Can I make chocolate fondue without a fondue pot?

Yes. Make the fondue in a small saucepan on the stove, then keep it warm in a small slow cooker set to warm. You can also serve it right from the saucepan on a trivet, or pour it into small ramekins so everyone gets their own.

What is the best chocolate for fondue?

Semisweet chocolate gives a balanced, not-too-sweet flavor that most people love. Milk chocolate makes a sweeter fondue and bittersweet makes a deeper one. Choose good-quality baking bars if you can, since they melt the smoothest.

Can I use chocolate chips for chocolate fondue?

Yes, but some brands contain stabilizers that keep the chips from melting as smoothly. Look for chips made with real cocoa butter, or use chopped baking bars for the silkiest texture.

Why did my chocolate fondue turn grainy or seize?

The two common causes are heat that’s too high and water getting into the chocolate. Keep the cream below a boil, melt the chocolate over low heat, and dry your fruit and utensils well. If it turns grainy, whisk in a splash of warm cream until it smooths out.

How do I fix chocolate fondue that’s too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, stir in a little warm cream a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, stir in a little more chopped chocolate until it melts and thickens.

How much chocolate fondue do I need per person?

This recipe makes about 2 cups, which is enough for 6 to 8 people when served with plenty of dippers. Double the recipe for a bigger crowd.

What can you dip in chocolate fondue?

Almost anything sweet or salty works. Fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, and apples is the classic choice, and cake cubes, brownie bites, cheesecake bites, cookies , and marshmallows are crowd favorites. Pretzels and graham crackers add a salty or s’mores-style crunch. See the list above for all my favorite dippers.

What is the best fruit to dip in chocolate fondue?

Strawberries are the classic favorite because their sweet-tart juiciness pairs perfectly with chocolate. Bananas, raspberries, apple slices, and orange segments are also great. Choose firm, ripe fruit, and pat it completely dry so no water drips into the fondue. See the fruit list above for more ideas.

What’s the difference between chocolate fondue and a chocolate fountain?

Chocolate fondue is warm, melted chocolate mixed with cream and kept warm in a pot, so guests dip pieces straight in. A chocolate fountain is a machine that circulates melted chocolate over tiers, and guests hold their treats under the flowing chocolate. Fountains work best for big parties, but the chocolate usually has to be thinned with a little oil or shortening to keep it flowing. Fondue is thicker, richer, and much easier at home because you only need a saucepan and a small slow cooker.

Easy Chocolate Fondue

Name: Easy Chocolate Fondue
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Swiss
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (or milk chocolate for a sweeter option); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Description

This easy chocolate fondue is made with just cream, semisweet chocolate, and vanilla, and it’s ready in 10 minutes. Serve it warm with fruit, cake, and cookies for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup heavy cream
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (or milk chocolate for a sweeter option)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat just until steaming, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Add the chocolate and vanilla extract and stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. If the fondue is too thick, stir in a little warm cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Transfer the chocolate fondue to a fondue pot set to low heat or a small slow cooker on the warm setting.
Serve immediately with fruit and other dipping treats.

Notes

Dippers: Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, and apples, plus marshmallows, cake cubes, brownie bites, cheesecake bites, cookies, pretzels, and graham crackers. See the post for the full list of dipping ideas.

Storage: Refrigerate leftover fondue in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Rewarm gently over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power in short bursts, stirring in a splash of cream until smooth. Slice apples and bananas right before serving.

Thinning or thickening: Stir in a little warm cream to thin the fondue, or a little more chopped chocolate to thicken it.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Swiss