Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz dark chocolate (finely chopped); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup hazelnuts (toasted and chopped); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh fruit (strawberries, apples, bananas) for dipping; Marshmallows or pretzels for variety

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love indulging in a warm bowl of Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue. It's the perfect dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in with friends. The rich, creamy chocolate paired with the crunch of toasted hazelnuts creates a delightfully decadent experience. I enjoy dipping fresh fruits and crispy snacks into this luscious treat, making every bite an adventure. Whether it’s strawberries or marshmallows, each ingredient shines when swirled in this wonderful melty goodness. This fondue is a true celebration of flavor and texture that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:52:08.407Z

During one particular chilly evening, I decided to whip up a fondue, and it turned out to be the perfect comfort food. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts brought warmth to our hearts, and it was absolutely irresistible. I found that using high-quality chocolate really elevated the dish, enhancing the flavor beyond my expectations.

As I prepared the fondue, I toasted the hazelnuts lightly, which added a delightful crunch and depth to the overall experience. I also discovered that adding a splash of vanilla makes all the difference, rounding out the flavors beautifully. This isn't just fondue; it's a warm hug in a bowl!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor enhanced with roasted hazelnuts
Customizable with fruit, marshmallows, or pretzels for dipping
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for spontaneous gatherings

      

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

To achieve a silky, smooth texture in your Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue, it's crucial to melt the chocolate properly. Using low heat in a medium saucepan prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula to encourage even melting. You’ll know it’s ready when the chocolate is glossy and fully combined with the cream, usually within 5-7 minutes. Avoid boiling the mixture, as high heat can lead to a grainy texture.

Once your chocolate is melted, removing it from heat is essential before adding other ingredients. This step ensures the chocolate maintains its silky consistency. You might consider letting it sit for a minute to cool slightly before stirring in the hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Mixing too quickly can result in clumping or uneven incorporation, so take your time to achieve a smooth and well-blended fondue.

Flavor and Ingredient Insights

The choice of chocolate significantly impacts the flavor of your fondue. A dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content is ideal, as it adds richness and balances out the sweetness—especially when dipped with fruits like strawberries or bananas. If you're feeling adventurous, try using a blend of dark and milk chocolate for a creamier, sweeter experience. Just keep the ratio balanced to preserve the rich hazelnut undertones.

Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor, adding a delightful crunch to your fondue. Simply place them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. This step not only deepens the nuttiness but also complements the chocolate beautifully. If you have nut allergies, consider substituting with crushed graham crackers or crispy rice cereal for texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Present your fondue with a colorful assortment of dipping items. In addition to fresh fruits and marshmallows, consider including something unexpected like biscotti or pretzel sticks for added crunch and contrast. If you want to elevate the experience, you can drizzle a little caramel sauce over the fondue or sprinkle some sea salt on top. This contrast enhances the richness of the chocolate and adds a touch of sophistication.

If you plan to make the fondue ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until the fondue is again smooth and warm. This flexibility allows you to enjoy this treat whenever the craving strikes without starting from scratch.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before starting your fondue:

Fondue Ingredients

8 oz dark chocolate (finely chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup hazelnuts (toasted and chopped)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh fruit (strawberries, apples, bananas) for dipping
Marshmallows or pretzels for variety

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to make the fondue!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue:

Melt the Chocolate

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Add Flavor

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the toasted hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Serve

Pour the fondue into a serving bowl and arrange your dipping items on a platter. Enjoy by dipping your favorite fruits and snacks into the melted chocolate!

Make sure to enjoy it while it’s warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling a little caramel sauce over the fondue before serving. It adds a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and hazelnuts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate fondue is clumpy instead of smooth, it may have been overheated. In this case, you can rescue it by adding a tablespoon of warm cream or milk to the mixture while stirring continuously. This can help bring back the creamy texture. Always keep an eye on the heat level as you melt the chocolate to avoid this common pitfall.

Another issue could be uneven melting, where some chocolate remains solid while others are liquid. To prevent this, always chop your chocolate into uniform, small pieces, so they melt at the same rate. A sharp knife and a cutting board work great for this task. Additionally, using a double boiler instead of direct heat can ensure more consistent results.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue can be prepared in advance, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining. After preparing the fondue, allow it to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat until it regains its luscious texture, stirring occasionally to combine.

If you want to make this fondue even more special, consider adding a splash of liqueur like Frangelico or Amaretto when combining the chocolate and cream. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but can also impress your guests with its unique taste. Just be sure to keep the total liquid volume in check to maintain the right consistency.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this fondue recipe up or down is quite simple. For smaller gatherings, you can halve the recipe easily without affecting the taste or texture. Just keep in mind that adjusting the quantities slightly may change the melting time, so watch the fondue closely to ensure it remains smooth.

For larger parties, you can double or even triple the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume. Stirring becomes even more crucial with larger batches, so consider enlisting a helpful friend to ensure even melting as you prepare this indulgent treat for a crowd.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate can work well. Just remember that it is sweeter, so adjust the quantity of other sweet ingredients accordingly.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

You can store leftover fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ What other dippable items do you recommend?

Aside from fruit and marshmallows, try pretzels, cookies, or even cubes of cake for a fun twist!

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use dark chocolate that is dairy-free and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a vegan alternative.