Chocolate fondue is a delicious and fun dip and dessert for any occasion. This treat combines melted chocolate with various dippable treats. This condiment is perfect for parties or cozy nights.
Contents
Chocolate fondue recipe
Chocolate fondue is a popular dish from Switzerland. It’s a sweet twist of the traditional cheese fondue. It’s traditionally made by melting chocolate with cream for dipping foods.

The key to perfect chocolate fondue is its texture—smooth, glossy, and thick enough to coat each bite without hardening too quickly. You can use different types of chocolate: dark, milk, or white chocolate.
What makes chocolate fondue so fun is the mix of dippers! Go classic with churros, pound cake, brownies, cookies (gingerbread, ladyfingers, biscotti), or mini donuts. Fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple add a juicy touch, while dried fruits like apricots and figs bring chewiness to the party.
You can also try marshmallows, pretzels, or even bacon strips for the sweet-salty vibe. Nuts, cheesecake bites, Rice Krispie treats, and honeycomb make amazing pairings.
This fondue is a favorite for gatherings, romantic evenings, and special occasions like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve. You can make it with chocolate chips or cocoa powder. Here’s how to make the chocolate fondue:

Chocolate Fondue
Nutrition
Ingredients
With chocolate chips
- 1 cup (170g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for extra richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
With cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1-2 teaspoon cornstarch optional
Instructions
With chocolate chips
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
- Add chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in butter (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Pour into a bowl or fondue pot. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
With cocoa powder
- In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat until warm but not boiling.
- Gradually add the cocoa-sugar mixture to the warm milk, whisking continuously to dissolve and avoid lumps.
- Stir in butter, mixing until everything is melted and smooth.
- Add cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of milk to make the texture silkier and a bit thicker, especially if you like a creamier dip.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Transfer to a fondue pot or heatproof bowl. Keep warm using a tealight or small burner if desired.
Notes
- Use any chocolate you like—milk, dark, or even white.
- If the fondue thickens, reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream.
- Add a splash of liqueur (like Baileys or Grand Marnier) for an adult twist.
Variations
Chocolate fondue can be customized with various flavors and ingredients to suit different tastes. Here are some popular variations:
- Dark Version uses dark or bittersweet chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Peanut Butter Fondue adds peanut butter to the chocolate mixture for a creamy, nutty twist.
- S’mores Fondue combines chocolate with marshmallow cream and top with graham crackers for a campfire-inspired treat.
- White Chocolate Fondue uses white chocolate.
- Boozy Fondue adds a splash of liquor like bourbon or Grand Marnier for an adult twist.
- Healthy Fondue uses dark chocolate and coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Candy Bar Fondue melts candy bars like Toblerone or Symphony for added flavors and textures.
- Flavored Syrups incorporate hazelnut, vanilla, or coconut syrups to change up the flavor profile.