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Updated: February 10, 2026
This chocolate fondue recipe is one I make every year when I host fondue nights for friends and family, and it’s always a fun dessert everyone gathers around. Chocolate fondue is cozy, interactive, and feels special without being complicated, which is exactly why it has become a staple at my table during the colder months. I’ve refined this easy chocolate fondue recipe over the years to be smooth, rich, and completely foolproof. Visit my hosting guide to learn how to host a fondue party, and keep reading to make this creative recipe in less than 15 minutes!
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What Is Chocolate Fondue?
Chocolate fondue is a warm, melted chocolate dessert traditionally served in a fondue pot and enjoyed by dipping fruit, cake, cookies, and other treats into the chocolate. Unlike cheese fondue, which is savory, chocolate fondue is all about indulgence and fun. The best chocolate fondue recipes use a combination of quality chocolate and heavy cream, gently melted together to create a silky texture that stays smooth on a warm setting without seizing or burning.
What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue
One of the best parts of this chocolate fondue recipe is the variety of favorite dippers you can serve. A good mix of soft, crunchy, sweet, and salty keeps things interesting. Some of my favorite chocolate fondue dippers include:
- Fresh strawberries, apple slices, bananas, and pineapple
- Pound cake or angel food cake cubes
- Graham crackers or cookies
- Marshmallows
- Ruffles Potato Chips
- Bacon
- Pretzels
- Biscotti
- Brownie bites
If you’re hosting, I recommend offering at least one fruit, one cake, and one crunchy option so everyone has something they love.
Ingredients for Chocolate Fondue
This recipe uses simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in the final flavor and texture.
- 1 cup (8 ounces) heavy cream – Creates a rich, smooth base and keeps the melted chocolate creamy
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness
- 285 grams dark chocolate (about 10 oz) – The main flavor component; bittersweet chocolate adds depth
- 70 grams milk chocolate chips (2.5 oz) – Softens the dark chocolate and adds creaminess
- ½ oz amaretto – Adds subtle almond warmth and almond flavor (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the chocolate and adds aromatic sweetness
This blend of dark chocolate and milk chocolate creates a balanced fondue that isn’t overly sweet or too intense.
Substitutions and Variations
This chocolate fondue recipe is flexible and easy to customize.
- No alcohol: Skip the amaretto and add ⅛ tsp of almond extract as a substitute
- Other alcohol options: Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlúa works well in place of amaretto
- Peppermint chocolate fondue: Replace vanilla with ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Swap the dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter fondue
- Slow cooker method: Melt everything on low or warm setting, stirring often
You can also add extra flavor with orange zest, espresso powder, or flavored bitters.
How to Make Chocolate Fondue
Follow these four easy steps to make this creamy chocolate fondue recipe:
STEP 1: Heat the Cream – In a saucepan over low-medium heat, add the heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the salt dissolves and the cream begins to gently steam. Keep the heat low and slow.
STEP 2: Flavor the Warm Cream – Once steaming, add the amaretto and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
STEP 3: Add the Chocolate – Add the dark chocolate and milk chocolate to the warm cream. Whisk continuously over low heat until fully melted and smooth.
STEP 4: Serve Warm – Pour the chocolate fondue into a fondue pot and keep it on a warm setting. Do not let it boil. Serve immediately with fondue forks and your favorite dippers.
Best Chocolate for Chocolate Fondue
The best chocolate for fondue is one you’d enjoy eating on its own. Look for:
- Dark chocolate (60-70% cacao)
- Bittersweet chocolate
- High-quality chocolate chips or baking bars
Avoid candy melts or low-quality chocolate, which can result in grainy or oily melted chocolate.
Chocolate Fondue Recipe Mistakes to Avoid
Below I am telling you what I know since I’ve made all of these mistakes in the past!
- Overheating the cream – Boiling can cause separation, causing the fondue to break. If this happens to you, warm up some additional heavy cream, remove fondue from heat, and whisk in warm cream 1 tbsp at a time until fondue has recovered.
- Adding chocolate too fast – Allow chocolate to melt gradually. Do not rush this process. Whisk low and slow.
- Using high heat in the fondue pot – Always use a warm setting. If your fondue pot uses candles, you may need to blow one or two out as pot begins to empty after serving to prevent scorching.
- Skipping the salt – Don’t skip adding a pinch of salt. A small pinch makes a big difference and enhances the chocolate flavor
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chocolate fondue in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 days. Take care to not store in the fridge until fondue is completely cool.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring often. If chocolate appears to be stiff, add a spoonful of warm heavy cream until consistency is restored.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based fondue can separate when thawed.
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FAQ
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a fondue pot?
Yes. Use the warm setting and stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Dark, semi-sweet, or bittersweet chocolate all work well. Choose the kind of chocolate you enjoy eating.
Is chocolate fondue kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Skip the alcohol for a family-friendly dessert.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for chocolate fondue?
You can use milk, but it’s not ideal for classic chocolate fondue. If you use milk, you run the risk of a thinner fondue and will lose some richness. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which helps the chocolate melt smoothly and stay silky on a warm setting. It’s much more forgiving and far less likely to turn thin, burn, or become grainy.
Recipe Card
Chocolate Fondue Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream 8 oz
- Pinch of Salt
- 10 oz Dark Chocolate 285 grams
- 2.5 oz Milk Chocolate 70 grams
- ½ oz Amaretto
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low-medium heat, add the heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the salt dissolves and the cream begins to gently steam. Keep the heat low and slow. By adding the salt early in the process, we allow the salt to fully dissolve and distribute evenly throughout the liquid, so the entire fondue is seasoned, not just pockets of chocolate. This gives you a smoother, more balanced chocolate flavor without tasting “salty.”
- Once steaming, add the amaretto and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. This allows the flavors to gently bloom.
- Next add the dark chocolate and milk chocolate to the warm cream. Whisk continuously over low heat until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate fondue into a fondue pot and keep it on warm. Do not let it boil. Serve immediately with fondue forks and your favorite dippers. Enjoy!
Notes
- No alcohol: If you do not prefer alcohol, you can skip the amaretto and add an extra splash of almond extract. 1/8 tsp almond extract.
- Peppermint chocolate fondue: Replace vanilla with ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Swap the dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter fondue
- White chocolate fondue: Use high-quality white chocolate and reduce cream slightly. Note: due to the amount of cocoa butter in white chocolate, the texture may be tricky.
- Slow cooker method: Melt everything on low or warm setting, stirring often
Nutrition
Craving More?
If you make this chocolate fondue recipe, I’d love to see it. Tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio, follow along on Pinterest, or leave a comment below and tell me what fondue recipes you want to see next, cheese fondue, peppermint chocolate fondue, or something totally new!
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