This easy chocolate ganache recipe is your ultimate guide to making smooth, glossy, and versatile ganache at home. With just two simple ingredients—chocolate and cream—you can whip up a rich topping or filling that works beautifully for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, tarts, and more.
The best part? Once you master this basic technique, the variations and uses are practically endless. For the most flavorful results, I recommend starting with a good quality semi-sweet chocolate, which gives a perfectly balanced sweetness without being overpowering.
What is Chocolate Ganache?
Chocolate ganache is a silky, glossy mixture of chocolate and cream that’s beloved by bakers everywhere. It can be used as a glaze, whipped into frosting, drizzled over brownies, or even served as a decadent dip for fruit. This easy chocolate ganache recipe requires only two ingredients and comes together in minutes, making it a must-know for any home baker.
2 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Start with high-quality chocolate bars or chips (around 60% cacao). This gives a balanced sweetness and deep chocolate flavor. It’s best not to use milk or half-and-half in ganache. Both have a much lower fat content than heavy cream, which contains around 36% fat. That fat is what allows the chocolate to melt evenly and emulsify into a silky, glossy texture. Using milk or half-and-half introduces too much water, which can cause the chocolate to seize, turn grainy, or separate. For the most reliable results, always stick with heavy cream.
- Heavy cream: Use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat content for the creamiest results.
Optional additions: A splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or even a spoonful of liqueur for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Chop the Chocolate
You can finely chop your chocolate into small, even pieces. This helps it melt quickly and evenly.
Step 2 – Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan, warm the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Also, you can choose to use a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream for about a minute, but not boiling (about 40-60 seconds). Pour the chocolate chips over the cream and let sit for about 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to soften the chocolate.
Step 3 – Stir Until Smooth
Using a whisk or spatula, stir the mixture gently until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and lump-free.
Step 4 – Use or Chill
- For a glaze, pour immediately while warm.
- For a frosting or filling, let it cool and thicken at room temperature or whip it once it’s set.
If you need a chocolate cake recipe, you might try our family recipe! It’s moist and has a surprise ingredients that makes it so unual!
Easy Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- You can finely chop your chocolate into small, even pieces. Chopping helps it melt quickly and evenly. It is optional if you're in a hurry or lazy like me!
- In a small saucepan, warm the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. I place the chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream for about a minute, but not boiling (about 40-60 seconds). Pour the chocolate chips over the cream and let sit for about 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Using a whisk or spatula, stir the mixture gently until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and lump-free.
- Use or ChillFor a glaze, pour immediately while warm. For a frosting or filling, let it cool and thicken at room temperature or whip it once it’s set.
Nutrition
Variations to Try
- Whipped Ganache: Once cooled, whip with a mixer for a light, fluffy frosting.
- Flavored Ganache: Add peppermint extract, espresso powder, or orange zest.
- Dairy-Free Ganache: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a vegan alternative.
Other Chocolate Recipes
The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
The Best Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
FAQ
Store covered in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes! Warm it gently in the microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring between each.
This happens if the cream was too hot. To fix, whisk in a tablespoon of warm cream until smooth.
This easy chocolate ganache recipe is the secret weapon every baker should have in their back pocket. With just chocolate and cream, you can elevate any dessert—whether it’s a simple cupcake, an elegant layer cake, or a bowl of fresh strawberries. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever baked without it!
Happy Baking!
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