15-Minute Chocolate Fondue
Jessica T. Brown
A luscious, silky chocolate fondue paired with fresh fruits and dried treats—quick, indulgent, and interactive dessert perfect for gatherings, date nights, or festive occasions.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Holiday Classics, party
For the Chocolate Fondue:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 12 ounces milk or dark chocolate chips or chopped
For Dipping:
- Strawberries
- 1 banana cut into 1-inch chunks
- Dried apricots
- Apple slices
- Candied ginger
Heat the Cream Gently: Place 1 cup of heavy cream and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tiny bubbles form and it begins to simmer lightly. Avoid boiling, as overheating can scorch the cream and affect the chocolate’s texture. Add and Melt Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add 12 ounces of milk or dark chocolate, either in chips or roughly chopped pieces. Use a whisk to stir continuously until the chocolate fully melts and blends into a smooth, glossy mixture with no lumps remaining. Prepare the Dippers: While the chocolate is melting, arrange your fruit and treats for dipping. Wash and dry strawberries, slice apples into thin wedges, cut bananas into 1-inch pieces, and set out dried apricots and candied ginger. Arrange them neatly on a serving platter for easy access. Transfer to Fondue Pot: Carefully pour the melted chocolate into a fondue pot set over low heat or a gentle flame. This keeps the chocolate warm and fluid for dipping, preventing it from hardening too quickly. If a fondue pot isn’t available, you can serve directly from the saucepan and reheat gently as needed. Dip and Enjoy: Use fondue forks, bamboo skewers, or small salad forks to dip your fruit and treats into the chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the pot before taking a bite to prevent mess, and enjoy immediately while the chocolate is warm and silky. Maintain Chocolate Consistency: If the chocolate thickens during serving, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen it and maintain a smooth texture. Continue gently heating as needed, but avoid high heat to prevent the chocolate from burning or separating.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture; dark or milk chocolate chips work perfectly.
- Avoid boiling the cream—gentle heating ensures the chocolate melts evenly without seizing.
- Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping and even coating.
- Keep chocolate warm during serving; add a splash of cream if it thickens.
- Experiment with mix-ins like marshmallows, pretzels, or pound cake cubes for variety.