Description
This Easy Chocolate Ganache Recipe is a simple, versatile chocolate topping that can be used as a glaze, filling, frosting, or truffle base. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s smooth, glossy, and rich, perfect for elevating any dessert with a luscious chocolate finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra shine)
- Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate into a heatproof bowl, ensuring it is evenly distributed for smooth melting.
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer; avoid boiling as overheating can affect texture.
- Combine and Rest: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the chocolate pieces thoroughly.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Gently whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and glossy, indicating the chocolate has fully melted and blended with the cream.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in the unsalted butter and a pinch of salt if using, then continue whisking until fully incorporated for added shine and balanced flavor.
- Cool and Use: Let the ganache cool slightly before using. For a pourable glaze, use while warm; to achieve a spreadable or pipeable consistency, let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate briefly.
Notes
- This ganache works beautifully as a glaze, cake filling, cupcake topping, or truffle base.
- To flavor your ganache, add a splash of vanilla extract, espresso, or your favorite liqueur after mixing.
- Adjust the chocolate-to-cream ratio for different consistencies: more cream for thinner glaze, less for thicker frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently rewarm before use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
