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    Home » Desserts » Chocolate Ganache

    Chocolate Ganache

    Published: Jan 7, 2022 · Modified: Jan 7, 2022 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    How to make chocolate ganache! This easy chocolate ganache recipe takes just 2 ingredients and makes ganache with the perfect consistency.

    Chocolate ganache with a whisk in it in a glass mixing bowl.

    What is chocolate ganache?

    Chocolate ganache is a combination of chocolate and heavy cream. It is incredibly rich with a silky smooth texture and shiny appearance. Since it's made with only two ingredients, it's so easy to whip up any time.

    The beautiful shine and intense chocolate flavor makes ganache a fantastic frosting, filling, or even dip.

    How to make chocolate ganache

    Chocolate chips in a glass mixing bowl and cream in a saucepan.

    >>Step 1 Add the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to a heat-proof bowl. Set aside.

    Hot cream pouring over chocolate chips.

    >>Step 2 Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan or pot just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips.

    A whisk stirring hot cream and chocolate chips together.

    >>Step 3 Cover with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring. Uncover and whisk until combined.

    Let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it sets up a bit.

    Chocolate ganache with a spoon in it in a glass mixing bowl.

    Tips

    • Chocolate Chips: You can use dark, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate chips in this recipe depending on how sweet you want your ganache to be. I've also used baking chocolate. If using baking chocolate, be sure to very finely chop it so that it will melt.
    • Cream: You need to use heavy cream in this recipe. Using something like half-and-half will give you a runnier ganache.
    • Flavorings: Feel free to add a little flavoring or extract to give it a little twist (¼ or ½ teaspoon to taste).
    • Heating the cream: It's important that the cream doesn't boil because it could curdle. Also, the cream should be just hot enough to melt the chocolate but not so hot that it will cause the chocolate to become grainy.
    A chocolate cake layer partially spread with chocolate ganache.

    FAQs

    What type of chocolate of chocolate is best for making chocolate ganache?

    I recommend using good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. It's important to use good-quality chocolate so that it will melt nicely. However, dark or bittersweet chocolate would also work.

    What's the difference between chocolate ganache and frosting?

    Ganache is made from chocolate and cream. It is soft and spreadable, and it's commonly used as a topping or filling.

    Frosting can be made from any number of ingredients. For example, in the United States, frosting is commonly made from butter and powdered sugar. It is also used as a topping or a filling. Frosting can be softer and spreadable or stiffer and pipeable.

    Can I use ganache as frosting?

    You can! Simply spread it onto a cake or cupcakes for a rich and delicious chocolate ganache frosting. Drizzling or spreading ganache over a bundt cake is one way to dress up the cake. It can also be used a filling for cookie sandwiches.

    How can I make whipped ganache?

    Once the ganache has cooled, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip it on medium until light and fluffy. It should take about 3-4 minutes.

    Can I pipe ganache?

    You can! Once the ganache has cooled, chill it until it reaches the desired consistency. Then, simply pipe the chilled ganache. This works well for simple piping.

    Does chocolate ganache get hard?

    No, it doesn't harden. Ganache will set up as it cools, but it won't harden the way that a candy coating like almond bark will.

    Can I make ganache thicker?

    You can! Simply use more chocolate to make a thicker ganache.

    Can I make ganache thinner?

    You can! Add additional cream to thin the ganache out and make it more of a glaze.

    Can you flavor ganache?

    Sure! Simply stir in ¼-1/2 teaspoon of flavoring or extract, like vanilla extract or peppermint extract, in step 7.

    An offset spatula spreading chocolate ganache on a chocolate cake.

    How to store

    I recommend storing the ganache (or anything you use the ganache on) in the fridge.

    Recipes that go well with chocolate ganache

    • Hot Chocolate Cake
    • Darn Good Chocolate Cake
    • Chocolate Fudge Cake
    • Chocolate Brownie Cake

    If you’ve tried this chocolate ganache recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

    Chocolate ganache with a whisk in it in a glass mixing bowl.

    Chocolate Ganache

    Easy, 2-ingredient chocolate ganache recipe that makes perfect, spreadable ganache.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Resting: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 204kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate chips1
    • ½ cup heavy cream2
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.
    • Heat the cream over low heat until just simmering. Do not boil.
    • Remove cream from heat and pour over chocolate chips.
    • Place a piece of aluminum foil over the bowl and seal.
    • Let the cream/chocolate chips sit for 5 minutes without stirring.
    • Remove the foil.
    • Stir until the chocolate chips have melted and mixture is smooth and well-combined.
    • Let the ganache sit, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to set up before using.

    Notes

    1. Chocolate: Using a quality chocolate chip makes a difference. Some cheap chocolate chips are made with extra fillers and binders that keep them from melting properly. 
    2. Heavy cream: Please do NOT substitute half-and-half. It will give you a thinner, runny ganache. 
    3. Nutrition values are estimates. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published February 3, 2020. Updated with additional pictures, tips, and information on January 7, 2022.

    « Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe
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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. N.L. Hill

      March 18, 2021 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      This was super easy and worked Perfectly on a cake I made!

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 18, 2021 at 8:16 pm

        Thank you! I'm glad that it worked well for you!

        Reply
    2. Becky

      July 12, 2020 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy!

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 13, 2020 at 9:57 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Avery

      February 15, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      Easy peasy!!! I ate it with a spoon and loved it!!

      Reply
      • Kate

        February 15, 2020 at 12:44 pm

        I'm so glad that you liked it. Thanks for commenting! =)

        Reply

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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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