Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue

When my kids were little, and I was still vegetarian, fondue nights were a family favorite. The kitchen buzzed with excitement as we prepped dippers for our three fondue pots—cheese for me, chocolate for dessert, and hot oil for the meat-eaters.

When I went vegan, I refused to let go of the tradition. Thanks to recipes like Vegan Chinoise Fondue, Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue, and Easy Vegan Cashew Queso, we’ve kept the fun (and melty goodness) alive—100% plant-based.

And it’s not just for kids! This makes a perfect date night, Valentine’s dessert, or game-day treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This offers a delightful departure from your usual meals, adding a fun and exciting twist to your dining routine.
• Perfect for vegans and those with dairy allergies or sensitivities.
• It pairs wonderfully with various dippers, from fruits to vegan marshmallows and pretzels, so it is excellent for kids and adults.
• It's not just a dessert but an engaging experience perfect for any gathering.
• Generally easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.

What Is Fondue?

Fondue is a cozy, fun way to share a meal, all about dipping tasty bites into a pot of gooey cheese, creamy chocolate, veggie broth, or oil.

Good news—fondue can be vegan too! Plant-based cheeses melt beautifully, and vegan chocolate fondue is just as dreamy for dunking fruit and treats. Same fun, just more inclusive!

Bonus: If you want to try it at a restaurant, The Melting Pot offers a full vegan menu in some locations across the U.S.!

Does This Vegan Fondue Taste Like Traditional Fondue?

Vegan chocolate hazelnut fondue is just as creamy and indulgent as the classic version, thanks to high-quality vegan chocolate and rich hazelnut spread.

While dairy chocolate has a distinct creaminess, vegan versions use alternative fats and sweeteners, creating a slightly different but equally delicious experience.

The nutty richness of hazelnuts adds depth, making this fondue a standout on its own. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients

There are only a few easy-to-find ingredients! See the recipe card for quantities of each.

Ingredient Notes

• Vegan Chocolate: Choose a high-quality vegan chocolate that you love. You can even use vegan morsels for this recipe. I use two Lindt Classic Recipe Non-Dairy OatMilk Plain Chocolate Candy Bars sold in most major grocery stores that I've seen.
• Vegan Hazelnut Spread: There are several brands out there offering delicious vegan alternatives to Nutella. The vegan hazelnut spread can be found at Whole Foods or online. Here is a link to Plant-Based News for their top choices of vegan hazelnut spread.
• Plant-Based Milk: This gives the fondue a creamy texture without dairy. Choose a milk that is naturally thicker, such as oat milk, for best results. If you don't mind a slight coconut flavor, use coconut cream or coconut milk from a can.
• Dippers: Fruits like strawberries and bananas are great, along with vegan marshmallows, brownie chunks, or animal crackers. See below for more ideas.

How To Make Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue

This is simple to make, but I love to give you visuals so you can eat with your eyes first. For details, check out the recipe card below.

Step 1: Gently warm the plant-based milk in a saucepan until it's hot but not boiling. The key is to heat it slowly.

Step 2: While that heats up, chop the vegan chocolate into small pieces for even melting.

Step 3: Place the chopped chocolate and vegan butter into the warm milk. Gently stir the mixture over a low heat.

Step 4: Gently fold in the vegan hazelnut spread, stirring until thoroughly blended into the mixture, achieving a silky, even consistency.

Step 5: Stir in a pinch of salt, a dash of vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Step 6: Carefully transfer the fondue into a fondue pot set over a low flame, ensuring it stays warm and maintains a smooth, fluid consistency.

Step 7: Arrange your vegan dippers around the fondue pot and start enjoying with fondue forks or skewers!

Ideas For Dippers

These dipper options will surely add variety to your chocolate dipping menu:

Serving Suggestions

Serving Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue is not just about the dip. It's about creating an entire experience that's as delightful to the eyes as to the taste buds. Here are some fun and creative serving suggestions to elevate your fondue experience.

• Arrange a colorful and inviting spread with all your dippers beautifully displayed on platters around the fondue pot. Use different heights and textures - like wooden boards, slate tiles, or elegant plates - to create visual interest.
• Set up a 'make-your-own skewer' station. Provide guests with bamboo skewers and a variety of dippers to create their personalized combinations. It’s interactive and fun!
• Create a large charcuterie-style board combining the fondue dippers with other vegan treats like nuts, vegan cheeses, and dried fruits for a diverse and exciting dessert option.
• Serve with Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue for a variety of dips.
• Serve as part of your Game Day spread! It’s one of my favorite Vegan Game Day Dips and Sauces that we enjoy while cheering on our team.

How To Store Fondue

Let the fondue cool before storing to preserve texture.

Transfer to an airtight glass container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. It will harden—reheat gently in a double boiler or microwave, stirring often. If too thick, add a splash of plant-based milk to smooth it out. 

What If You Don't Have a Fondue Pot?

If you don't have a fondue pot, there are several alternative methods you can try.

• Crockpot or Slow Cooker: This is your best bet. They can keep your fondue warm. Just set it to a low-heat setting. The only downside is it doesn't provide the same tableside experience.
• Cast Iron Skillet: The next best thing may bea small cast-iron pot or skillet. They retain heat well. Warm the fondue in it and then serve; it will keep it warm for a reasonable amount of time.
• Electric Skillet or Hot Plate: These can be set to a low temperature to keep the fondue warm at the table.
• Microwave: For a quick solution, you can use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the fondue in intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even melting. Serve immediately, as it won't stay warm for long.

Recipe FAQS

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