This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This rich and creamy chocolate ganache is made with just two simple ingredients and comes together in minutes – no double boiler or chopping required. It’s perfect for drizzling over cakes, cupcakes, brownies, donuts, or serving as a silky-smooth dipping sauce.
For more delicious toppings try my easy caramel sauce and marshmallow fluff!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItChocolate Ganache Recipe
Ganache might sound fancy, but it’s actually one of the easiest recipes to make – and one of the most versatile. I first made it during a pastry class at Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since.
Made with equal parts chocolate and hot cream, ganache comes together in minutes. I use this exact recipe for my chocolate ganache bundt cake, and it’s just as good as a dipping sauce or cake filling.
Chocolate Ganache Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: This is the base of the ganache. It will thicken the chocolate sauce and create a ganache texture. You can use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream.
- Semisweet Chocolate Morsels: Chocolate chips add flavor and texture to the ganache. You can also use bittersweet chocolate or milk chocolate if you prefer that flavor. We use chocolate morsels instead of a chocolate bar to save time. However, a chopped chocolate bar works just as well.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache
Heat the cream: In a medium saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and warm it over low heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
Add the chocolate: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let them sit undisturbed in the warm cream for about 1 minute.
Whisk until smooth: Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is silky, smooth, and creamy.
Once it’s ready, pour the warm ganache over cakes, donuts, cupcakes, or serve it in a small bowl for dipping strawberries or other treats.
Flavor Variations
This ganache is rich, chocolaty as is, however, if you want to add a little more to your ganache there are several ways you can do that:
- Add in 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules. Coffee brings out even more chocolate flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the ganache. You can even use extracts like lavender, orange, or almond.
- Add in a tablespoon of flavored liqueur like orange or hazelnut.
- Add butter or corn syrup to give your ganache a shiny appearance
Whipped Ganache
Here’s how you can make a beautiful whipped chocolate ganache frosting:
Using an electric mixer, add the cooled (must be cooled) ganache into a mixing bowl, with the fitted whisk attachment.
Beat for 5 minutes on high until it’s whipped to perfection.
It’s a delicious frosting for a chocolate cake or fluffy cupcakes.
How to Store Chocolate Ganache
Room Temperature
Classic ganache can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re serving it the next day, it’s perfectly fine to leave the ganache – or a dessert topped with it – out in an airtight container.
Refrigerator
To store ganache for longer, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. It will firm up in the fridge, so let it come to room temperature before using, or gently warm it if needed.
Freezer
Ganache also freezes beautifully and can last up to 3 – 9 months. Store it in a sealed container, and when you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, let it sit at room temp or warm slightly until smooth and spreadable
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ganache is made to thicken as it cools, which is nice because it stays in place but won’t ever harden. When it’s warm pour it over a dessert or dip a donut or strawberry into it. Then let it sit and harden on the dessert.
Ganache can stay out in an airtight container for a few days. However, if you need to store it any longer it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Depending on the type of ganache you make it can be hard and soft. It also sets in the refrigerator and will become hard when it’s placed in a cold environment.
More Frosting Recipes
- Whipped Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting
- Fluffy Maple Syrup Frosting
- The Best Swiss Meringue Butter Cream Frosting
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
My new Entertaining book is here! Order Now!
Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, pour in the heavy cream.
- Bring it to a soft boil, then let is simmer medium low for 4 minutes. Once it's steaming hot, remove from the heat.
- Let them sit in the hot milk for 2 minute until soft.
- Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted. It will start to become a thicker texture and should be super smooth and creamy.
- Once all of the chocolate is melted and you have a silky smooth sauce, the ganache is completed. Pour it over a cake, donuts, cupcakes or in a small bowl to dip strawberries.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is so easy! Why do I always think of ganache as hard? It’s not! It’s so easy and just 2 ingredients! So delicious. So decadent. Love this!
This looks so delicious and yummy! My kids are going to love this recipe! So excited!
So easy and so ridiculously delicious! Thanks for this yummy recipe!