Chocolate Fondue: the effortless recipe for a decadent dessert

For a luxurious, decadent dessert that's super easy to make yet is sure to impress, you'll love this fantastic chocolate fondue recipe. Chocolate fondue is ideal for special occasions like Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any time you want to dazzle with your culinary skills.

It's fun, delicious, and you can customize it however you like, from the flavors in the fondue to the dipping options you serve. Use the best quality chocolate you can find, and you can't go wrong!

Chocolate Fondue Ingredients

While there are dozens of different chocolate fondue variations, this version only calls for four ingredients.

You'll need some high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, whole milk, heavy cream, and a dash of vanilla extract.

For the silkiest, richest texture, don't use skim or semi-skim milk.

Do You Need a Fondue Pot for Making Chocolate Fondue?

Not at all! You can make the fondue on the stovetop in a saucepan, then transfer it to a slow cooker to keep it warm while you're serving it.

What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue

You can dip just about anything in your chocolate fondue. Fruit like apples, pears, strawberries, bananas, and raspberries are all great. Marshmallows, mini Rice Krispie treats, cookies, small pieces of cake (like angel food cake or sponge cake) are wonderful as well.

If you're a fan of sweet and salty treats, you can even dip pretzels, potato chips, nuts, and other savory snacks into your fondue.

Chocolate Fondue Variations

Use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of dairy milk and heavy cream to make coconut chocolate fondue.

Add a swirl of caramel or butterscotch to the fondue for an extra layer of flavor.

Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate, or try mint chocolate or orange chocolate as the main flavor.

Mix in some Nutella or Biscoff spread.

Add a little cinnamon and nutmeg for a warming spiced Mexican chocolate-inspired fondue.

How to Keep Chocolate Fondue Warm

If you have a fondue pot, simply serve the chocolate fondue in it to keep it warm. Otherwise, you can use a slow cooker set to Warm to keep your chocolate fondue from getting hard.

Can You Make Chocolate Fondue Ahead of Time? 

You can definitely make chocolate fondue ahead of time. Prepare the fondue then let it cool down slightly. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Reheat and enjoy within three to four days. Reheat in a saucepan or slow cooker to warm it back up.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Fondue

Use high-quality chocolate to make your fondue. If you use cheap chocolate, your fondue won't taste as good.

If your fondue is too thick, you can add another tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.

Use a fondue fork or skewers for dipping.

Don't heat the chocolate too quickly. The secret to perfect chocolate fondue is to melt it slowly.

How to Store Chocolate Fondue

Let the chocolate fondue cool then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Make Chocolate Fondue

Heat the chocolate, cream, and milk over low heat, stirring consistently until the chocolate melts.

Whisk in the vanilla.

Transfer the mixture to a fondue pot or small slow cooker.

Serve with preferred dipping options.

Notes

Make sure not to let the chocolate mixture come to a boil when you're in the process of melting the chocolate. Heat it gently.