Easy Creamy Chocolate Fondue
This incredibly easy chocolate fondue recipe yields a perfectly smooth, rich, and creamy dessert in just 10 minutes. It's the ultimate shareable treat for any gathering.
Equipment
- Medium heatproof bowl (glass or metal)
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or rubber spatula
- Fondue pot, small slow cooker, or pre-warmed serving bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped, or high-quality chocolate chips (see notes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the chopped chocolate in a medium, heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and butter. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer—you'll see small bubbles forming around the edges. Do not let it boil vigorously.
- Immediately pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 3 full minutes. This allows the chocolate to soften and melt gently from the bottom up, which is the key to a smooth emulsion.
- After 3 minutes, add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Starting in the center of the bowl, use a whisk or rubber spatula to gently stir the mixture. Slowly incorporate the cream and chocolate, working your way outward in small circles until the fondue is completely smooth, glossy, and uniform.
- Transfer the warm fondue to your fondue pot, a small slow cooker on the 'warm' setting, or a pre-warmed serving bowl. If using a traditional fondue pot with a flame, keep the flame very low to prevent scorching. The fondue is now ready for dipping!
- Arrange your chosen dippers on a platter around the fondue pot. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to swirl and dip. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced chocolate flavor.
Notes
Chef's Tips:
• The quality of your chocolate is the single most important factor. Use a bar you enjoy eating on its own.
• If your fondue seems too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm cream. If it's too thin, let it cool slightly; it will thicken as it sets.
• For a beautiful presentation, garnish the serving platter with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Food Safety:
• Do not leave fondue at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Discard any leftovers that have been held on a warmer for over 4 hours.
• If reheating, do so gently in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler to prevent separation.