Emilie Meyer
Chocolate fondue is a rich and creamy dessert that can be served with a variety of sweet treats. It is a fun and decadent treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is perfect for parties, movie nights, or even as an after-school snack. The key to a good chocolate fondue is the chocolate itself, and it is recommended to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavour. In addition to the chocolate, the dippers are an essential component of this dessert. So, what are the best things to dip in chocolate fondue?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Strawberries, banana slices, apple slices, kiwi fruit, berries, apricots, oranges, mango, peaches, pears, pineapple |
| Sweet treats | Cookies, cake, marshmallows, pretzels, donut holes, chocolate chip cookies, pound cake, shortbread, brownies, brownie bites, Oreos, rice krispies treats, angel food cake, biscotti, vanilla wafers |
What You'll Learn
Strawberries
To prepare the strawberries, wash them gently under cool running water and pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth. If the strawberries have stems, you can choose to leave them on for a handy built-in handle for dipping, or remove them for a more elegant presentation. If you're feeling creative, you can even cut the strawberries into fun shapes, such as fans or hearts, to elevate the look of your fondue spread.
Once your strawberries are prepared, arrange them neatly on a platter or plate, keeping in mind the other items you'll be serving alongside them. A simple way to create a visually appealing display is to fan out the strawberries in a circular pattern, starting from the outside and working your way in. This will create a vibrant, inviting display that will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic treat, and for good reason. The combination of sweet, creamy chocolate and the refreshing burst of a ripe strawberry is a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, pairing strawberries with chocolate fondue is a delightful choice that is sure to impress.
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Marshmallows
When selecting marshmallows to dip in chocolate fondue, opt for the large, puffy variety that is commonly used for s'mores. These marshmallows have a soft and spongy texture that pairs well with the smoothness of the melted chocolate. Their pure, sweet flavour also complements the chocolate without overwhelming it.
To elevate your marshmallow and chocolate fondue experience, consider toasting the marshmallows slightly before dipping them. You can use a kitchen torch to give them a golden brown exterior, adding a subtle smoky flavour that pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate. If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can also carefully toast them over a gas stove or barbecue grill, ensuring they don't catch fire.
For an extra indulgent treat, combine marshmallows with other complementary foods on your fondue platter. Fresh or dried fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, and apricots, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate and marshmallows. Pretzels, cookies, and pound cake can also add a satisfying crunch and varied textures to your dessert spread.
When preparing marshmallows for chocolate fondue, it is advisable to skewer them to make dipping easier and less messy. You can use fondue forks, regular forks, or even skewers for this purpose. Ensure that your chocolate fondue is served warm to maintain its fluidity and create a seamless dipping experience.
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Cookies
For a fun and interactive dessert, set up a cookie decorating station with a variety of toppings and sprinkles. Guests can dip their cookies into the warm chocolate fondue and then decorate them with their desired toppings. This is a great option for parties or gatherings and allows everyone to customise their own sweet treat.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, consider pairing your chocolate fondue with cookie dough dip. This creamy and sweet treat will complement the chocolate fondue perfectly. You can also offer a variety of different types of cookies to dip, such as vanilla wafers, Oreos, or even brownie bites. The contrast of textures and flavours will create a delightful sensory experience.
For a more well-rounded dessert platter, include a mix of sweet and savoury options. Alongside your cookies, offer fresh fruit such as strawberries, banana slices, or apple slices. The natural sweetness and tartness of the fruit can help balance the richness of the chocolate fondue. You can also include pretzels, marshmallows, or even donut holes for a fun and varied selection.
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Pretzels
When selecting pretzels for your chocolate fondue, opt for the traditional knot-shaped variety or choose pretzel sticks for easier dipping. You can also find mini pretzel bites or pretzel rods, which provide a unique presentation and a playful eating experience. If you're feeling creative, consider coating the pretzels in a thin layer of chocolate and then dipping them into the fondue for an extra indulgent treat.
To elevate your pretzel and chocolate fondue pairing, experiment with different types of pretzels. For example, you could try pretzels made with unique ingredients like rye flour or infused with flavours such as rosemary or garlic. These savoury notes will provide an intriguing contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate. Additionally, consider the texture of the pretzels. A soft and chewy pretzel will provide a different mouthfeel compared to a crisp and crunchy one, so choose the variety that best suits your preference.
For an elegant presentation, arrange the pretzels on a platter or in small individual bowls. If desired, you can also provide a variety of toppings for guests to sprinkle on their pretzels before dipping. Some popular choices include crushed nuts, sea salt flakes, or even a touch of chilli powder for a hint of spice. This adds a layer of customisation and interactivity to the fondue experience.
Whether you're hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, pairing pretzels with chocolate fondue is a wonderful way to enjoy the versatility of this classic snack. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours, along with the interplay of textures, is sure to delight your senses and satisfy your cravings.
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Bananas
When preparing bananas for chocolate fondue, it is best to slice them into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to dip and ensures that each bite has a good balance of banana and chocolate. You can also encourage guests to bring their own unique toppings to sprinkle on top of the banana slices after they have been dipped in chocolate. Some fun topping ideas include crushed nuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel or peanut butter.
For an extra special touch, you could also create a banana-themed fondue by adding some mashed bananas to the chocolate fondue mixture. This will give the fondue a subtle banana flavour and make it even more appealing to banana lovers. Just be sure to add the mashed banana towards the end of the preparation process so that it does not affect the texture of the fondue too much.
If you want to elevate your banana and chocolate fondue experience even further, consider serving the fruit alongside some other complementary treats. For example, you could offer guests a skewer with a piece of banana, a strawberry, and a marshmallow, or provide a plate with banana slices arranged alongside shortbread cookies, pretzels, or cubes of pound cake. This will give your guests a variety of textures and flavours to enjoy with their chocolate fondue.
By choosing bananas as one of your chocolate fondue pairings, you're sure to delight your guests with a delicious and crowd-pleasing combination. So go ahead and dip those banana slices into that rich, creamy chocolate and enjoy the perfect marriage of flavours!
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of treats that can be dipped in chocolate fondue, including fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies, cake, marshmallows, pretzels, and donut holes.
It is recommended to use high-quality chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips for fondue, as chocolate bars melt more smoothly. Some good brands of chocolate for melting include Ghirardelli and Guittard.
To make chocolate fondue, heat heavy whipping cream in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped chocolate to the pan and turn off the heat. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth. You can also add in a small amount of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
If you want thicker fondue, simply remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5-7 minutes. The fondue will start to thicken as it cools.
There are several variations of chocolate fondue that you can make, including S'mores fondue, Mint fondue, Peanut Butter fondue, White Chocolate Raspberry fondue, and Boozy Fondue. For S'mores fondue, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate and swirl in marshmallow cream and crumbled graham crackers. For Mint fondue, add mint extract and top with chopped Andes mints. For Peanut Butter fondue, use milk chocolate and swirl in creamy peanut butter. For White Chocolate Raspberry fondue, use white chocolate and swirl in raspberry jam. For Boozy Fondue, add a splash of liquor such as Chambord or Grand Marnier.
