Chocolate Fondue: Best Dipping Treats To Try

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a romantic meal at home. While the fondue itself is typically made with chocolate and cream, the real fun begins when it comes to choosing what to dunk in that warm, gooey chocolate. From fresh and dried fruits to sweets, cakes, and even salty snacks, the possibilities are endless! Here are some mouth-watering options to get you started:

- Strawberries

- Bananas

- Pineapple

- Marshmallows

- Pretzels

- Potato chips

- Cookies

- Pound cake

- Cheesecake

- Rice Krispies treats

- Dried apricots

- Mango

- Graham crackers

Fresh and dried fruit, including strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and apricots

Fresh and dried fruit is a popular choice for chocolate fondue. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the creamy chocolate, and the variety of textures and flavours available means there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some ideas for fruits to dunk in your chocolate fondue:

Strawberries

Strawberries are a classic choice for chocolate fondue and for good reason. They are sweet, juicy, and their shape makes them easy to dip and eat. When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and avoid any with bruises or soft spots. Before serving, be sure to wash them thoroughly and remove the stems.

Bananas

Bananas are another great option for chocolate fondue. They have a creamy texture that pairs well with the chocolate, and their mild flavour is enhanced by the sweetness of the fondue. For best results, use ripe but firm bananas, as overly ripe bananas may become mushy when dipped in the warm chocolate. Cut the bananas into bite-sized pieces or slices before serving.

Pineapple

Pineapple adds a tropical twist to your chocolate fondue. Its sweet and tangy flavour pairs surprisingly well with chocolate, creating a delicious flavour combination. When preparing pineapple for fondue, be sure to remove the tough outer layer and core, and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.

Apricots

Apricots, both fresh and dried, can be a wonderful addition to your chocolate fondue spread. Fresh apricots have a soft, juicy texture and a sweet-tart flavour, while dried apricots offer a more concentrated flavour and a chewy texture. When using fresh apricots, look for fruit that is slightly soft to the touch and has a vibrant orange colour.

In addition to these fruits, you could also consider adding other options such as orange segments, apples, mango, papaya, or even skewers of smaller berries. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of fresh and dried fruits to find your favourite pairings!

Sweet treats, like brownies, marshmallows, and cookies

When it comes to sweet treats, there are endless possibilities for what to dunk in your chocolate fondue. Here are some mouth-watering options to get you started:

Brownies

Bite-sized brownie cubes are a perfect choice for chocolate fondue. Their soft, fudgy texture provides a delightful contrast to the warm, creamy chocolate. Whether you bake them from scratch or opt for a store-bought variety, these rich treats will satisfy any sweet tooth. For an extra indulgent experience, go for brownies with chocolate chips or other mix-ins.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a classic choice for chocolate fondue and for a good reason. Their fluffy, soft texture makes them ideal for dipping, and they pair perfectly with the chocolate. Go for jumbo marshmallows for a more substantial treat, or opt for mini marshmallows for a bite-sized snack. You can even make makeshift s'mores by smooshing a marshmallow between two graham crackers!

Cookies

The variety of cookies available for dunking is endless. From buttery shortbread to chocolate chip, vanilla wafers, Oreos, and beyond, there's a cookie for every taste. For added convenience, many store-bought cookies already come dipped or filled with chocolate, taking your fondue experience to the next level.

Bonus Ideas

While brownies, marshmallows, and cookies are fantastic options, don't be afraid to branch out and experiment with other sweet treats. Here are some additional ideas to consider:

• Rice Krispies Treats: Whether you make them from scratch or store-bought, these treats are a perfect canvas for your chocolate fondue.
• Cheesecake: For a more delicate option, try dipping slices or cubes of cheesecake for a creamy, indulgent treat.
• Pound Cake: This store-bought or homemade classic is a simple yet delicious choice for your fondue spread.

Salty snacks, such as pretzels and potato chips

Salty snacks are a great choice for chocolate fondue, especially if you're looking for a sweet and savoury combination. Pretzels and potato chips are both excellent options for dunking in chocolate fondue, providing a crunchy texture and a salty flavour that contrasts with the sweetness of the melted chocolate.

When choosing pretzels for your fondue, consider opting for pretzel rods, which are sturdier and can handle the weight of the chocolate without breaking. As for potato chips, wavy chips tend to work better than regular ones due to their thicker, more robust texture. These salty snacks are also great for dipping because they won't break apart as easily as other options might.

In addition to pretzels and potato chips, other salty snacks that go well with chocolate fondue include candied bacon and various types of crackers, such as graham crackers or saltine crackers. These options provide a similar salty contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and can be a nice change of pace from the typical sweet fondue dippers.

So, if you're looking to add a savoury element to your chocolate fondue experience, be sure to include some pretzels and potato chips, as well as exploring other salty options to create a unique and satisfying flavour combination.

Cheesecake and pound cake

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a delicate choice for dipping in chocolate fondue, so it requires careful handling. You can use store-bought or homemade cheesecake, and cut it into slices or cubes for dipping. This combination is a delightful way to enjoy the flavour of cheesecake without the lengthy prep time. Graham crackers are a fantastic complement to this option, and you can also serve it with your favourite fruit dippers, such as sliced fresh pears, apples, or dried fruit.

Pound Cake

Pound cake is a versatile and popular choice for chocolate fondue. You can use a store-bought or homemade pound cake, cutting it into cubes or bite-sized pieces for dipping. It is important to leave a hefty border around the cake to ensure it can hold the chocolate fondue without falling apart. You can also hollow out the middle of the pound cake, fill it with chocolate ganache, and use the removed pieces as additional dippers. This option provides a delightful contrast of textures and flavours, with the rich, velvety chocolate paired with the soft, sweet cake.

Rice Krispies treats

To make the treats, you will need Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, butter, and chocolate chips. You can use either mini marshmallows or marshmallow creme, and it is recommended to use unsalted butter. For the chocolate, you can use either chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars, and you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk, dark, or white chocolate. If you want an extra chocolatey twist, you can use cocoa Rice Krispies, or even add cocoa powder to your recipe.

To make the treats, start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely combined with the butter. Next, stir in the Rice Krispies until they are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Finally, add the chocolate chips and stir until they are melted and combined with the rest of the ingredients.

You can also get creative and experiment with different add-ins and flavour combinations. For example, you could try adding nut butter, crushed nuts, instant coffee, or mint extract to your chocolate mixture. Or, for some extra crunch and sweetness, stir in chopped Oreos, mini marshmallows, or crushed graham crackers.

Once you have made your Rice Krispies treats, let the mixture cool and set before slicing them into bite-sized pieces, perfect for dipping into your chocolate fondue!

Frequently asked questions