Easy Chocolate Fondue: A Simple New Year’s Eve Family Tradition
Looking for a simple New Year’s Eve idea for kids? Try this 3-ingredient chocolate fondue! It’s quick to make, fun to dip, and perfect for celebrating as a family.
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How do you celebrate New Year’s with kids? I’ll be honest, I haven’t stayed up to ring in the New Year at midnight in over a decade! Starting off a new year with sleep-deprived kids and parents just hasn’t seemed appealing. Although with a teenager in the house now, maybe it’s finally time to embrace the late night…maybe.
Thankfully, there are lots of other ways to make New Year’s Eve feel special without staying up crazy late. In fact, a few years ago I shared a whole list of fun and simple ways to celebrate New Year’s as a family.
One of our traditions that’s been going strong for years now is turning New Years into fondue night!
We usually do both cheese and chocolate fondue, but if you want to keep things super easy, just do chocolate fondue. It feels festive, cozy, and a little fancy, without a ton of effort.
Why Chocolate Fondue Works So Well for Families
Most people don’t realize how ridiculously simple chocolate fondue is to make. Seriously. It takes just three ingredients and a couple of minutes in the microwave. Voilà! Perfectly melty chocolate goodness that no one will guess came together faster than ordering takeout.
Plus, my kids love it. Using little fondue forks instantly makes them feel super fancy, and honestly, what’s not to love about dipping all kinds of fun items into chocolate?!
We use the fondue pot we got as a wedding gift (15 years ago!), but if you don’t have one, no worries at all—a regular bowl and forks or bamboo skewers work just fine.
Easy Chocolate Fondue
This 3-ingredient chocolate fondue is quick to make, fun to dip, and perfect for celebrating New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day as a family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 15–20 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
- Stir in vanilla extract. (Make sure you do this after you melt the chocolate and cream together, otherwise your fondue might be a little grainy).
- Transfer to a fondue pot or serve warm directly from the bowl.
Notes
Use whatever kind of chocolate you like best. I prefer semi-sweet, but you can also use bittersweet or milk chocolate. Also, while quality chocolate does make a difference, don't hesistate to use chocolate chips if that's what you have on hand. Your kids won't care!
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What to Dip in Chocolate Fondue
There are SO many things that taste delicious when covered in melted chocolately goodness. Here are some our family’s favorites:
Fruits
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Banana slices
- Apple slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Orange segments
Baked Goods
- Cubes of pound cake or angel food cake
- Brownie bites
- Marshmallows
- Rice Krispie treats
Extras
- Pretzels
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Shortbread cookies
- Potato chips (Don’t knock it till you try it!)
Tips for Fondue Success with Kids
- Use gentle heat: If using a fondue pot, keep it on low to avoid scorching the chocolate.
- Cut dip-ins ahead of time: Prep everything earlier in the day so you can relax and enjoy the evening.
- Go small: Bite-sized pieces are easier for kids to dip (and less messy).
- Have napkins handy: Chocolate happens.
- No pot? No problem: A microwave-safe bowl works perfectly. Just reheat briefly if it starts to thicken.
What do you think: Is this a tradition you could get on board with? Tell me your favorite ways to celebrate New Year’s in the comments below.
Want more simple New Year’s Even Ideas for families? Try these!
- Simple New Year’s Eve Tradition for Families: Our “Favorite Memories” Celebration
- 8 Last-minute, Easy New Years Eve Ideas for Kids
- How to Help Kids Set Goals: Free Printable Goal-Setting Worksheets for Kids
