Name: Chocolate Fondue with Fresh Fruit Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10–12 oz (280–340g) high-quality dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa), chopped or chips; ¾ cup (180 ml) full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream/low-fat milk for lighter version); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional); Pinch of sea salt (optional); 4–5 cups fresh fruit, cut into bite-sized pieces (e.g., 1 lb strawberries, 2 bananas sliced, 2 cups pineapple chunks, 2 kiwis, handful grapes, raspberries)

This simple chocolate fondue recipe features silky dark chocolate gently melted with a touch of milk or coconut milk, creating a rich yet lighter dipping sauce. Paired with a colorful array of fresh seasonal fruit, it becomes a fun, shareable, and relatively healthy dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll adore this chocolate fondue because it strikes the perfect balance between decadence and health-conscious enjoyment. Using high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) brings deep, intense flavor along with heart-healthy antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate versions.

The recipe comes together in just minutes with minimal ingredients, making it incredibly approachable even for beginner cooks. Dipping juicy fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple turns a simple treat into an interactive experience that’s fun for kids and adults alike—everyone gets to customize their bites!

It feels elegant and special (ideal for date nights, parties, or holidays) yet remains lighter than heavy baked desserts. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free when skipping any cookies, customizable for dairy-free or vegan diets, and lets the natural sweetness of fruit shine through without needing piles of added sugar. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel good about indulging.

Yield: 6 servings

Chocolate Fondue with Fresh Fruit Recipe

Silky dark chocolate fondue paired with vibrant fresh fruit—an easy, healthier dessert that's fun and delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

10–12 oz (280–340g) high-quality dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa), chopped or chips
¾ cup (180 ml) full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream/low-fat milk for lighter version)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of sea salt (optional)
4–5 cups fresh fruit, cut into bite-sized pieces (e.g., 1 lb strawberries, 2 bananas sliced, 2 cups pineapple chunks, 2 kiwis, handful grapes, raspberries)

Instructions

Gather your loved ones and get excited—this is going to be a fun, messy, delicious time! Start by preparing a beautiful platter of fresh fruit. Wash everything thoroughly, pat completely dry with paper towels (super important!), and cut into easy-to-dip sizes: hull strawberries, slice bananas, chunk pineapple, slice kiwis, and leave grapes whole. Arrange them colorfully on a big plate—it’ll look irresistible!
Chop your dark chocolate into small, even pieces if using bars (this helps it melt smoothly and quickly). Place it in a heat-safe bowl or small saucepan.
Pour the coconut milk (or your chosen milk) into a small saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat until it’s steaming and just starting to bubble at the edges—don’t let it boil!
Remove the warm milk from the heat and pour it right over your chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes so the heat gently starts melting everything.
Now the magic begins! Stir slowly and gently with a spatula or whisk in a figure-8 motion until the chocolate is completely smooth, glossy, and dreamy. If tiny lumps remain, return to very low heat for 30 seconds and stir again.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of sea salt if using—these little additions make the chocolate taste incredibly rich and balanced. Give it one final loving stir.
Transfer the luscious melted chocolate to a fondue pot over low heat (candle or electric) to keep it warm and dippable. No fondue pot? No problem—use a pretty bowl on a hot plate or serve in small warm bowls for individual dipping!
Set the chocolate right in the center of your fruit platter and hand out forks, skewers, or even just toothpicks for dipping. Encourage everyone to dive in and try different combinations—strawberry + chocolate is classic, banana + chocolate feels like dessert heaven!
As you dip, chat, laugh, and enjoy the moment—the warmth of the chocolate and juicy fruit bursting in your mouth is pure bliss. If the fondue starts thickening, add a teaspoon of warm milk and stir until silky again.
When everyone’s happily full (and maybe a little chocolate-covered), give yourself a high-five for creating such an easy, impressive, and feel-good dessert. Clean-up is simple—just soak the pot in hot water!

Notes

This recipe leans healthier with dark chocolate and fruit focus, but portion control keeps it balanced.
Great for parties, Valentine’s Day, or family nights—kids love the dipping fun!
Always use dry utensils to avoid seizing the chocolate.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 64Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 1gSodium 4mgCarbohydrates 1gSugar 0gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) for richer flavor and better health benefits; avoid cheap chips that may seize or turn grainy.
Keep heat low when melting to prevent scorching—stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth.
If the fondue thickens while serving, stir in a teaspoon of warm milk or cream to loosen it.
Pat all fruit completely dry after washing; wet fruit causes the chocolate to seize or slide off.
For a fondue pot, use low heat (candle or electric); without one, serve in a warm bowl set over a hot plate or in small individual ramekins.
Prepare fruit just before serving to prevent browning (toss apples/bananas in lemon juice if needed).
Add a tiny pinch of sea salt or splash of vanilla at the end to enhance chocolate flavor dramatically.

Ingredients Notes:

Dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa) — Choose good-quality bars or chips; higher cocoa content means richer taste, more antioxidants, and lower sugar. Dark chocolate makes this dessert healthier compared to milk chocolate fondue while still feeling luxurious.
Milk or coconut milk — Heavy cream creates the silkiest texture, but for a healthier twist, use full-fat coconut milk (dairy-free and vegan) or low-fat milk. The liquid prevents the chocolate from becoming too thick and helps achieve that perfect dippable consistency.
Fresh fruit assortment — Strawberries, banana slices, pineapple chunks, apple slices, kiwi, grapes, raspberries, or orange segments work beautifully. Choose ripe, seasonal fruit for maximum natural sweetness and juiciness; the fruit provides fiber, vitamins, and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Optional vanilla extract & sea salt — A dash of pure vanilla boosts aroma, while a pinch of flaky sea salt intensifies chocolate flavor and cuts sweetness for a gourmet touch.

Variations and Substitutions:

Make it vegan/dairy-free by using coconut milk or almond milk and vegan dark chocolate (check labels for no milk solids).
For a lower-sugar version, choose 85%+ dark chocolate or add a natural sweetener like a touch of maple syrup if needed.
Flavor twists: Stir in espresso powder for mocha fondue, orange zest for citrus notes, peppermint extract for holiday vibes, or a hint of chili powder for Mexican-inspired heat.
Fruit variations — Try mango chunks, pear slices, cherries, or dried apricots for chewiness; mix in coconut flakes or nuts for extra texture.
Milk alternatives — Swap in oat milk for creaminess or evaporated milk for richness without heavy cream.
Thicker or thinner fondue — Use less liquid for a denser dip or more for a sauce-like consistency to drizzle over fruit platters if no fondue pot is available.
Boozy version — Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier, Kahlúa, or Bailey’s for adults.

Storage Options:

Leftover fondue chocolate can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in the microwave (stir every 15 seconds) or over a double boiler with a splash of milk to restore smoothness. Fresh fruit is best enjoyed the same day; store any extras separately in the fridge. Do not freeze the fondue, as it may separate or become grainy upon thawing.