Valentine Chocolate Fondue with Fruit (Printable)
An indulgent, romantic chocolate fondue, perfect for sharing with an assortment of fresh fruit and dippers. Ideal for special occasions.
# What You Need:
→ Chocolate Fondue
01 - 7 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa solids), chopped
02 - 3.4 fluid ounces heavy cream
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Fruit & Dippers
06 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
07 - 1 cup seedless grapes
08 - 1 banana, sliced into thick rounds
09 - 1 apple, cored and cut into wedges
10 - 1 orange, peeled and segmented
11 - 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
12 - 1/2 cup marshmallows (optional)
13 - 1/2 cup pound cake or brioche cubes (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Wash, hull, peel, and slice all fruit and dippers as specified. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter, ready for dipping.
02 - In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate, heavy cream, and unsalted butter.
03 - Place the heatproof bowl over a saucepan containing gently simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
04 - Carefully remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt until fully incorporated.
05 - Pour the warm, silky chocolate fondue into a dedicated fondue pot or a sturdy heatproof serving bowl.
06 - If using a fondue pot, light a tea candle or fondue burner beneath it to keep the chocolate warm and fluid throughout serving.
07 - Serve the warm chocolate fondue immediately alongside the prepared fruit and dippers. Provide fondue forks or skewers for dipping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You'll adore how quickly this comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a truly luxurious dessert.
- It's a secret weapon for effortlessly impressing guests or creating a romantic atmosphere with minimal fuss.
02 -
- Never let the water in your double boiler boil vigorously; gentle simmering is key to preventing the chocolate from seizing.
- Adding the pinch of sea salt truly elevates the chocolate's flavor, so don't skip this tiny but mighty step.
03 -
- Always use the highest quality chocolate you can afford; it makes a profound difference in the final taste and texture of your fondue.
- If your chocolate starts to thicken too much while serving, gently stir in a teaspoon or two of warm heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.