Chocolate Fondue: Dipping Treats For The Perfect Dessert

Chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a fondue party, enjoying a romantic evening, or simply treating yourself, there are endless possibilities for what to dip into that warm, silky chocolate. From sweet to salty, and everything in between, here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:

- Fresh or dried fruit: Strawberries, pineapple, mango, bananas, and raspberries are all excellent choices.

- Marshmallows: Go for larger ones for easier dipping, and don't forget the classic s'mores combo with graham crackers.

- Cookies: Shortbread, Oreos, biscotti, and gingerbread biscuits are all perfect for dipping.

- Pretzels: The salty, crunchy pretzel is a classic fondue choice, especially when paired with sweet, melted chocolate.

- Potato chips: Ruffles or wavy chips provide a satisfying crunch and a savoury contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.

- Cheesecake: Cut into bite-sized cubes, cheesecake provides a rich and creamy dipping experience.

- Brownies: Another indulgent choice, cut your brownies into small pieces for the perfect ratio of chocolate to brownie.

- Pound cake: A classic pairing with chocolate, cut into cubes for easy dipping.

- Nuts: Go for larger varieties that are easier to skewer, such as pecan halves or macadamias.

Fruits: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, oranges, etc

Chocolate fondue is a great way to make fruits even more delicious. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your fruit and chocolate experience.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a classic fondue fruit. Fresh strawberries are a great option, but you can also try freezing them overnight for a refreshing, bite-sized snack. Strawberries are a juicy option, so be sure to have napkins on hand!

Bananas

Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be used in chocolate fondue. Fresh bananas are a great option, but dried bananas are not recommended as they can be too flimsy for the fondue forks. If you want to get creative, you can also try banana bread as a dipping option.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that pairs well with chocolate. Fresh pineapple is a great option, but you can also use dried pineapple for a longer-lasting treat. Pineapple is a juicy fruit, so be sure to have extra napkins on hand!

Apples

Apples are a great fruit to dip in chocolate fondue. Fresh apples are a popular choice, but you can also use dried apple slices. Green apples are a popular choice, but any type of apple will do.

Oranges

Oranges are a great citrus option for chocolate fondue. Fresh orange segments are a tasty choice, but you can also use dried orange slices. Or, for a more indulgent option, try dipping orange-flavoured cake or cookies in the fondue.

Other Fruits

In addition to the fruits mentioned above, there are plenty of other options to explore. Some other fruits that pair well with chocolate include kiwi, mango, papaya, dragon fruit, coconut chunks, and melons. You can also use berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and more.

Preparation and Presentation

When preparing fruit for chocolate fondue, it is recommended to cut them into bite-sized pieces ahead of time. This makes it easier for dipping and popping into your mouth. You can also get creative with the presentation by using a variety of colours and placing the fruit on platters with small tongs for easy access.

So, the next time you're planning a chocolate fondue night, be sure to stock up on a variety of fruits to dip and enjoy!

Pastries: Waffles, pancakes, croissants, etc

Pastries are a great option for dipping in chocolate fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Waffles

Waffles are a popular choice for chocolate fondue. They have a light and fluffy texture that soaks up the chocolate nicely. You can use traditional square waffles or try fun shapes like hearts or stars. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to make them easier to dip.

Pancakes

Mini pancakes are perfect for chocolate fondue. They are small enough to dip easily and have a soft, fluffy texture that pairs well with the chocolate. You can make plain buttermilk pancakes or add chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

Croissants

Chocolate fondue and croissants are a match made in heaven. The flaky, buttery layers of the croissant create a delicious texture when dipped in chocolate. Cut the croissants into smaller pieces to make them more manageable for dipping.

Other Pastry Ideas

• Brownies—cut them into small pieces to make them easier to dip.
• Mini donuts—you can buy them pre-made or break larger ones into pieces.
• Mini cakes, cupcakes, or small cake slices—try chocolate loaf cakes, vanilla cake slices, or flavoured cupcakes.
• Biscuits or cookies—Oreos, gingernuts, custard creams, biscotti, shortbread, or pink wafers are all great choices.

So, the next time you're preparing for a chocolate fondue night, be sure to include a variety of pastries like waffles, pancakes, croissants, and more for a delightful dipping experience!

Biscuits and cookies: Oreos, shortbread, gingerbread, etc

Biscuits and cookies are a great choice for dipping in chocolate fondue. Oreos, in particular, are a popular option, as the cream centre provides an extra dimension of flavour and texture. The chocolate fondue can also be drizzled over the cream, creating a unique design. Gingerbread biscuits are another festive option, with the warm spices complementing the chocolate. For a more subtle flavour, shortbread biscuits are a good choice, providing a crumbly texture that works well with the gooey chocolate.

For a more indulgent option, double-dipped Oreos can be created by coating the biscuit in chocolate fondue and allowing it to cool, before dipping once more. This creates a thick layer of chocolate around the biscuit, enhancing the flavour and texture. Alternatively, for a more delicate biscuit, consider using pink wafers. These can be dipped into the fondue and enjoyed as a light, sweet treat.

When preparing biscuits and cookies for dipping, it is important to consider the size. Larger biscuits, such as gingerbread men, can be broken into smaller pieces to create bite-sized treats. This also helps to ensure that the biscuit-to-chocolate ratio is balanced, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.

Savouries: Pretzels, potato chips, bacon, etc

Chocolate fondue is a versatile treat, and there are endless possibilities for what you can dip into it. Here are some savoury options to dip in your chocolate fondue:

Pretzels

Pretzels are a perfect gentle introduction to the combination of sweet and savoury flavours in chocolate fondue. The salty snacks pair well with dark, milk, or white chocolate, creating a balanced treat with a satisfying crunch. For the ultimate sweet and savoury combination, opt for salted pretzels. Try using pretzel knots, small sticks, or pretzel rods for a satisfying snack that ticks all the boxes.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are another excellent option for dipping in chocolate fondue. The extra starch and crunch from the chips amplify the balance, contrast, and enhanced flavour of the chocolate. Basic sea salt chips are a great choice, as the ruffled texture provides more nooks and crannies for the chocolate to stick to, while ordinary chips guarantee a smooth dipping surface. Dark chocolate will provide a sharper contrast to the salt, while milk chocolate will be a subtler match.

Bacon

Bacon dipped in chocolate fondue is a unique and indulgent combination that satisfies any craving. The sweet, salty, and smoky flavours of this duo make it a staple for your fondue table. For easier dipping and a gratifying crunch, opt for extra-crispy bacon. Baking the bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet will allow the grease to drain, resulting in crispy strips that are sturdier and more conveniently dippable. Bacon tastes delicious with both milk and dark chocolate fondue.

Other Savoury Options

In addition to pretzels, potato chips, and bacon, here are some other savoury options to consider dipping in your chocolate fondue:

• Beef jerky: Look for smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy flavours to liven up your fondue night.
• Pickles: A divisive pairing, but if you're a pickle lover, give it a try!
• French fries: Sweet potato fries are a great option to ease into this combination.
• Popcorn: Dark, milk, or white chocolate are all fine choices, and you can even dip caramel corn in chocolate.
• Avocado: Dip avocado slices or use the hole to turn it into a chocolate boat.
• Roasted coffee beans: Choose sweeter dark or milk chocolate to balance out the bitterness of the coffee beans.

Cakes and sweets: Cheesecake, brownies, fudge, etc

Cakes and sweets are a great choice for dipping in chocolate fondue. A store-bought or homemade pound cake is a good option, cut into two-inch cubes for dipping. No frosting or decoration is needed, and you can spear the pieces onto fondue forks or skewers for easy dipping. Angel food cake is another option, cut into cubes.

Cheesecake is also a great choice for dipping in chocolate fondue, although it is a delicate option, so be careful not to break it while swirling and twirling.

For brownie lovers, bite-sized brownie pieces are a perfect choice for dipping. They provide a soft and fudgy texture that pairs well with the chocolate fondue.

If you're looking for something a little different, try dipping rice crispy treats into the chocolate. You can make your own rice crispy treats and then slice them into dippable pieces.

For a more indulgent option, consider fudge. Cut the fudge into small pieces or cubes, and dip them into the chocolate fondue for an extra sweet and decadent treat.

So, whether you choose pound cake, angel food cake, cheesecake, brownies, rice crispy treats, or fudge, you're sure to enjoy dipping these cakes and sweets into your chocolate fondue.

Frequently asked questions