This smooth, satin chocolate ganache recipe will bring a touch of elegance to even the most basic cake. A simple garnish, like fresh fruit, adds the finishing touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth.
For a pourable ganache, cool, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 85°-90° and is slightly thickened, about 40 minutes. Pour over cake, allowing some to drape down the sides. Spread ganache with a spatula if necessary to evenly coat, working quickly before it thickens. Let stand until set.
For spreadable ganache, chill, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches a spreading consistency. Spread over cake.
Chocolate Ganache Recipe Tips
What's the best kind of chocolate to use for chocolate ganache?
We recommend using semisweet chocolate chips for this easy chocolate ganache recipe (and using the ganache for these chocolate ganache peanut butter cupcakes!). Don't have a bag of semisweet chips? You can use dark baking chocolate instead. Just follow the steps in this ganache-topped chocolate cake recipe.
How long does it take for chocolate ganache to harden?
It takes about two hours at room temperature for chocolate ganache to completely cool and set. You can speed up the process by placing the ganache in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that you'll only want to thicken spreadable or whipped ganache, like in this three-layer chocolate ganache cake.
What can you substitute for heavy cream in ganache?
There are plenty of substitutes for heavy cream. Melted butter and 2% milk works well, or you could use sweetened condensed milk. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream. (Here's how to make chocolate ganache, step by step.)
Research contributed by Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor
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Average Rating:
RosanneMack
Jan 25, 2020
Every recipe I see for ganache has a different ratio of cream to chocolate. How can they all be so different for just 2 ingredients? help
kredhead
Mar 12, 2019
Super good. Can use butter in a pinch. So easy.
anna
Feb 18, 2017
easy and delicious
LeslieH
Mar 27, 2016
Easy to make, rich and delicious. Used on contest winning moist chocolate cake from this site. I found that it did not need 40 minutes to set up for pouring, but more like 15 to 20 minutes.
NanZim
Dec 14, 2015
Quick, easy, and delicious. I used it to glaze a cheesecake.
Spedcat
Nov 28, 2013
Family loved this on a chocolate pie!
keely27
Apr 3, 2012
No comment left
Conniecampbell
Jan 30, 2012
quick easy good
alshissler
Nov 21, 2011
No comment left
dongreenfield
Jul 13, 2010
This was a very easy recipe to follow. I had extra Ganache and so I dipped some strawberries and they came out great!
Reviews
Every recipe I see for ganache has a different ratio of cream to chocolate. How can they all be so different for just 2 ingredients? help
Super good. Can use butter in a pinch. So easy.
easy and delicious
Easy to make, rich and delicious. Used on contest winning moist chocolate cake from this site. I found that it did not need 40 minutes to set up for pouring, but more like 15 to 20 minutes.
Quick, easy, and delicious. I used it to glaze a cheesecake.
Family loved this on a chocolate pie!
No comment left
quick easy good
No comment left
This was a very easy recipe to follow. I had extra Ganache and so I dipped some strawberries and they came out great!