An EASY method for making dairy-free chocolate fondue! Rich, DECADENT and perfect for dipping fruit and sweet treats.

We love serving this fondue with strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and gluten-free rice krispie treats. It’s a fun tradition my kids love that takes just minutes to make!

Need a savory option to go with your spread? Try this dairy-free spinach artichoke dip.

strawberry being dipped into chocolate fondue

One of my family’s favorite Valentine’s Day traditions is chocolate fondue! We usually do it the weekend before Valentine’s Day and it’s a fun way to do something special with the kids.

My kids LOVE fondue night and totally look forward to it. We usually end up having it a few other times a year too because it’s such a favorite! What could be better than luxrious, decadent melted chocolate with all kinds of things to dip?

If you like this recipe you also might like my dairy-free eggnog, dairy-free hot chocolate or this dairy-free fudge.

overhead shot of bowl of chocolate fondue

How to Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Fondue

bowl of chocolate chips next to a bowl of chocolate chips with cream added

1. Pick your chocolate base. You can use chocolate chips or chopped cup chocolate bars. If you use a chocolate bar just be sure to chop it finely so it melts evenly. Pour the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Add your liquid. The amount of liquid you add will vary based on what kind of chocolate you’re using. See the recipe below for the correct amounts! I like to use a mixture of heavy cream and milk for dark or semi-sweet chocolate. You can also easily make this chocolate fondue dairy-free with coconut and almond milk. We almost always make it dairy-free at our house!

Is chocolate dairy-free?

Chocolate is dairy-free as long as it contains no milk ingredients. You’ll want to avoid any chocolate that has milk powder, whey or another milk derivative added to it. Most dark chocolate is naturally dairy-free!

To make this dairy-free fondue you’ll need to select dairy-free chocolate. I use Enjoy Life, Guittard semi-sweet, or Nestle Simply Delicious chocolate chips for this recipe.

stirred chocolate and cream next to finished fondue

3. Microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. It’s very important to use 50% heat here so you don’t heat the chocolate too quickly.

Stirring every 30 seconds will also ensure you get glossy, smooth chocolate fondue. At first it will seem like your stirring isn’t doing anything – but it will get there!

4. Stop heating with the chocolate is totally smooth and melted. You may need to add a touch more cream (or liquid) to get just the right consistency. The thickness can vary based on what kind of chocolate you use.

banana being dipped into chocolate fondue

The perfect thickness is when the chocolate clings to a dipped banana, but isn’t totally thick. If the fondue is too runny simply add more chocolate and continue melting. Not too runny, not too thick. It’s more of an art than a science!

Tip: You may need to add a touch more liquid to get just the right consistency. If the fondue is too runny simply add more chocolate and continue melting.

What to Dip

Now on to the fun part! What to dip? The options are endless! This is why my family loves fondue night.

Here are some fondue spread ideas:

strawberries
bananas
raspberries
marshmallows
crispy rice treats
pound cake
angel food cake (try this recipe!)
pretzels
cookies

If you’re serving loved ones with food allergies a chocolate fondue spread can easily be made allergy-friendly. We always make ours gluten-free with naturally gluten-free things like strawberries and bananas as well as gluten-free cookies and gluten-free rice krispies treats!

overhead shot of chocolate fondue being dipped

More Gluten-Free Chocolate Desserts:

strawberry being dipped into white bowl of chocolate fondue

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