The word “fondue” comes from the past participle of the French verb “fondre”, which means “to melt”. Fondue originated in Switzerland, specifically in the western part of the country where French is spoken.
Looking for a fun chocolate dessert for your next party? Make chocolate fondue! Dip fresh fruit, pretzels, and other delicious dippables into luscious melted chocolate. It’s great for any occasion—from birthday parties to Valentine’s Day (and sometimes midweek, just because).
We have an easy, yet amazingly rich and decadent recipe for chocolate fondue that is perfect for a variety of dippings. So keep scrolling down and learn how to make the best chocolate fondue recipe to dip your favorite fruits, marshmallows, and other treats.
The first fondue recipe was created in Zurich, Switzerland in 1699. The original recipe called for a blend of melted cheese and wine into which bread was dipped. In 1875, fondue was declared a national dish of Switzerland, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that fondue really took off, heavily promoted by the Swiss Cheese Union.
The history of chocolate fondue
Americans first experienced Swiss cheese fondue at the World’s Fair of 1964 in New York, which was characterized by being served with crusty bread. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fondue had become extremely popular in the United States. As a result, many people began hosting “fondue parties” and buying fondue pots, plates, and specialized cooking and serving utensils. The popularity of the traditional fondue brought about variations on this basic recipe, with chocolate becoming the most popular variation. This is where the history of chocolate fondue begins.
Uncertain origin
The exact origin of chocolate fondue is not known. Credit has been given to Chef Konrad Elgi of New York’s Chalet Swiss restaurant who in 1952, created the bourguignon variation of fondue (beef cubes cooked in hot oil) and in 1964, it is said that he developed the chocolate variation as a dessert fondue. We should also give some credit to the Mayans since they had already served liquid chocolate in their pots as a thick, dense drink over 2,500 years ago. The dipping part came much later.
How to make chocolate fondue
Chocolate fondue is a great choice for a dessert when hosting a party. The communal aspect of “sharing” the chocolate fondue makes it a good choice for those hosting an event. Also, it is very simple to make!
Using the best-quality chocolate you can afford is the best way to enjoy the simplicity of chocolate fondue. While often made with milk chocolate, choose any preferred variety: dark chocolate, white chocolate, or flavored chocolate. Brands with a high cocoa percentage and minimal processing will produce the most flavorful fondue.
Here’s a traditional chocolate fondue recipe:
Chocolate fondue recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 ounces) heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 12 ounces milk or dark chocolate (chips or roughly chopped bar)
- 1 tablespoon liqueur (optional)
Method
- In a small saucepan, heat the cream with a pinch of salt over medium heat until tiny bubbles start to form.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- For an added holiday kicker, add a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or your favorite liqueur.
- Transfer the chocolate mixture to a fondue pot which has been preheated on low or with a low flame (of course, you can serve it straight from the pot!).
- Arrange dippable fruits and cake bites on plates around the pot of chocolate fondue with fondue forks.
- Enjoy!
What can be dipped in chocolate fondue
There are few limits to the ingredients you can use for dipping in chocolate fondue. Be creative and bold! Let your imagination soar. For the less experienced, here are some quick tips:
- Avoid soft cakes that will crumble as soon as they are dipped
- Avoid fruits that will slide too easily off the fork
- Avoid items that will snap in half as they are dragged through the chocolate
- Cut your dippable treats into half-inch cubes so they can be enjoyed in a single bite
Here are a variety of tasty treats that go well with chocolate fondue:
- Cookies
- Pretzels
- Marshmallows
- Firm cakes, such as pound cake
- Frozen cheesecake bites
- Chocolate truffles (for total chocolate overdose)
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, orange segments, pineapple, pears, apples, and bananas are favorites)
- Dried fruit (apricots, mango, and banana chips)
- Brownies bites
- Churros
- Cake pops
- Biscotti
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Granola bar bites
- Mini doughnuts
- Mini croissants
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Meringues
- Potato chips
To spice up your fondue recipe
To vary the fondue recipe, use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Try adding a little caramel, coconut oil, peanut butter, or any variety of liqueurs. The basic recipe is flexible with the important technique being the constant stirring of the chocolate to ensure a smooth texture. Uneven or extreme heating can cause the chocolate to burn or curdle, so watch your temperature carefully.
Chocolate fountain
For larger crowds or special occasions, chocolate fondue is often served using a “chocolate fountain,” making it a special centerpiece for a party. These fountains are available for rental or for home purchase.
Chocolate fountains create a decadent cascade of sweetness that will add mouth-watering fun to any occasion. Simply pour the recommended amount of “fountain” chocolate into the base, switch on the motor and watch as the chocolate flows down each tier in a mesmerizing display.
Whether you are having a romantic dinner for two or entertaining a crowd, chocolate fondue is always a good idea. It’s the perfect way to get your family or guests gathered around the table and chatting while they dip away!We hope you enjoyed this post. For more great recipes, check out our blog page. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels.
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