One thing’s for sure: a chocolate fountain is always a showstopper. Spotting one elegantly flowing on a beautifully set dessert table just might tempt you to skip dinner and head straight for dessert—especially if that chocolate fountain is surrounded by some of your favorite treats. That’s why we wrote this article to equip you with everything you need to know about how to create a chocolate fountain and make the chocolate flow effortlessly.
Now you can wow your guests and impress them with your amazing chocolate display. Keep reading to learn best practices and all the tips and tricks!
What’s a chocolate fountain?
Let’s start with the basics. A chocolate fountain is a fun and eye-catching dessert centerpiece that keeps melted chocolate flowing like a waterfall. Guests can take cut fruit, cake cubes or other treats, such as marshmallows or graham crackers, and coat them in a layer of chocolate that’s flowing from the multiple chocolate covered tiers. t.
Why have a chocolate fountain?
A chocolate fountain is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that brings fun, elegance, and a touch of indulgence to any event. The flowing chocolate creates a stunning centerpiece that instantly grabs everyone’s attention. Guests of all ages love the interactive fun of dipping fruits, cakes, and other treats, making it a highlight of the celebration. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, parties or casual gatherings, a chocolate fountain adds a delicious and versatile touch to any occasion. It’s not just dessert—it’s a sweet memory-maker.
Sources for buying a chocolate fountain
1. Sephra USA — Sephra offers high-quality chocolate fountains suitable for both home and commercial use. Their products are known for durability and ease of cleaning. You can explore their range of home chocolate fountains on their website to get a sense for all the different sizes, features and options.
2. Amazon — Amazon provides a wide selection of chocolate fountains from various brands, catering to different needs and budgets. Customer reviews and ratings can help guide your choice.
3. Nostalgia Products — Offering affordable and user-friendly chocolate fountains, Nostalgia sells products that are ideal for home gatherings and parties.
4. Sweet Fountains — Specializing in commercial-grade chocolate fountains, Sweet Fountains provides equipment suitable for larger events or business purposes.
How to set up a chocolate fountain
Place the fountain on a flat, stable surface to ensure it operates properly.
Use a level to check the table surface and adjust as needed. If the table isn’t level, you won’t get the optimal chocolate effect since chocolate will only be pouring over part of the waterfall. Make sure that you set up near an electrical outlet and protect your table with a tablecloth, or set the fountain on a wooden board to avoid any spills.
Carefully assemble the tiers and base following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure all parts are securely in place and clean before turning it on.
How to get your chocolate fountain flowing
Making a chocolate fountain flow is easier than it seems. Just follow these simple steps to create a delicious and impressive centerpiece:
- Pick the Right Chocolate:
Use good-quality chocolate that melts smoothly. You can buy chocolate made for fountains or add a bit of vegetable or coconut oil to regular chocolate to get the right flow. - Melt the Chocolate:
Melt the chocolate before adding it to the fountain. You can do this in the microwave (but make sure not to burn it!) or with a double boiler to make sure it’s smooth and lump-free. - Set Up the Fountain:
Place the fountain on a flat, stable surface. Follow the instructions to assemble the tiers, and plug it in. - Preheat the Fountain:
Turn on the fountain to warm it up for 5-10 minutes before adding the chocolate. This allows the parts to warm up and ensures the chocolate flows smoothly. r. If you pour the chocolate into a cold fountain, the chocolate will start to harden and might clog the system. - Add the Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate into the fountain base and turn on the pump. Once it’s running, the chocolate will flow smoothly down the tiers. If the chocolate is not flowing evenly, make sure that your table is level and that each tier is also level. - Prepare Dipping Treats:
Set up several plates filled with a variety of treats like fruit, marshmallows, cookies, and pretzels around the fountain for guests to dip. Don’t forget to provide skewers, toothpicks or forks so that guests can dunk their treats under the chocolate falls. And if you want to minimize drips, small plates are a must. - Monitor and Refill:
Keep an eye on the chocolate level during the event. Refill with more melted chocolate as needed to keep the flow going.
Types of chocolate suitable for fountains
When choosing chocolate for a fountain, it’s important to select the right type to ensure smooth flow and a great taste. Here are the best types of chocolate for fountains:
Fountain-Ready Chocolate:
Fountain-Ready Chocolate is specifically designed for use in chocolate fountains, ensuring a smooth melt and easy flow without the need for additional ingredients. It typically comes in button form, making it simple to melt. With extra cocoa butter added for optimal viscosity, there’s no need to mix in extra oils or add cocoa butter. Just place the chocolate in a microwave-safe container, melt it in short 1-minute bursts, and once it’s fully melted, pour it into your fountain for a perfect flow.
Couverture Chocolate:
Couverture chocolate is high-quality chocolate with a higher cocoa butter content, making it perfect for fountains. It melts well and gives a glossy finish. You might need to add a little vegetable oil to help it flow smoothly. Typically, this will be higher quality chocolate than generic “fountain chocolate.”
How to thin chocolate for optimal flow
If your chocolate isn’t flowing smoothly in the fountain, you can easily thin it to get the right consistency. Here are a few options:
Add vegetable oil or coconut oil:
For every 12 ounces of chocolate, add 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil or coconut oil. Start with a small amount, stir it well, and check the consistency. If needed, add more until the chocolate is smooth and flows easily.
Add cocoa butter:
Cocoa butter is another great choice for thinning chocolate. It helps keep the original rich taste and texture of the chocolate. Add 1 tablespoon of melted cocoa butter for every 8-12 ounces of chocolate and stir until fully mixed.
Ideas for serving and dipping
Here are a few ideas for your chocolate fountain treats. You can go healthy with fresh fruits, go nostalgic with throw-back goodies, or go crazy with unexpected savory bites.
Classic Dipping Options:
- Marshmallows
- Strawberries
- Banana slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Pretzels
- Cakes (pound cake and angel’s food cake are top choices)
- Cookies (Shortbread, biscotti, or wafer cookies work well)
- Rice Krispies Treats (soft and crunchy)
Fruits:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Apple slices
- Orange segments
- Dried apricots
- Peaches
- Figs
- Freeze dries fruits
Pastries & Baked Goods:
- Mini doughnuts or doughnut holes
- Churros
- Brownie bites
- Pound cake cubes
- Mini cheesecake bites
- Profiteroles
Cookies and Biscuits:
- Waffle cones
- Gingersnaps
- Shortbread cookies
- Biscotti
- macarons
Savory Dips (For a sweet-salty contrast):
- Pretzel bites (sweet and salty)
- Grilled bacon strips (For something totally unexpected)
- Cheese cubes (Sharp cheddar or brie contrasts nicely with chocolate)
An Extra Touch – post drip toppings
- Coconut flakes
- Cocoa nibs
- Crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture)
- Toffee or caramel pieces
- Crushed Oreos (For extra crunch)
- Mini M&M’s
- Crushed graham crackers (for a s’mores vibe)
- Caramel drizzle
Chocolate fountain clean up
Properly cleaning a chocolate fountain preserves its quality and minimizes waste. Make sure to read the clean-up instructions for your particular chocolate fountain. Here are some general cleaning steps:
1. Turn Off and Unplug the Fountain
- Once you’re done using the fountain, turn it off and unplug it.
- Let the chocolate cool slightly but don’t let it harden in the machine.
2. Collect the Chocolate
- If the chocolate is still clean (without crumbs, fruit bits, or saliva contamination), you can save it:
- Pour it into a container and let it cool.
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for longer.
- Re-melt it for future use in baking, hot chocolate, or desserts.
- If the chocolate is contaminated or has been sitting for too long, discard it.
3. Disassemble the Fountain
- Remove the tiers and auger (the central spiral mechanism).
- Scrape off excess chocolate into the trash or compost.
4. Wash with Warm, Soapy Water
- Use warm, soapy water to clean the removable parts.
- Avoid using cold water immediately, as it will harden the chocolate.
- For stubborn residue, soak the parts in warm water before scrubbing (with the exception of the pump and other electronics).
5. Wipe Down the Base
- The base, which contains the motor, should not be submerged in water.
- Wipe it down with a damp cloth.
6. Dry and Store
- Let all parts dry completely before reassembling or storing.
For those who are truly DIY, setting up a chocolate fountain using chocolate made from scratch using CocoTerra gives you complete control over both flavor and quality. By selecting the finest cacao nibs and adjusting the amount of sugar to your preference, you create a chocolate that is richer, purer, and more authentic than anything store-bought. This not only enhances the depth of flavor but also makes for a healthier indulgence, free from unnecessary additives. Learn more about the difference between homemade and store bought chocolate.
We hope this article has inspired you to set up a stunning chocolate fountain that not only impresses your guests but also elevates your dessert experience. A chocolate fountain is more than just a treat—it’s a showpiece that brings people together in the joy of indulgence. If you give it a try, we’d love to see your creations—share them with us on social media!
For more great articles and recipes, check out the rest of our CocoTerra blog.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels. We are @cocoterra_co on Instagram and Pinterest and @cocoterraco on X (aka Twitter) and Facebook.
