Chocolate Fondue: Best Places To Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent treat, perfect for parties, romantic dinners, or even just a cosy night in. While it might seem like a fancy dish, it's actually very easy to make and you don't need any special equipment. All you need is some chocolate, cream, and a selection of tasty treats to dip into the chocolate. You can use a fondue pot, but a simple saucepan will work just as well. So, if you're looking for a delicious and interactive way to enjoy chocolate, chocolate fondue is definitely the way to go!

Chocolate Fondue Dippers

Chocolate fondue is a fun and indulgent treat, and the perfect way to get your guests interacting. The best part is that the options for dippers are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fresh Fruit

Fruit is one of the most popular choices for chocolate fondue. Strawberries are a classic, but you can also try other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and more. Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya are also a great choice, especially in the winter when you need a dose of warm-weather-inspired snacking. Other fruits that pair well with chocolate include bananas, kiwi, oranges, cherries, grapes, apples, and melon.

Dried Fruit

If you want to prepare your dippers in advance, dried fruit is a great option as it lasts longer than fresh fruit. Try dried apricots, mango, papaya, pineapple, and apples.

Cookies

Cookies are a perfect answer to the question of what to dip in chocolate fondue. Some great options include Oreos, biscotti, shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla wafers, and ginger snaps.

Cake

Cake and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Cubed pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, and red velvet cake are all delicious options for dipping in chocolate fondue.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows and chocolate are a classic combination. Use larger marshmallows for easier dipping, and don't forget to try making some s'mores by sandwiching a marshmallow between two graham crackers!

Pretzels and Potato Chips

For a salty-sweet contrast, try dipping pretzels or potato chips in your chocolate fondue. These sturdy snacks can handle the weight of the chocolate without breaking.

Cheesecake

For a delicate but indulgent treat, cut a large cheesecake into small squares and dip them into the chocolate fondue. Just be careful not to let it break as you swirl!

Brownies

Brownies are a rich and fudgy option for chocolate fondue. Cut them into small pieces so they're not too heavy, and enjoy the ultimate chocolatey experience!

Other Sweet Treats

Other sweet treats that can be dipped in chocolate fondue include Rice Krispie treats, mini donuts, mini cakes or cupcakes, honeycomb, popcorn, fudge, mini pancakes, and waffles.

Remember, when preparing your chocolate fondue dippers, it's important to cut everything into bite-sized pieces ahead of time for a simpler dining experience. Also, ensure that your dippers can hold up after becoming moist, as items that become flimsy after dipping can create a mess. Most importantly, get creative and enjoy your chocolatey creations!

Chocolate Fondue Desserts

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for parties, intimate celebrations, or even just a cosy night in. While it may seem fancy, it is actually very easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a guide on how to make chocolate fondue and some tips on what to dip in it.

How to Make Chocolate Fondue

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients for chocolate fondue are chocolate and cream. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, or a combination of these. It is important to use high-quality chocolate to get the best flavour and texture. For the cream, use heavy whipping cream. You will also need a saucepan or a fondue pot to melt the chocolate and cream together.

Once you have your ingredients, simply combine the chocolate and cream in your saucepan or fondue pot and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Do not let the mixture come to a boil, as this can cause the fondue to become grainy. If you want to thin out the fondue, you can add a little extra cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in some vanilla extract to taste, and your fondue is ready to serve!

What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue

The options for chocolate fondue dippers are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, apples, and dried fruit are all excellent choices.
• Cake: Cubes of pound cake, angel food cake, red velvet cake, or cheesecake are perfect for dipping.
• Cookies: Shortbread, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla wafers are all great options.
• Marshmallows: These can be dipped in the fondue as-is, or you can make makeshift s'mores by sandwiching them between graham crackers.
• Pretzels and potato chips: The salty, crunchy texture of these snacks pairs perfectly with the sweet, velvety fondue.
• Cheesecake: This is a delicate dipper, but it is definitely worth it for the indulgent combination of chocolate and cream cheese.

So, there you have it! Chocolate fondue is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be customised to your liking. Get creative with your dippers and enjoy this sweet treat with your friends and family.

Chocolate Fondue for Two

Chocolate fondue is a fun, romantic, and indulgent treat for two. It's a great way to get your partner gathered around the table and is perfect for special occasions like Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve. Here's a guide on how to create a chocolate fondue for two, with some suggestions on what to dip!

Ingredients

For a chocolate fondue for two, you'll need:

• Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate)
• Heavy cream or milk
• A pinch of salt
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Your choice of dippers (see below for suggestions)

Method

• Place your chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in a serving vessel, such as a fondue pot, saucepan, or bowl.
• In a separate saucepan, heat the cream and a pinch of salt over medium heat. You can also add a little vanilla extract for extra flavour.
• Once the cream is steaming and has tiny bubbles, pour it over the chocolate.
• Let the mixture sit for about 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
• Keep the fondue warm over a low flame or a tea light in your fondue pot.

Dippers

The options for dippers are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh or dried fruit: Strawberries, orange segments, pineapple, mango, bananas, and raspberries are all great choices.
• Cake: Cubes of pound cake, angel food cake, or sponge cake are perfect for dipping.
• Cookies: Vanilla wafers, Oreos, shortbread, peanut butter cookies, or biscotti are all tasty options.
• Marshmallows: Dunk them in the fondue and eat as-is, or make makeshift s'mores by sandwiching them between graham crackers.
• Pretzels or potato chips: The salty, crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the sweet, velvety fondue.

Tips

• If you don't have a fondue pot, don't worry! You can easily make chocolate fondue in a saucepan and keep it warm in a small slow cooker or over a bowl of hot water.
• Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavour and texture.
• Cut your dippers into bite-sized pieces before you start dipping to simplify your dining experience.

Enjoy your chocolate fondue for two! It's a fun and interactive way to indulge your sweet tooth.

Chocolate Fondue Parties

Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy dessert with friends and family. It's a great choice for parties, as it encourages conversation and a unique dining experience where everyone can customise their dessert. Here are some tips for throwing a chocolate fondue party:

Planning and Preparation:

• Decide on a theme or occasion: Chocolate fondue parties can be tailored to various themes and occasions, such as a romantic dinner for two, a bridal shower, or a cozy winter gathering.
• Guest list and invitations: Consider the number of guests you plan to invite and send out invitations in advance. You can even make it a potluck party to save time and money.
• Equipment: Invest in a good fondue pot to keep the chocolate at the right temperature. You can also use a heavy-bottom saucepan or a slow cooker if you don't have a fondue pot. Ensure you have enough fondue forks or skewers for your guests.
• Ingredients: Plan your ingredient list, including the chocolate, cream or milk, and various dippers. Opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cacao for the best flavour and melting experience.
• Dippers: Prepare an assortment of dippers in a variety of colours and textures. Cut or portion them into bite-sized pieces ahead of time for convenience. Some popular options include fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, etc.), cakes (pound cake, brownies, etc.), cookies (ginger snaps, peanut butter cookies, etc.), marshmallows, pretzels, and more.

Setting up the Fondue:

• Use a double boiler or a saucepan to melt the chocolate with cream or milk. Do not let it boil, as it can scorch and affect the texture.
• Stir the mixture occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy.
• Once melted, stir in flavourings such as vanilla extract, orange extract, or peppermint for an extra twist.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or milk if needed. A thicker consistency is generally preferable, as it's easier to thin out later.
• Transfer the fondue to the fondue pot and keep it warm over a low flame or heating source.

During the Party:

• Encourage guests to dip their chosen items into the chocolate and experiment with different combinations.
• Provide a variety of dippers and let guests create their own unique treats.
• For a fun twist, offer additional toppings or sprinkles to add after dipping, such as crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles.
• For adult guests, offer liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or amaretto to spike their fondue.
• Most importantly, enjoy the sweet treats and the company of your guests!

Chocolate Fondue History

The history of chocolate fondue is a little murky, with several parties claiming credit for its invention.

In the 1950s, Americans first enjoyed the Swiss cheese fondue, served with crusty bread. This dish became extremely popular, leading to "fondue parties" and the sale of fondue pots and utensils. The popularity of this dish inspired variations, including chocolate fondue.

One source credits Chef Konrad Elgi of New York's Chalet Swiss restaurant with creating the chocolate fondue in 1964 as a dessert option. Another source also credits Elgi, but places the date of his invention in the mid-1960s as part of a promotion for Toblerone chocolate. The Mayans could also claim credit, as chocolate was first served in their pots as a thick, dense drink over 2,500 years ago.

Chocolate fondue is typically made by melting chocolate with heavy cream, and sometimes a liqueur, in a saucepan over low heat. It is then served with fruit, cake, or other sweet treats, which are dipped into the chocolate mixture.

Frequently asked questions