guest post by ashley schuering - https://confessionsofagroceryaddict.com
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious? Chocolate Fondue is the answer. It’s an easy, interactive treat that turns dessert into an experience—one that invites conversation, creativity, and plenty of dipping. And what better time to indulge than Father’s Day?
Whether Dad’s a fan of bold dark chocolate or creamy milk chocolate, Chuao’s artisan bars offer the perfect foundation for a fondue that’s anything but ordinary. Below, we’ll walk you through how to make chocolate fondue, our favorite flavor variations, and a list of can’t-miss dippers to create a Father’s Day dessert board worth remembering.
What Is Chocolate Fondue?
Chocolate fondue is a warm dip made from melted chocolate blended with cream or milk for smoothness. Originally from Switzerland (fondue means "to melt" in French), it became a sensation in the U.S. in the 1960s, and we’ve been swooning ever since.
Part dessert, part bonding activity, chocolate fondue is a fun and festive way to celebrate. It’s the dessert version of a communal campfire—gather everyone around, hand them a skewer, and let the dipping begin! Whether you serve it in a fondue pot, a simple bowl kept warm over a tealight, or a slow cooker, it’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
How to Make Chocolate Fondue
This easy chocolate fondue recipe comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
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3 full-size bars of Chuao chocolate (choose your favorite!)
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
NOTE: This basic recipe for chocolate fondue makes about 1.5 cups—perfect for 3–6 people. For a larger crowd, double the ingredients.
Instructions:
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Chop your chocolate into small pieces for even melting.
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In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium-low until it just starts to simmer.
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Remove from heat and add the chocolate, stirring until smooth and glossy. If the fondue feels too thick, add another tablespoon of cream.
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Stir in vanilla and sea salt.
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Serve warm in a fondue pot or heatproof bowl set over a tea light or warm water bath.
Want to make it even easier? Try crockpot chocolate fondue—just add everything to a slow cooker, set to low, stir occasionally, and it’s ready in about an hour.
Best Chocolate for Fondue
The best chocolate for fondue melts smoothly, has a rich flavor, and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Chuao’s premium chocolate bars are up to the task, thanks to their high cocoa butter content and creative flavor profiles. Here are a few flavor-forward fondue ideas using Chuao bars:
Here are a few Chuao Chocolatier bars we love for fondue:
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Spicy Maya – Dad a fan of bold flavors? This dark chocolate bar infuses cinnamon, pasilla chile, and cayenne for a gently spicy kick.
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Sweet & Salty – Creamy, dreamy milk chocolate gets a grown-up twist with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
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Honeycomb – Dark chocolate is laced with caramelized honeycomb bits for yummy crunch and sweetness.
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Firecracker – For the dad who likes surprises—complete with popping candy and chipotle!
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Salted Chocolate Crunch – A balanced pick with rich dark chocolate, sea salt, and crispy croissant bits for texture.
You can also mix bars (e.g., half Honeycomb and half Sweet & Salty) to create your own signature fondue flavor.
Flavor Twists & Customization
Once you’ve got the basics down, there are plenty of ways to customize your dip:
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Add a splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur to the base for a grown-up kick.
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Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella for richness.
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Sprinkle in chili powder or cayenne for heat.
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Swirl in raspberry jam or orange zest for fruity brightness.
Each variation can be built on top of your favorite Chuao bar—have fun experimenting!
What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue
Let’s get to the fun part: chocolate fondue dippers! Wondering where to start? You can keep it classic or get creative. Here’s a list of our favorite things to dip in chocolate fondue:
Fruits:
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Strawberries
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Banana slices
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Apple wedges (especially tart ones like Granny Smith)
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Pineapple chunks
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Orange segments
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Dried apricots or figs
Baked Goods:
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Pound cake cubes
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Mini brownies
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Biscotti
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Marshmallows
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Churros or doughnut holes
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Shortbread cookies
Somewhat Unusual Things to Dip in Chocolate Fondue:
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Potato chips
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Kettle corn
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Rice Krispies treats
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Pretzels
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Bacon strips (seriously—Dad will love this)
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Cheese cubes (try cheddar with dark chocolate!)
For an eye-catching chocolate fondue board, arrange a variety of textures and flavors like you would a charcuterie plate. Try to hit all the bases: soft, crisp, salty, sweet, fruity, and nutty.
Fun Father’s Day Fondue Ideas
Want to make your celebration even sweeter? Try one of these themed twists:
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Grill & Dip: After firing up the grill, bring out the fondue pot for dessert—skewer grilled fruit like peaches or pineapple to dip.
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Beer & Chocolate Pairing: Pair your fondue with craft beer tastings—stouts, porters, and dark ales are especially good with chocolate.
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Fondue Flight: Make two or three small fondue batches with different Chuao bars so guests can compare and enjoy the variety.
How to Store Leftover Chocolate Fondue
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s what to do:
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Refrigerate: Transfer cooled fondue to an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
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Reheat: Gently warm it in a saucepan or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
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Repurpose: Leftover fondue makes a killer drizzle for ice cream, waffles, or fruit. Or spread it on toast with a sprinkle of sea salt. You're welcome.
Celebrate Dad with Chocolate
Whether Dad is a dunker, a dipper, or a straight-from-the-spoon kind of guy, this easy chocolate fondue recipe is sure to sweeten the celebration. So go ahead—light the tealight, break the chocolate, and start dunking.
Ready to melt Dad’s heart? Browse Chuao Chocolatier’s Father’s Day collection and pick your favorite bar to start your fondue adventure.
