Perfect Chocolate Fondue
Want perfect chocolate fondue without the fuss? This EASY recipe for chocolate fondue is rich, decadent, and incredible! Can be made without a fondue pot!
Chocolate fondue is a huge favorite around here! (Like, we’re pretty much chocolate fondue experts.)
Good thing this chocolate fondue recipe is so easy to make at home – we can make it any time we want!
How to Make Chocolate Fondue
Making perfect chocolate fondue at home is so easy! This recipe is four simple ingredients:
- chopped chocolate (or good quality chocolate chips)
- milk
- cream
- vanilla extract
Combine everything but the vanilla in a saucepan or in a stovetop-proof fondue pot (like this Swissmar fondue pot – it’s amazing like all the reviews show!).
The chocolate you use is really important. Not all brands of chocolate chips melt well. Ghirardelli or Guittard bittersweet or semisweet chips are my go-to. If I don’t have those brands, I use chocolate baking bars (usually found above the chocolate chips in the baking aisle – often Ghirardelli or Baker’s brands are the most widely available).
Low Heat Only
Place the pot of fondue ingredients over low heat and stir occasionally while the chocolate melts.
Do not let the fondue come to a simmer or a boil! It can scorch and the texture might turn grainy.
When fully melted, the fondue will be glossy, thick and smooth! Basically, it’s heaven in a fondue pot.
Off the heat, stir in the vanilla.
As always, measure with your heart. 💗😉
Adjusting the Consistency of Chocolate Fondue
This recipe makes a really thick, luscious chocolate fondue. It’s much easier to make fondue thinner than it is thicker, which is why this recipe errs on the side of a thicker consistency.
It’s likely you may want the fondue a bit thiner. It’s easy to adjust!
Simply whisk in additional cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached!
What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue
The options are endless for what to dip into chocolate fondue!
Here are some of our favorites:
- oreos
- strawberries
- bananas
- marshmallows
- pirouette cookies
- shortbread cookies
- rice krispie treats
- cinnamon bears
Other types and varieties of fruit and cookies also make great dippers for dessert fondue! Do you have a favorite chocolate fondue dipper??
I know some of you are giving a side eye at the cinnamon bears, but all I can say is: don’t knock it ’til you try it!
So yummy! (Despite it feeling a bit morbid in a way.)
What if You Don’t Have a Fondue Pot?
This perfect chocolate fondue can easily be made in a saucepan on the stove and kept warm in several different ways that don’t require a fondue pot:
- a small slow cooker works great for keeping the fondue warm
- the fondue can be kept in the same saucepan you made it in and placed on heating pad or over a boil of very hot, just-boiled water to stay warm
The good news about chocolate fondue is that it doesn’t need to stay super warm to be delicious. Even as it cools, it stays soft and dippable!
Perfect Chocolate Fondue
This chocolate fondue recipe has been a staple for our fondue nights at home for years! And with over 500 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones raving about it.
Alyssa says: Made it as written- easy and delicious! plenty sweet for us even with bittersweet chocolate!
Nancy writes: Attempted a couple of recipes which failed during our fondue night I did for our family. A quick google search gave me this recipe and I had all the ingredients. It worked perfectly and was so delicious! Saved the night! will definitely make again!
Helena says: Loved how simple this recipe was and it tasted great! I used the best chocolate we get here and there were no leftovers! We dipped crystallized ginger, marshmallows, apple, strawberries, graham crackers – all sorts and everything tasted great with it!
One Year Ago: Classic Strawberry Shortcake {With a Decadent Chocolate Version}
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Perfect Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients
- 10 ounces (283 g) chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (see note)
- ⅓ cup milk (preferably not skim milk)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see note)
- Dipping options: strawberries, bananas, small rice krispie squares, vanilla cookies, etc.
Instructions
- In a saucepan or stovetop-proof fondue pot, combine the chocolate, milk and cream, and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Don't let it come to a boil.
- Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract. The fondue will likely be fairly thick. If a thinner consistency is desired, whisk in heavy cream or milk a little bit at a time until you reach the ideal consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep warm while serving.
- Serve with dippers of your choice like: strawberries, bananas, small rice krispie squares, vanilla cookies, etc.
- Leftover fondue keeps well in the refrigerator. Warm over low heat, stirring often, to reheat.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Recipe originally published February 2016; updated December 2022 with new photos, recipe notes, etc.
I don’t have any milk .. can I just use cream ?
Yes…you’ll want to thin it out at the end as it will likely be a bit thicker with all cream.
Hello,
I do not have a crock pot. So can I make the fondue earlier in the day, leave it out and then reheat it just before serving?
Jaya
Yep!
Made last night after finding a vintage fondue pot at a thrift store. However, it took the whole 12 oz bag of Ghirardelli chocolate chips to get a perfect consistency. I started with the recommended 10 oz and was way too thin. So delicious!
We made this last night and used Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips. It was delicious! Definitely saving this recipe!
This was really good. We made it in a fondue pot and used 5 oz bittersweet and 5 oz semisweet Ghirardelli chips. It melted nicely. Not the creamiest, but it is a good recipe! Thank you!
Couldn’t find melting chocolate this year so I did a quick search at the store and found this recipe. It was perfect. I ended up using the whole bag of store brand semi sweet chocolate chips because I freaked out that it wasn’t getting thick fast enough. It was perfect. Didn’t harden. Tasted great. Perfect consistency. Best we have had.
I always look to your site for no-fail desserts. Yum!. For chocolate fondue, a splash of cream sherry makes for a delicious adult-friendly fondue.
i liked it
I used Trader Joe’s dark chocolate, and the fondue was way too thick with 2/3 cup liquid. I ended up doubling the liquid, and it was the perfect consistency. Otherwise, this was a super easy and delicious recipe.
If I use Wilbur Dark Chocolate Disks, do I need to reduce the amount of milk?
I’m not familiar with that brand, so I’m not sure. You’ll have to experiment. Good luck!
Can you use the meting chocolate discs? Or does it have to be chocolate chips?
You could try the melting wafers, but the taste won’t be quite as authentically chocolate.
I decided to skip a step and just make it in a mini crock pot on low. It melted beautifully and was a perfect consistency by the time we were eating dinner. Unfortunately, everyone was too full after dinner and wanted to have dessert later, and instead of turning the chocolate down to the warm setting I left it on low, and by the time I came back to it the chocolate was overcooked and had seized! Just a cautionary tale.
made it as written- easy and delicious! plenty sweet for us even with bittersweet chocolate!
Fantastic! A perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. Thank you!
Attempted a couple of recipes which failed during our fondue night I did for our family. A quick google search gave me this recipe and I had all the ingredients. It worked perfectly and was so delicious! Saved the night! will definitely make again!
My husband approves and so do I! Super easy to make and just as delicious. This is a go to for a date night at home, kids birthdays, or a night with friends. I highly recommend it especially with strawberries!
Hey Mel! A few weeks ago, I made vanilla custard and added a few strawberries into it; my kids loved them. But, they were expecting me to cook something new. So, I tried this chocolate fondue then and paired it with pretzels and marshmallows. It was yummilicious. Even my children appreciated my cooking that day. Thanks for sharing!
Just made this for my sons birthday and it was so delicious!! I added 1 1/2 cups of white chocolate chips and we loved it!
If I want to reheat after refrigeration, could I reheat in the crock pot? Thank you.
Yes, I think so!
Excellent recipe! Thank you!
ok, going out on a limb….what kind of milk chocolate do you suggest if I just have to have milk?
Probably Guittard or Ghirardelli brand
I lived in Switzerland many many years ago. We used Toblerone chocolate for chocolate fondue.
How long does it take to firm up if I use it to dip strawberries to give away?
This recipe won’t firm up for chocolate dipped strawberries – it’s best used as fondue.
My guests were excited when I put their own platter with chocolate dipping fondue in front of them after the dinner I had just made. I doubled it as to fill each ramekin. It was so perfect and company could take some home. I had containers just for that reason. This is a wonderful recipe that wows your company. I used the giant marshmallows, plenty of fresh strawberries and bananas, a couple cookies, brownie bites and angel food bites. All was perfect, thank you for this favorite recipe in our home now.
very nice for sharing this post
Loved how simple this recipe was and it tasted great! I used the best chocolate we get here and there were no leftovers! We dipped crystallized ginger, marshmallows, apple, strawberries, graham crackers – all sorts and everything tasted great with it!
Would this recipe work in a chocolate fountain? This recipe looks delicious!
I haven’t tried it but I think someone else in the comments below used it in a chocolate fountain if I remember right.
This came out great! Made for Valentine’s and we really enjoyed it. Though I do not own a fondue pot, I figured I would try this anyway and I’m so glad that I did! Used a double broiler to melt and mix and then just poured into a serving bowl. It stayed pliable and “dip-able”, for over an hour without losing any of the smooth texture /silkiness (used Guittard semi-sweet chocolate). Thanks for a great recipe!
I’ve never tried homemade fondue before…can’t wait to try! So decadent yet simple
Wow. Inspired. Can’t wait to make this!
Worked perfectly! First time making it and no problems at all. It was a total hit! Thank you!
Hi i use ghirardelli bittersweet 10 oz. and 3/4 c half n half, why it came out bitter and oily! Please help!!!
Hi, Mel! I would like to make this next month but wasn’t sure about the how to’s w the fuel. I read a review on Amazon about using little candles, so that’s what we did the day after Chruyfir cheese fondue. It worked great! Any advise on what to get/how to use the fuel mechanism?
Hi Lauren – what kind of fondue pot do you have? I usually use the flammable gel underneath my fondue pot.
It the Von Chef Fondue Set. I thought I ordered the exact one u suggested, but Mayb I clicked the wrong thing.
Love it! So easy to make!
Just made this tonight for my husband and 4 daughters. They absolutely loved it!
Great, easy recipe!! I used the Ghirardellis semi-sweet chocolate. Thank you!!
Have you ever added caramel & candied pecans to this for a Turtle Fondue similar to Melting Pot?
No, but it sounds delicious!
How long will it store in your fridge?
I’d say up to a week for sure – then just reheat on low.
Hi, would fat free or low fat heavy cream work? And how about almond milk?
Thank you!
I haven’t tried those substitutions but you could definitely experiment! 🙂
I wanted to make this @ work for a Christmas party. I have an electric fondue pot, can this all be done in the fondue pot ? If so,how low & how long?
You could definitely experiment – as long as it’s heated on low, it should work fine.
How long does it take this delicious recipe to firm up? I am hosting a larger party and would like to serve individual mugs of chocolate for the fondue experience yet the mugs won’t have their own heat source.
Thank you, this looks fantastic!
I’d say it would stay dippable in individual mugs for 15-20 minutes if it’s pretty warm when you put it in the mugs.
Thank you for your quick reply and input!!
Follow-up…My friends like me even more than they used to, after trying this chocolate fondue! Good call on the Ghirardelli chocolate chips. I made this the night before, then the next day filled the mugs with a scoop of chocolate and placed them in my warmed oven for 20 minutes. It worked perfectly!
Hi – great recipe. Can the chocolate be made in advance and transferred to a fodue pot on arrival? taking a spread to a potluck so trying to plan if better to make last minute at the person’s house, which I ideally prefer not to or make at home and take. would love your thoughts…
Yes, I definitely think the chocolate fondue could be made ahead and reheated later.
Hi Mel! I’m not sure if you answered this already above but will this recipe work for a chocolate fountain? I have to make homemade chocolate since my daughter has a peanut allergy. Please let me know. Thanks!
Hmmm, I’m not sure since I’ve never used one of those. If it’s pretty normal chocolate fondue the fountain needs then yes, this should work, but I don’t know how thin the mixture needs to be to flow through the fountain.
I’ve used those fountains in my work frequently and the answer is no you can not use this recipe for a fountain. This recipe is thicker than the chocolate for a fountain. I had to thin down regular chocolate with cocoa butter or oil to make it flow through the pump.
We have a big fondue dinner once a year: 3 courses: cheese, meat and chocolate. The adult kids say it’s their favorite meal of the year. We’ve found a new favorite dipper for the chocolate course: mini cream puffs in the freezer section. Oh my! Yes, they will change your life!
Hi… I want to make this yummy looking fondue, but I wondered about the milk? Whole or 1% or 2% ? Or doesn’t it matter?
I usually use 2% – I’ve tried it with 1% and it’s a little thinner but still delicious (skim doesn’t work as well).
One of our favorite thing in chocolate fondue is chocolate chip cookie dough (no eggs!) We use your recipe for cookie dough truffles and freeze them for a couple of hours before dipping. http://www.melskitchencafe.com/cookie-dough-truffles/
That sounds amazing!
Love chocolate fondue! Your recipe looks fabulous. We always have fondue on valentine’s day. I need to give this a try. I love to dip pears and cinnamon bears in mine. YUM!
My daughter wants a chocolate fountain for her grad party. Is this thin enough to work in a fountain?
Would this work in a crock pot?
You could keep it warm in a slow cooker, yes.
Since I don’t have a fondue pot, I use a glass bowl on top of dish towel on top of my electric pancake griddle set to lowest heat. Not as pretty, but works like a champ. I think my crock pot would burn the chocolate. Maybe the lowest setting on yours would be low enough that it wouldn’t.
Brilliant!
Not sure since I haven’t used it that way but you could thin it out with milk/cream until it is the right consistency.
I tried this recipe in a chocolate fountain last night using 1% milk and it worked beautifully! I had to triple the recipe to make sure there was enough to go through the fountain. I love this recipe! It was super easy to make and so delicious! It was much better than adding oil to the recipe!
That’s amazing that this worked in a chocolate fountain! I’m going to remember that!
I’m making this tonight, and putting it in a fountain. I’m wondering if you omitted the cream totally and only used 1%? I’m excited to try not using oil, and usually I’d just experiment, but I’m using it for a social dinner and don’t want it to fail publicly! Haha. Thanks!
Great recipe, we Love Chocolate Fondue.
This looks so yummy, and we LOVE fondue at our house. I used your cheese fondue recipe on New Years, and it was a hit. Thanks!
I literally need a chocolate fondue recipe for a party tomorrow and still haven’t settled one one. Of course you save the day! Unbelievable! Can’t wait to try this.
Mel, I feel compelled to let you know (and others) that Trader Joes has wonderful “Pound-plus” bars (in 3 different cocoa percentages) that might work nicely here (also, they are $4.99 each, which is a steal for good chocolate). I know not everyone is close enough to Trader Joes, which is terrible. But I know there is one in Boise. If you haven’t tried them, they are lovely. I use them instead of chocolate chips, and love them in your deep dark brownies. It took me about 5 years of shopping at Trader Joes before I even tried them. Don’t be like me. Go try them.
Yes, Anne! Thanks for mentioning this. I love Trader Joe’s pound plus bars; I only get down there once a month or so but it’s a good reminder for me to pick some of those up and stock up again.
This is perfect! Just yesterday I was searching your website for a chocolate fondue recipe. You read my mind! I found a random one I was going to use, but I always trust your recipes more than anyone elses! Thanks for posting it just in time for some Valentines fun!
Hi. Have a question we are not chocolate lovers at our home but do occasionally like white chocolate. could I this adapt this to white chocolate?
That’s a good question, Dianne – we aren’t white chocolate fans around here so I’ve never tried it but you definitely could. I’d use white chocolate bars (like Ghirardellis) instead of white chocolate chips which don’t melt very well.