Fudge vs Ganache: What’s the Difference?
Updated: Jan. 15, 2021
Both are rich indulgences that make desserts exceedingly better, but there's a real difference between fudge and ganache.
Chocolate enthusiasts know that fudge and ganache are two shining stars in the dessert world. Both are creamy, lush, chocolaty indulgences that appear on treats in bakeries and home kitchens alike. But despite a similar appearance, there is a sweet difference between fudge and ganache. Here’s what you need to know.
What is fudge?
This spongy sweet treat makes us envision candy shops and ice cream parlors with delicate homemade bonbons on display.
Fudge is a solid, dense, soft, chewy confection made from butter, sugar and milk (or heavy cream). Other ingredients such as chopped nuts, fruits, candies and extracts are sometimes added to the mix to create unique flavors—like this cherry swirl fudge! Interestingly, chocolate or cocoa is not the primary ingredient in fudge.
Fudge is commonly sliced into cubes and enjoyed as a standalone treat (try our best fudge recipes). It’s also commonly used as a filling or topping for cakes, pies and brownies.
Fun Fact: The History of Fudge
The first known batch of fudge was sold at a Baltimore grocery store for 40 cents a pound in the late 19th century. Around the same time, Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Vassar College (then an all-women school), whipped up batches of fudge and sold them on campus.
What is ganache?
Ganache is a smooth glaze made primarily with melted chocolate and cream (here’s how to make chocolate ganache, step by step). Unlike fudge, chocolate is indeed the main ingredient in a ganache. It’s commonly used to frost cakes and cupcakes or to coat truffles (if you’re craving a homemade truffle, try these made with orange extract.) It can even be used as a sweet dipping sauce for fruits, pastries and breads.
Traditionally, ganache is created when heated whipping cream is added still warm to melt the chocolate. It usually only needs to be cooled to room temperature. Fudge requires a good chilling in the fridge to set before serving. Another major difference is in the usage. Ganache is often used as a filling or an icing, while fudge can be enjoyed all by itself. You can give your own desserts a luscious, shiny coating with our easy homemade ganache recipe.
Fun Fact: The History of Ganache
Ganache was introduced by Parisian confectioner Maison Siraudin in 1862. He named his chocolaty creation after Les Ganaches, a vaudeville comedy by Victorien Sardou.
Enjoy Our Most Decadent Chocolate Desserts
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Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Pots de Creme
Lunch on the go just got a whole lot sweeter. Tuck jars of rich chocolate custard into lunch bags for a midday treat. These desserts in a jar are fun for picnics, too. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
If you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine
Decadent Chocolate Crepe Cake
No other dessert has wowed family and friends the way this stunning crepe cake did the first time I made it. A showstopper in every sense of the word, it features layers of tender chocolate crepes and rich white chocolate buttercream frosting draped in a semisweet chocolate ganache. —Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta
Chocolate Truffles
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
Hot Cocoa Souffle
A friend invited me to go to a cooking demo at her church years ago, and one of the recipes prepared was this luscious souffle. It was so easy—and absolutely delicious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Ganache-Topped Chocolate Cake
To say this cake is elegant would be an understatement. It’s worthy of special occasions, but once you learn how to make chocolate ganache, it's so easy to whip together that you can enjoy it any day of the week. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Skillet Stout Brownies
These stout brownies are so rich and fudgy. I also love that it comes together quickly, so it's perfect for busy weeknights. —Mandy Naglich, New York, New York
Special-Occasion Chocolate Cake
This cake won Grand Champion at the 2000 Alaska State Fair, and you will see why once you taste it. This decadent chocolate cake boasts a luscious ganache filling and fudge buttercream frosting. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Chocolate Chess Pie
This is one of my mother's go-to recipes. It's a yummy spin on classic chocolate chess pie. — Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri
Spiced Chocolate Molten Cakes
This splurge dessert is the kind you just have to linger over. Plunge your fork into one of the cakes and the chocolate and conversation start flowing. —Deb Carpenter, Hastings, Michigan
Devil's Food Snack Cake
My husband and his friends request this devil's food cake for camping trips because it’s easy to transport. To create a fun motif on the plates, trace a shape onto paper and cut out. Hold the stencil over a plate and dust with cocoa powder. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas
Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
The combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls
Here's my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen—with a surprise inside. Maraschino cherries add a sweet and unexpected punch to the holiday spice of gingersnaps. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
What could be better than a brownie crust layered with chocolate cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache? These cheesecake bars will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lovers out there. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
French Silk Pie
I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband's favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama
Special Mocha Cupcakes
Topped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
When I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas
Chocolate Bread Pudding
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Sandy's Chocolate Cake
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel Creme
I made these for an office party cookie contest—and not a crumb was left on the platter! Sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient. Canned sweet potatoes will work, too, if you're short on time. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Party Appetizer Meatballs
This delightful pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up using common pantry ingredients. I usually top the pudding with M&M's. My husband likes whipped topping on his and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
Yummy Chocolate Cake
My husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Jumbo Brownie Cookies
These deeply fudgy cookies are a clever way to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them even more over-the-top. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart
Espresso enhances and intensifies the dark chocolate flavor of my truffe tart. I make the crust with toasted walnuts and dust the cooled dessert with baking cocoa before serving. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
Coconut Fudge Cake
“A big piece of this moist cake is a chocolate and coconut devotee's dream," notes Johnnie. "You should see my husband, children and grandkids smile when I serve it.”
Rich Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Almond Biscotti
Our teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. His favorite is this old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
Peppermint Lava Cakes
It never ceases to amaze to see warm chocolate pudding ooze out of the center of this tender chocolate cake. These cakes are a showstopper on a plate! Serve lava cakes with whipped cream or ice cream. —Carolyn Crotser, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Flourless Chocolate Torte
Chocoholics—like me!—know that nothing says chocolate like a flourless torte. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte
I love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Chocolate Comfort Cake
This moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Silky Chocolate Pie
Chocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh, so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Sacher Torte
Guests will be surprised to hear that this Sacher torte recipe starts with a convenient cake mix. Each bite features chocolate, almonds and apricots. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dream Cupcakes
My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake
If you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding
One of the nice things about this easy pudding is you don't have to stand and stir it. This is a must for us at Christmas—at Thanksgiving and Easter, too! I also make it into a pie with graham cracker crust that our grandchildren love. —Amber Sampson, Somonauk, Illinois
Chocolate Mint Truffle Tart
Eating a slice of this decadent dessert is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored chocolate baking chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Classic Chocolate Cake
If you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
Fudge Pecan Brownie Tart
I love inventing my own recipes and entering contests—I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for this one!
Contest-Winning German Chocolate Cream Pie
I've won quite a few awards in recipe contests over the past 10 years, and I was delighted that this luscious pie sent me to the Great American Pie Show finals. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes
A delightful coconut and ricotta cheese filling is hidden inside these chocolate cupcakes. —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania
Raspberry Fudge Torte
This special-occasion cake impresses all who see and taste it. People are surprised to hear that this torte starts with a simple cake mix—they're sure I bought it at a bakery. —Julie Hein, York, Pennsylvania
Mocha Truffle Cheesecake
I went through a phase when I couldn't get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana
Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau
Gateau (pronounced ga-toe) is the French word for any rich and fancy cake. I think you'll agree that this dense chocolate dessert fits the bill, with just the right amount of sweetness. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Coffee 'n' Cream Brownies
A friend gave me the recipe for these rich cakelike brownies topped with a creamy coffee-enhanced filling and a chocolate glaze. I like to garnish each square with a coffee bean. —Michelle Tiemstra, Lacombe, Alberta
Double Chocolate Almond Cheesecake
This cheesecake is easy to make—but it's definitely not easy to wait till the next day to eat it! The recipe is from a friend I used to work with. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, OregonPopular Videos
Originally Published: November 11, 2019
