• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Easy and Delish logo

  • About
    • Meet Denise!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Contact
    • Press
  • All Recipes
  • BRAZILIAN FOOD
  • Conversions
    • How Many Sticks of Butter in a Cup?
    • How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
    • Temperature Conversion (Chart & Calculator)
    • US Cups to Ounces to Grams for Common Ingredients (Charts)
    • Volume Conversions (Table for Dry & Liquid Ingredients)
    • Baking Substitutions (with Charts & Tables)
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Português
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Página Inicial
  • About
  • Sobre Mim
  • All Recipes
  • Todas as Receitas
  • Shop
  • Conversions
  • Vídeos
  • Português
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Easy Dessert Recipes

    Published: Dec 27, 2021 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · Leave a Comment

    Chocolate Fondue Recipe and Dippers


    Jump to Recipe ↓
    close up of strawberry dipped in chocolate fondue

    This chocolate fondue recipe is quick and easy to make with or without a fondue pot. It requires only 3 ingredients and comes with suggestions for dippers.

    strawberry dipped in chocolate fondue

    One of my favorite go-to family desserts is chocolate fondue. It is one of those easy desserts that bring the whole family and/or friends together without hassle. And, of course, everyone loves it!

    Reasons to Make this Chocolate Fondue Recipe

    • No special gadgets are needed: You don’t need a fancy fondue pot or dipping tools to make it.
    • Versatile: You can also choose which type of chocolate to use (or use a mix of them) as well as which dippers (simple or fancy ones). I made this one for New Year’s Eve because I didn’t want to cook it. I used a mixture of dark and milk chocolate for a richer, deeper, and more balanced flavor. But if you are making mostly for kids, they might prefer milk chocolate only.
    • Quick: Yep! You can cook your fondue in up to 5 minutes in the microwave, double boiler pot (or improvise one), or in a fondue pot if you prefer. Then, serve with a variety of dippers such as cookies, marshmallows, cubed cake, fruit, and more. The possibilities are endless. It can range from simple to fancy, depending on the occasion!
    • Mess-free: Moreover, you won’t have much to wash at the end. Hooray! So awesome, right?

    What is fondue?

    The word fondue is the feminine passive past participle of the French verb fondre 'to melt' (but used as a noun).

    There are basically 4 common types of fondue: Cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, meat fondue, and broth fondue.

    Chocolate fondue follows the same concepts as cheese fondue, a Swiss dish.

    It consists of melted chocolate served in a communal pot and is eaten by dipping in fruits, marshmallows, or pastries using long-stemmed forks.

     There are several variations but it should be served as a dessert.

    Chocolate Fondue vs. Chocolate Fountain

    Please don’t be confused! Chocolate fondue is a dish (dessert) while a chocolate fountain is simply a device for serving chocolate fondue.

    That means you can serve chocolate fondue in a pot (the traditional way) or in a fountain.

    The latter requires the fondue to be thinner to keep from clogging up the machine. Make sure to use more dairy in your chocolate fondue recipe.

    Best chocolate for fondue

    The best chocolate to make fondue is smooth and melts well. I usually use some regular Lindt chocolate bars. However, if you have access to couverture chocolate --high-quality chocolate that has a higher ratio of cocoa butter to cocoa, helping it to melt more smoothly-- go for it!

    In the USA, couverture chocolate must contain a minimum of 35% cocoa solids and 31% cocoa butter (which is the minimum amount). Some contain up to 39% cocoa butter. The more cocoa butter, the more fluid the chocolate is when melted.

    Some of the brands that produce couverture chocolate includes Amano, Callebaut, El Rey, Felchlin, Guittard, Lindt, Scharffen Berger, and Valrhona. They usually include the word “couverture” on the package.

    How to make chocolate fondue

    1. If making this chocolate fondue recipe without a fondue pot, place a saucepan with some water over medium-low heat. Bring it to a simmer!
    2. Put a heatproof larger bowl on top of the pan, making sure the simmering water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
    3. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the oil and vanilla.
    4. Turn off the heat! Drop the chocolate into the warm mixture and swirl the bowl enough to cover the chocolate. Make sure to wear gloves.
    5. Let it sit for 2 minutes in order to melt the chocolate. Then whisk until smooth! Serve immediately.

     WATCH OUR VIDEO FOR THE STEP-BY-STEP!

    Happy new year sign on a dessert board

    Quick Tips

    1. Use REAL, high-quality chocolate bars. The better the chocolate you use, the smoother and more flavorful your fondue will turn out. Candy melts and chocolate chips do not work great in fondue — they are less flavorful and harden quicker.
    2. The pot or fountain and utensils must be completely dry (free of any water). Water will cause the chocolate to seize, ruining the fondue.
    3. Customize! You can vary the type of chocolate (milk, bittersweet, dark, or even white, or use a couple of them), add flavorings such as bourbon or vanilla extract, choose different dippers or sides, etc.
    4. Dippers: Choose them according to the season and occasion. If displaying them on a board or platter, make sure to place bowls and small plates symmetrically on the board and then arrange the larger foods or those with larger amounts first. If making a chocolate fondue board for New Year's eve, incorporate your traditions. Check out our video! 

    Chocolate Fondue Dippers

    You may be asking yourself, what can I dip in chocolate fondue? Well, here are some suggestions:

    • Fresh fruit: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas, apple and pear slices, grapes, etc (and some dried fruits as well, like apricots). If using milk chocolate, use acidic fruits such as green apples and strawberries to balance flavor, but if using dark chocolate go for sweet fruits such as bananas.
    • Cookies: Oreos, macarons, pirouettes, biscotti, girl scout cookies, these shortbread cookies, etc.
    • Pastries and baked goods: pound cake (store-bought or homemade such as this strawberry pound cake), Rice Krispies treats, brownie bites, large marshmallows, cubed panettone, brookies, pretzel rods, and more.
    • Salty foods: Such as potato chips and bacon!
    • Cheese: Yes, cheese! Acidic cheeses pair better with this dark chocolate fondue recipe, while mellow or buttery cheeses go well with milk chocolate fondue.

    Making chocolate fondue with a fondue pot

    With or without a pot, follow these same general guidelines:

    1. To avoid burning the chocolate, heat up the liquids first (heavy cream, milk, or half-and-half)-- just like we do when making chocolate ganache! I also like to add either real butter or a mild vegetable oil and a flavoring such as vanilla extract.
    2. Then dump in the chopped chocolate, making sure that is covered in liquid. To do that, swirl the pot!
    3. Let it sit off the heat for a couple of minutes in order to melt.
    4. Lastly, whisk well to ensure it is smooth. Pour it into the fondue pot or even into ramekins for serving.
    5. If the chocolate starts to get grainy or harden, just stir in more oil or warm dairy, a teaspoon at a time, until it smooths out. If it starts to burn on the bottom of the pot, just turn off the fondue fuel. The fondue will stay warm on its own for a while!

    Making chocolate fondue without a fondue pot

    If you don’t have a fondue pot, use your double boiler or improvise one. I usually simmer water in a pot over medium-low heat. Then place a bowl, larger than the pot, on top. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. After heating the liquid and following the guidelines mentioned above, I serve the fondue in ramekins. Of course, I arrange all the dippers in a platter or board such as this dessert platter and then serve the chocolate fondue last.

    Another alternative method is to use a microwave-safe bowl, heat the liquid in the microwave, and add the chocolate, following the above guidelines.

    marshmallow about to be dipped in the dessert sauce

    Variations

    • S’mores: Melt milk chocolate, then swirl in ⅓ cup marshmallow cream and top with crumbled graham crackers.
    • Mint: Add ¼ teaspoon mint extract and top with chopped Andes mints if you want
    • Peanut Butter: Melt milk and then swirl in ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter.
    • White Chocolate Raspberry: Use melted white chocolate stirred with vegetable oil and swirl in warm raspberry jam.
    • Boozy Fondue: Add a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier.
    • Healthy chocolate fondue: Use dark chocolate and coconut oil only. It makes for a dairy-free chocolate fondue recipe!

    How do you make chocolate fondue thicker?

    Fondue usually starts to thicken as it cools. It will never completely harden because of the cream or oil in the mixture.

    For a thicker fondue, use less dairy or remove it from the heat and wait 5-7 minutes. It will start to set!

    strawberry covered in chocolate fondue

    How to reheat fondue

    There is more than one way. You can reheat it in a double boiler, in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave.

    To reheat in the microwave, heat it in 30-second increments, stirring until melted. 

    Etiquette

    1. Reserve the fondue fork or skewer for dipping only. This means once you dip something into your fondue, drop it onto your plate and use a different utensil for eating. Or you can serve chocolate fondue in individual ramekins!
    2. Rotate the fork over the pot until the chocolate stops dripping.
    3. Distribute or arrange the dippers evenly – that way people don’t have to stand up or reach an arm over the fondue pot.
    4. Make sure to choose a chocolate type and dippers that your guests will enjoy.

    Leftovers

    If you have chocolate fondue left over, don’t throw it away. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Use it as a base for hot chocolate. 

    Storage

    Store cool chocolate fondue tightly covered in a clean container  free of odor in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze; otherwise, it may become grainy.

    Other chocolate desserts to enjoy

    • Chocolate Chess Pie
    • Easy Chocolate Mousse
    • Brigadeiro Recipe
    • Brigadeirao (Brazilian Chocolate Fudge Flan)

    PIN & ENJOY!

    chocolate fondue and dippers on a board and champagnes glasses making a toast

    strawberry dipped in chocolate fondue
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    Chocolate Fondue Recipe

    This chocolate fondue recipe is quick and easy to make with or without a fondue pot. It requires only 3 ingredients and comes with suggestions for dippers.
    Course:Dessert
    Cuisine:Swiss
    Keywords:chocolate fondue
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 8 people
    Calories309 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 1.00 per person

    Equipment

    • saucepan
    • Heatproof bowl
    • whisk

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup heavy cream or whole milk or half-and-half
    • ½ tablespoon vegetable oil mild or 1 tablespoon of real unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or spirits such as Grand Marnier or Bourbon
    • 10.5 oz chocolate bar chopped (Make sure to use good-quality chocolate. I used 1 bar of Lindt milk chocolate and 2 bars of Lindt dark chocolate but you can use whatever chocolate your family enjoys)

    Instructions

    • If making chocolate fondue without a fondue pot, place a saucepan with some water over medium-low heat. Bring it to a simmer!
    • Put a heatproof larger bowl on top of the pan, making sure the simmering water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
    • Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the oil and vanilla.
    • Turn off the heat! Drop the chocolate into the warm mixture and swirl the bowl enough to cover the chocolate. Make sure to wear gloves.
    • Let it sit for 2 minutes in order to melt the chocolate. Then whisk until smooth! Serve immediately.

    Recipe Video

    YouTube video

    Recipe Notes

    IMPORTANT: Before making the chocolate fondue, arrange all dippers onto a platter or board. The fondue must be served last to avoid hardening.
    How to reheat fondue
    There is more than one way. You can reheat it in a double boiler, in a pot, on the stove top over low heat, or in the microwave.
    To reheat in the microwave, heat it in 30-second increments, stirring until melted. 
    Chocolate Fondue Dippers to Serve with
    • Fresh fruit: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas, apple and pear slices, grapes, etc (and some dried as well such as apricots). If using milk chocolate, use acidic fruits such as green apples and strawberries to balance flavor, but if using dark chocolate go for sweet fruits such as bananas.
    • Cookies: Oreos, macarons, pirouettes, biscotti, girl scout cookies, shortbread cookies, etc.
    • Pastries and baked goods: pound cake (store-bought or homemade such as this strawberry pound cake), Rice Krispies treats, brownie bites, large marshmallows, cubed panettone, brookies, pretzel rods, and more
    • Salty foods: Such as potato chips and bacon!
    • Cheese: Yes, cheese! Acidic cheeses pair better with dark chocolate fondue, while mellow or buttery cheeses go well with milk chocolate fondue.
    Leftovers
    If you have chocolate fondue left over, don’t throw it away. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Use it as a base for hot chocolate. 
    Storage
    Store cool chocolate fondue tightly covered in a clean, free-of-odor container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze; otherwise, it may become grainy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 4mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

     

    « Dessert Charcuterie Board
    Protein Overnight Oats (20 Grams of Protein) »

    Filed Under: 5 Ingredients or Less, American Recipes, Easy Dessert Recipes, New Year, Quick & Easy Recipes

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Please read our privacy policies before subscribing

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

    photo of Denise Browning smiling
    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

    About Me

    ORDER NOW!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    GET YOUR COPY NOW!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Subscribe for FREE Email Updates
    Receive EASY & DELISH recipes for free every week! Please check our PRIVACY POLICY!

     

    Marketing by
    Click here & join us on PINTEREST
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • PortuguêsPortuguês
    Portrait of Denise Browning, author of Easy and Delish

    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A close up of beef brisket with veggies
      Easy & Juicy Beef Brisket Recipe
    • A bowl of cabbage soup
      The BEST Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Soup Chart (Printable)
    • A pot of shrimp in coconut sauce
      One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
    • close up de camarao internacional sendo regado com o molho
      Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe (5-Ingredient)

    Order Now!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    Get Your Copy Now!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Click Here & Join Us on Pinterest

    Seasonal

    • close up of a jar with maple dijon vinaigrette and a spoon pouring the dressing into it.
      Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • several slices of air fryer garlic bread in a tray with a bowl of melted garlic butter on the side.
      Air Fryer Garlic Bread
    • close up of whole easy sourdough bread pudding with caramel sauce and berries on top.
      Sourdough Bread Pudding
    • CLOSE UP OF SEVERAL GRILLED CHEESE ON A STICK SERVED ON A LARGE TRAY WITH RED PEPPER FLAKES, HONEY AND FRESH HERBS.
      20 Grilling Cheeses and Grilled Cheese on a Stick Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes | Brazilian Recipes | Contact | Privacy Policy

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Easy and Delish