small pieces can also be used for a similar effect.

Sweet Treats

There are several sweet treats that can be dipped in chocolate fondue. Marshmallows are a classic choice and can even be smooshed between graham crackers for makeshift s'mores. Rice Krispies treats are another fun option, especially if you add peanut butter to them. Cookies are also a great choice, with options such as Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, or shortbread.

Savory Options

While chocolate fondue is typically a sweet dessert, there are some savory options that can be dipped as well. Pretzels and potato chips provide a nice contrast of sweet and salty flavors, and their crunchy texture holds up well to the chocolate. Candied bacon dipped in chocolate is another unique option for those who prefer a salty-sweet combination.

How to keep chocolate fondue warm

Chocolate fondue is a Swiss dish consisting of melted chocolate, typically served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping fruit, pastries, or other treats. Here are some tips to keep your chocolate fondue warm and enjoyable:

Use a Fondue Pot

If you have a fondue pot, it is a great way to keep your chocolate warm while everyone is dipping. Fondue pots are available in different materials such as metal, ceramic, and electric, each with its advantages. Metal fondue pots are sturdy and can go directly from the stovetop to the table. Ceramic fondue pots are excellent for retaining heat and easy to clean, while electric fondue pots are safer, heat up faster, and are easy to adjust.

Tea Candles or Sterno Fuel

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a tea candle to keep your chocolate warm. Tea candles produce less heat than canned Sterno fuel, so they are a good option if you want to avoid overheating. However, if you choose to use Sterno fuel, remember that it burns very hot, so keep a close eye on it. When it gets too hot, turn it off, or partially cover the can with the lid. You can also add a little more cream to the chocolate fondue and reheat it for a minute or two as needed.

Small Crockpot or Candle Warmer

Another option for keeping your chocolate fondue warm is to use a small crockpot or a clean candle warmer. These can be effective alternatives to a traditional fondue pot and help maintain the desired temperature for your chocolate fondue.

Reheat in Microwave or Over Simmering Water

If you have made your chocolate fondue in advance, you can rewarm it gently in the microwave at medium power in short intervals, stirring after each interval, until it reaches a smooth and warm consistency. Alternatively, you can place the chocolate fondue in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water to warm it up gradually.

Add Cream to Adjust Temperature

If your chocolate fondue starts to stiffen, you can add a small amount of heavy cream and stir it in. This will help to thin out the fondue and raise the temperature slightly. However, if the fondue continues to cook, you may eventually need to start a new pot.

Remember, chocolate fondue is meant to be a fun and interactive dessert experience, so don't stress too much about keeping it at the perfect temperature. Even as it cools down, it will remain soft and enjoyable for dipping!

The history of chocolate fondue

In the 1930s, the Swiss Cheese Union popularised cheese fondue as Switzerland's national dish, and it soon made its way to North America, becoming a hit in the 1960s and sparking "fondue parties". This popularity led to the creation of fondue variations, including chocolate fondue. While the exact origin of chocolate fondue is unknown, it is believed to have been invented by Swiss restaurateur Konrad Elgi (or Egli) of New York's Chalet Swiss restaurant in the mid-1960s as part of a promotion for Toblerone chocolate. Others credit Madison Avenue marketing efforts on behalf of Toblerone in the 1950s.

Chocolate fondue is a simple yet decadent dessert where pieces of fruit, pastry, or other treats are dipped into a melted chocolate mixture. The basic recipe calls for good-quality chocolate, heavy cream, and optional brandy or liqueur, heated and stirred together to create a smooth and velvety texture. The type of chocolate used can vary, from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, white chocolate, or flavoured varieties, allowing for a range of flavour profiles.

Today, chocolate fondue has become a popular dessert for parties and special occasions, often served from a "chocolate fountain". It is a communal dessert that encourages interaction and a leisurely dining experience. The etiquette of chocolate fondue includes stirring the fondue in a clockwise figure-eight pattern to prevent the chocolate from sticking and avoiding dipping when another person's fork is in the fondue.

Frequently asked questions