Dark Chocolate Fondue with Cream, Honey and Vanilla
Silky dark chocolate fondue with cream, honey and vanilla for dipping fresh fruit and biscuits.
Chocolate fondue is a smooth, warm dip for fruit, biscuits and other small treats. The source uses dark chocolate, cream and honey, which make a simple ganache-style fondue when combined gently. Chop the chocolate finely so it melts evenly, warm the cream only until steaming and let it stand over the chocolate before stirring. Keep the fondue just warm after melting; overheating can make chocolate seize or turn grainy. Dry fruit well before dipping, and use separate forks for dipping and eating at a shared table. Wash and thoroughly dry fruit. Cut larger fruit and arrange dippers on a platter. Heat cream and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming but not boiling.
Recipe card
Dark Chocolate Fondue with Cream, Honey and Vanilla
Equipment: Small saucepan, heatproof bowl, whisk or spatula, fondue pot or warm bowl
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare dippers
Wash and thoroughly dry fruit. Cut larger fruit and arrange dippers on a platter.
Warm cream
Heat cream and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming but not boiling.
Melt chocolate
Place chocolate and salt in a heatproof bowl. Pour hot cream over it and leave undisturbed 2 minutes.
Stir smooth
Stir from the centre outward until glossy. Mix in vanilla.
Serve
Transfer to a fondue pot on its lowest setting or a warm serving bowl. Keep warm, not hot, and stir occasionally.
How to tell when it is ready
Chocolate is glossy and fluid; do not let it boil or scorch.
Tips
- Chop chocolate into small, even pieces.
- Dry fruit completely so water does not make chocolate seize.
- Warm cream without boiling.
- Keep the pot on low heat only.
Troubleshooting
- If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
- If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.
Substitutions
- Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
- Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.
Variations
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Add a suitable seasonal ingredient without changing the cooking cues.
Serving suggestions
- Dip strawberries and banana.
- Offer apple wedges and pear.
- Add plain biscuits or shortbread.
- Include dried apricots and marshmallows.
Make ahead
Prepare suitable components ahead and store them safely. Refrigerate unused fondue up to 3 days; rewarm gently with a splash of cream.
Storage
Refrigerate unused fondue up to 3 days; rewarm gently with a splash of cream.
Food safety
Contains dairy. Keep fondue warm during serving and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; discard fruit that has been dipped and returned to the platter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead?
Prepare suitable components ahead, chill them promptly and finish the dish shortly before serving.
How should I store chocolate fondue?
Refrigerate unused fondue up to 3 days; rewarm gently with a splash of cream.
Dip strawberries and banana. Refrigerate unused fondue up to 3 days; rewarm gently with a splash of cream.
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