Create magic in your kitchen with my chocolate fondue recipe! Simple steps, premium chocolate, and a variety of dippers make this the ideal dessert for any occasion.
Who else loves chocolate recipes? Try these other dipped desserts include chocolate chip cookie dough truffles and this easy buckeye recipe!
Table of Contents
Easy 3-Ingredient Fondue
If melted chocolate is your idea of heaven, then you’re in for a real treat! Check out my foolproof guide to crafting the best chocolate fondue ever.
Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or a sweet surprise for your special someone on Valentine’s Day, this chocolate fondue recipe is your ticket to pure bliss.
Why This Recipe Works
- A fun shareable treat. Fondue is not just a dish; it’s also a social activity. It’s a fun and interactive way for people to gather, share a meal, and enjoy the experience of dipping various foods into melted goodness!
- Quick and easy. Make chocolate fondue in as little as 10 minutes and keep it melted all evening!
Recipe Ingredients
The good news is you only need three ingredients to make this velvety smooth chocolate fondue recipe!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Premium semi-sweet chocolate: For a deep chocolate flavor use high-quality chocolate that is at least 60% (my favorite brand is Guittard). You can use a mix of bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or milk chocolate if preferred. I usually like to add in 2 ounces of milk chocolate.
- Heavy cream: When mixed with the chocolate it gives it a rich creamy consistency. Milk can be used, if necessary, to thin it out.
- Vanilla: For amazing flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
There are so many chocolate fondue variations and what I’m showing you is just one version!
- Chocolate type: Swap the kind of chocolate you use to make dark chocolate fondue.
- Extract: Ater the flavor by using a different extract. Peppermint extract is a great way to turn it into peppermint chocolate fondue.
- Candy bar fondue: This is a great way to use up leftover candy bars! Go for something high quality like Hershey, Toblerone, Symphony or Godiva, although mixing in some bars with nuts or toffee bits will add some crunch.
How to Make Chocolate Fondue
- Melt chocolate and cream. Combine the chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth, and avoid boiling. Add vanilla.
- Transfer to fondue pot. If using a fondue pot, light the sterno; otherwise, use a mini crockpot to keep the fondue warm.
- Gather your favorite dippers. Strawberries, apples, bananas, pretzels, marshmallows, brownies, pound cake, rice krispies, and pirouette cookies. Serve with fondue forks, dip, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Melting the chocolate: Wondering how to melt chocolate without any hiccups? Low and slow is the key.
- Prevent grainy chocolate. To prevent chocolate fondue from seizing or becoming grainy, make sure no water comes into contact with your chocolate during melting. Use dry utensils, and ensure your saucepan is completely dry.
- What to do if your chocolate seizes: If your chocolate does seize, add a small amount of vegetable oil or clarified butter and gently stir until smooth.
- Avoid chocolate fondue hardening: Keep your fondue pot on low heat or use a sterno to help maintain the perfect consistency.
- Impressive presentation: If you’re looking to impress your guests, consider creating a s’mores charcuterie board or a hot chocolate charcuterie board to accompany your chocolate fondue.
What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue
Whip up this awesome dip for your next family shindig or festive party! It’s a breeze to serve and totally nails the whole shared dessert vibe for a big, happy crowd.
Here are some awesome ideas for dippers:
- Cookies: Shortbread, macaroons, Oreos, Pirouette cookies, Graham crackers, biscotti.
- Fruit: Granny Smith apple slices, mango, pineapple, bananas, pears, apricots, orange segments, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
- Cake bites: Angel food, brownies, pound cake.
- Snacks: You can also use mini pretzels, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie treats! Or go all out with this Christmas dessert board.
Recipe FAQs
Fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that involves melting cheese or chocolate and serving it as a communal dipping sauce. There are different types of fondue, but the two most common variations are cheese fondue and chocolate fondue.
Absolutely! While it may not be as smooth as using chopped chocolate or melting wafers, chocolate chips can be a convenient substitute. Just be mindful of the texture, and enjoy the dip.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chocolate fondue a few hours ahead. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it gently before serving. Remember, the texture might be slightly different upon reheating.
No worries! You can still enjoy chocolate fondue without a fondue pot. Use a heatproof bowl over a tealight candle or set up a makeshift double boiler. The key is to keep the chocolate warm and melted throughout the dipping experience.
While this dip is at its prime on the first day, you can store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave using short intervals and stir in between or on the stovetop until it reaches that perfect, molten consistency.
More melted chocolaty goodness includes these favorites, try chocolate ganache, cooked chocolate icing, and hot fudge!
More Chocolate Recipes
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Chocolate Fondue
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces premium semi-sweet chocolate , chopped (see note)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk , if needed for thinning
Fondue Dippers (choose a few favorites)
- Strawberries
- Granny smith apple , sliced
- Bananas , sliced
- Mini pretzels
- Marshmallows
- Brownies , cubed
- Pound cake , cubed
- Rice Krispie treats , cubed
- Pirouette cookies
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, stir the chopped chocolate and heavy cream over low heat until melted and smooth (don't let it come to a boil). Watch it carefully.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in vanilla. If you'd like a thinner consistency, add in 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk and bring back to the heat for another minute.
- If using a fondue pot, light the sterno and set pot on the fondue holder. Pour chocolate sauce in fondue pot or place in a mini crockpot to keep warm. Serve with desired dippers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Chocolate, Christmas, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Valentine's Day
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is one of my family’s absolute favorites! So fun for a weekend evening or a holiday party! Love it!
One of my favorites too! It’s a family tradition for Christmas Eve :)
I can’t believe how simple this was! And it was so delicious, my kids had a blast finding all sorts of thing to dip in it!
Such a fun activity to do with the kids! :)
this was so much easier to make than I thought that it was! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!