A chocolate fondue dessert board is an interactive party dessert featuring warm, melted chocolate served alongside 12-15 dippable items beautifully arranged on a platter. This easy entertaining idea combines the fun of chocolate fondue with the visual appeal of a charcuterie board, making it perfect for Valentine's Day, holidays, movie nights, and gatherings.
Updated January 2026: This post has been refreshed with 50+ dipper ideas, expanded the FAQ section, included seasonal variations for holidays throughout the year, and provided detailed tips for keeping your fondue warm at parties. Originally posted November 6, 2018.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick Recipe Overview
- Before You Start: Essential Tips
- Watch this quick video tutorial!
- When to Serve a Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board
- Best Dippers for Chocolate Fondue (50+ Ideas!)
- The 3-3-3-3 Rule for Building Your Board
- How to Make Chocolate Fondue (3-Ingredient Recipe!)
- How to Keep Fondue Warm at a Party
- Assembly Instructions for Your Dessert Board
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Recipe Variations & Flavor Ideas
- More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- ✨ Ready in just 20 minutes
- 💰 Makes 2 cups of fondue for under $8
- 🎉 Interactive and fun for guests
- 🍓 Endless customization options
- 👨🍳 Only 3 ingredients for the fondue
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 10 min | 20 min | 8 | Easy |
What You'll Need:
- Heavy cream
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Salt
- Assorted dippers (see suggestions below)
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Before You Start: Essential Tips
💡 Pro Tip: Have all your dippers prepped and arranged on the board BEFORE melting the chocolate. The fondue comes together fast and is best served immediately.
🍫 Best Chocolate for Fondue: Use high-quality semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips. Avoid chocolate with added ingredients that can affect melting.
🍓 Favorite Combinations:
-Fresh strawberry + shortbread cookie + caramel drizzle
-Marshmallow + brownie bite + whipped cream
-Pretzel + banana + chocolate-covered strawberry
Watch this quick video tutorial!
When to Serve a Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board
This versatile dessert works year-round and adapts to any occasion:
Valentine's Day Dessert Board
Add heart-shaped cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, pink candies, and raspberry drizzle for a romantic touch.
Christmas & Holiday Dessert Board
Include peppermint bark, candy canes, gingerbread cookies, and green/red sprinkles for festive flair.
Halloween Dessert Board
Feature candy corn, orange sprinkles, Peeps ghosts, and spooky-shaped cookies.
New Year's Eve Party Dessert
Add gold-wrapped chocolates, champagne-flavored treats, mini cupcakes, and sparkly decorations.
Game Day & Super Bowl
Perfect for Super Bowl 2026! Add team-colored candies and pretzel rods.
Birthday Party Dessert
Customize with birthday cake bites, sprinkles, and the birthday person's favorite treats.
Best Dippers for Chocolate Fondue (50+ Ideas!)
🍎 Fresh Fruit
The healthier option that balances the richness of chocolate:
- Strawberries (most popular!)
- Pineapple chunks
- Banana slices
- Apple slices (toss with lemon to prevent browning)
- Orange segments
- Grapes
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Mango chunks
- Kiwi slices
Fruit Prep Tip: Pat fruit dry before serving to help chocolate stick better.
🍪 Cookies & Baked Goods
Add texture and crunch:
- Shortbread cookies (buttery and perfect)
- Sugar cookies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Vanilla wafers
- Biscotti
- Graham crackers
- Animal crackers
- Oreos
- Nutter Butters
- Madeleines
- Angel food cake cubes
- Pound cake pieces
- Brownie bites
- Mini muffins
- Rice Krispie treat squares
- Mini donuts
🍬 Chocolate & Candy
For the sweet tooth crowd:
- Chocolate bars (break into pieces)
- Chocolate truffles
- Peanut butter cups
- White chocolate chips
- Dark chocolate pieces
- Caramels
- Toffee bits
- Gummy bears
🥨 Salty & Crunchy
Sweet and salty perfection:
- Pretzel rods
- Pretzel twists
- Potato chips (trust us!)
- Waffle cone pieces
- Biscotti
- Popcorn
- Granola clusters
🍡 Marshmallows & Soft Treats
Perfect for kids and texture lovers:
- Large marshmallows
- Mini marshmallows
- Peeps (especially for Easter)
- Marshmallow Peeps
- Meringue cookies
- Nougat pieces
🥜 Nuts & Extras
For adult gatherings:
- Candied nuts
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Macadamia nuts
- Dried apricots
- Dates
The 3-3-3-3 Rule for Building Your Board
This simple framework ensures a balanced, beautiful board that appeals to everyone:
Build Your Board With:
- 3 types of cookies → Variety in texture (soft, crispy, buttery)
- 3 types of chocolate/candy → Different flavors and formats
- 3 types of fresh fruit → Color variety and freshness
- 3 dips or sauces → Beyond just chocolate
Example Combination:
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- Cookies: Shortbread, chocolate chip, graham crackers
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate truffles, peanut butter cups, chocolate bars
- Fruit: Strawberries, pineapple chunks, banana slices
- Sauces: Chocolate fondue, caramel sauce, marshmallow dip
Arrangement Tips: ✓ Place fondue bowls first, then build around them ✓ Mix colors for visual appeal ✓ Group similar items together ✓ Use height variations (stack cookies, use small bowls) ✓ Fill gaps with smaller items like nuts or candies ✓ Add fresh herbs (mint) for garnish
How to Make Chocolate Fondue (3-Ingredient Recipe!)
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chocolate Fondue:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 12 oz)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon liqueur (Grand Marnier, Kahlua, or Baileys)
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a fondue pot or medium saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes until hot but not boiling. You'll see small bubbles around the edges.
Why this matters: Heating the cream first ensures smooth melting without scorching the chocolate.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate
Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and salt. Let sit for 1 minute undisturbed - this allows the chocolate to begin melting from the residual heat.
Pro tip: Don't stir immediately! Patience = silkier fondue.
Step 3: Whisk Until Smooth
After the minute rest, whisk gently but thoroughly for 4-5 minutes until completely smooth and glossy. No chocolate chunks should remain.
Texture check: The fondue should coat the back of a spoon and slowly drip off.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Transfer to a fondue pot (if not already in one) or a heatproof serving bowl.
Serving options:
- Heatproof bowl: Reheat in microwave as needed (30-second intervals).
- Fondue pot: Keeps warm for hours with tea lights.
- Slow cooker: Use "warm" setting for parties.
How to Keep Fondue Warm at a Party
Best Methods:
- Electric fondue pot - Maintains consistent temperature (ideal).
- Candle-heated fondue pot - Classic option, uses tea lights.
- Small slow cooker - Set to "warm" or lowest setting.
- Microwave reheat - Transfer back as needed (30-second bursts, stir between).
If fondue gets too thick: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of warm cream to thin it back out.
Assembly Instructions for Your Dessert Board
What You'll Need:
- Large wooden board or platter (12-16 inches)
- 2-3 small bowls for fondue and other dips
- Fondue forks, toothpicks, or skewers
- Napkins
Assembly Steps:
- Place bowls first - Position your fondue bowls on the board, spaced evenly (2-3 spots for larger boards).
- Add large items - Arrange strawberries, cookie stacks, and brownie bites around the bowls.
- Fill in with medium items - Add cookies, marshmallows on skewers, and fruit slices.
- Fill gaps - Use smaller items like nuts, candies, and chocolate chips to fill empty spaces.
- Add height - Stack cookies, create marshmallow towers, lean wafer cookies against bowls.
- Garnish - Fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Timeline:
- Assemble board: 15 minutes
- Make fondue: 10 minutes
- Total prep: 25 minutes
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftover Fondue
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Let cool completely before covering
- Fondue will solidify when cold (this is normal!)
How to Reheat Chocolate Fondue
Method 1: Stovetop (Best)
- Place the fondue in a saucepan over low heat
- Stir constantly until melted (3-5 minutes)
- Add 1-2 tablespoon cream if too thick
Method 2: Microwave (Fastest)
- Microwave in 30-second intervals
- Stir between each interval
- Add cream if needed
Method 3: Fondue Pot Return to the fondue pot on low heat, stirring frequently.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Fondue?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No! You can use a regular saucepan to make the fondue, then transfer it to any heatproof serving bowl. To keep it warm, either reheat as needed or transfer to a small slow cooker on the "warm" setting.
Use high-quality chocolate chips or bars in semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate. Avoid chocolate with added ingredients like caramel or crispy pieces, as they can affect the smooth texture. For bars, chop them into small, uniform pieces for even melting.
Best brands: Ghirardelli, Guittard, Callebaut, or grocery store premium brands.
Yes and no:
-Dippers: Prep and arrange on the board up to 4 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
-Fondue: Make up to 4 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat just before serving for the best texture.
-Full board: Assemble no more than 1 hour before serving to keep fruit fresh and chocolate warm.
Yes! Combine cream and chocolate in a slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Once melted and smooth, switch to the WARM setting for serving.
Not recommended. Heavy cream's fat content creates the smooth, rich texture. Milk will make the fondue thin and grainy. If you must substitute, use half-and-half as a last resort.
Easy fix: Stir in warm cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach desired consistency. Fondue should slowly drip from a spoon.
Recipe Variations & Flavor Ideas
White Chocolate Fondue
Replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Dark Chocolate Fondue
Use dark chocolate (70% cacao) for a richer, less sweet option. Perfect for adult parties.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondue
Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate mixture.
Mint Chocolate Fondue
Stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract after melting for a refreshing twist.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fondue
Drizzle caramel sauce over melted fondue and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Mexican Chocolate Fondue
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy warmth.
More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
Looking for more crowd-pleasing desserts? Try these:
- Pretzel Fudge Recipe - Sweet and salty perfection
- Brown Sugar Pie - Classic Southern dessert
- Chocolate Delight - Layered no-bake dessert
- Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies - The ultimate cookie
- Chess Squares - Easy bar dessert
- Pecan Sandies - Buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies
- Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake - Rich and moist
Have you made this Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board yet? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and don't forget to rate the recipe. Tag me on social media @simplylakita to share your creation!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 fondue pot or saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 serving board or platter
- serving bowls for dips
- fondue forks or toothpicks
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Fondue:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)
- pinch of salt
- For the Dessert Board:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1 cup grapes
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 12 shortbread cookies
- 12 chocolate chip cookies
- 1 box graham crackers
- 1 package vanilla wafers
- 8 ounces brownie bites
- 1 bag marshmallows
- Pretzel rods
- Optional: caramel sauce, marshmallow dip, whipped cream
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Fondue:
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the 1 cup heavy cream and heat to a low simmer, about 4 to 5 minutes. Don't let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Add the 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and allow them to sit for about 1 minute without stirring.
- Begin whisking gently until combined and smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture should be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour into a fondue pot or heatproof serving bowl.
- Assemble the Dessert Board:
- While chocolate is melting, arrange your dippers on a large serving board or platter.
- Place 2-3 small bowls on the board for the chocolate fondue and any additional dips.
- Arrange fruit, cookies, and treats around the bowls in an attractive pattern. Group similar items together and mix colors for visual appeal.
- Pour the warm chocolate fondue into serving bowls on the board.
- Add fondue forks, toothpicks, or skewers for dipping.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Jess says
This looks amazing! Is it possible to make the* chocolate ahead of time and heat it up after a couple of hours or have it the next day? Thank you.
LaKita says
Yes, it should be perfectly fine if prepared in advance. I have stored it in the refrigerator to use a few hours later.