Chocolate Ganache

Learn how easy it is to make chocolate ganache. Then learn the basic chocolate ganache ratios, different uses for ganache, and of course step by step photos on how to make it! Ganache simple, decadent and versatile.

I remember one of the first times I made ganache. I was expecting some overly complicated recipe. I mean ganache. The word alone obviously beckons for difficulty right? Oh but it seriously wasn’t at all.

The thing I love about ganache is its versatility. You can use it as a glaze, turn it into a truffle, or whip it into a gorgeous chocolate frosting. With just 2 ingredients! By simply playing around with the ratios you have a recipe in your backpocket for years to come.

Chocolate Ganache. Demystified. Let’s do this.

What Is Ganache?

Let’s start with the basics. What on earth is Ganache. First of it’s pronounced Guh-“nah”sh. There English lesson over.

Ganache is simply chocolate and cream combined. Yup that’s it.  The cream will be heated and then poured over the chocolate allow it to melt. And then it’s whisked together into a velvety smooth sauce.

From there you can turn it into a filling, a glaze, truffles, and so much more.

How Do I Make Ganache?

Step 1: Chop your chocolate.

Or as I often do, use quality chocolate chips to make this go even faster. I’ve made it both ways and both times it turns out perfect. So you choose. Chop or chips. Just make sure you choose quality chocolate. It will make a difference.

If you do use chopped chocolate- make sure they are chopped small enough so they melt quickly once the cream is added.

I always use a dark bittersweet chocolate. Milk or white chocolate can be more likely to be damaged from the heat because of the added milk. If you do use milk or white chocolate then you may need to reduce the amount of cream.

Make sure regardless though you use quality chocolate because this only contains 2 ingredients.

Step 2: Heat Your Cream

Your cream needs to be heated in order to melt the chocolate. You want the cream hot, but not boiling. You can do this in a saucepan and heat until it’s simmering. Or in your microwave.

Just be careful if you use the microwave method. It can boil over. I like to microwave it in 30 second intervals and check.

Step 3: Pour The Cream Over The Chocolate

Once the cream is hot enough, then pour it over your chocolate.

Step 4: Wait 5 Minutes

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before stirring. If you are making a small batch, then you may not need to wait as long. I always wait 5 minutes on average.

Allowing the cream to sit will bring the temperature down, while also melting the chocolate. If you stir right away, it could cause the ganache to break resulting in a grainy texture.

Step 5: Stir Until Smooth.

Once the mixture has been allowed to sit, then you can stir it together until smooth. Start by whisking slowly in one direction . This can take a few minutes for the mixture to come together. It won’t seem like it will at first but it will smooth out.

Chocolate Ganache Ratios

Now that you have the basics down you can play around with the ratios of cream to chocolate to make all sorts of things!

1 Part Chocolate to 1 Part Cream (1:1 Ratio)

This is my go to ratio because I can then turn it into so much. The consistency will be very thick (almost pudding like).

Uses: Glaze for cake like this Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake for St. Patrick’s Day.  I can also simply allow it to cool and then whip it into a chocolate ganache frosting. Perfect for a filling in a cake like this Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe or to frost cupcakes like these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes or Triple Chocolate Cupcakes . 

I have even used this ganache to make these Boston Creme Pie Macarons.

1 Part Chocolate To 2 Parts Cream (1:2 Ratio)

This ganache will be much thinner perfect for pouring and using as a thin glaze. It will harden up as it cools, but while it’s warm its perfect for dipping.

Uses: This can be used to pour over a cake or use to dip into fruit like these chocolate covered strawberries or even better how about some fried donuts?

2 Parts Chocolate To 1 Parts Cream (2:1 Ratio)

This ganache will be very thick and almost fudge like. You could use this as a filling for a tart or a macron!

Uses: This is perfect for making truffles. Check out this Ultimate Truffle Guide from Handle The Heat.

How Do I Flavor Chocolate Ganache?

Of course, adding things to the ganache could always change the consistency. So you may find you need to adjust the cream and chocolate amount to get the consistency you want. But here are a few fun ways to flavor your ganache.

• Extracts: You can always add an extract like orange, mint, or almond. I would start with a 1/4 teaspoon and increase from there. Go slow. Extracts can be powerful!
• Peanut butter, Nutella, or Caramel: Start by adding 2 tablespoons, and you can increase from there. Add this to the chocolate and stir it in when you stir in the cream.
• Espresso powder: This will give a wonderful kick of coffee and make for a delicious mocha ganache! Stir it in at the end and adjust the amount as needed. 
• Fruit puree:  Maybe a strawberry or raspberry puree? I would aim for seedless.
• Salt: Add 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt for a nice balance of sweet and salt.
• Spices: Try cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or even a kick of cayenne pepper!
• Liqueur: Make an adult-only ganache! Substitute 1 to 2 ounces of the cream with a flavored liqueur or brandy such as Grand Marnier, Irish Cream, Chambord, or Brandy.
• Infuse The Cream: When heating the cream add another flavor like mint leaves, lavender, citrus zest, Earl Grey tea, or whole coffee beans. Bring it to a boil, then add your infusion. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes then remove the 

Ganache FAQ’s:

Can Ganache Stay At Room Temperature?

Ganache can stay at room temperature for up to 2 days. It just needs to be kept in a cool place.  Just cover with a plastic wrap that touches the surface so it doesn’t form a skin.

How Do You Make Ganache Thicker?

Ganache will seem thin and runny in the beginning. It will thicken as it cools.

If you want a thicker ganache or you find yours is too thin even after cooling, then simply warm the ganache and add in more chocolate.

You can also thicken it by allowing it cool then whipping it.

How Do I Store Ganache?

You can store the ganache at room temperature for 2 days. Be sure to cover the ganache with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap is touching the surface of the ganache so a skin doesn’t form.

You can also store the ganache in the fridge if you want to be on the safe side (this is my preferred method)

Ganache can also be frozen for up to a month!

Why Did My Ganache Split?

This can happen. Ganache is essentially an emulsion, meaning 2 ingredients that don’t want to be together are forced together. Think mayonnaise!

A broken ganache can happen when the cream is too hot causing the fat in the chocolate to separate. This will result in an oily and grainy ganache. To avoid this make sure that your cream isn’t too hot- do not let it boil but just simmer. 

More Dessert Sauces And Finishes

• Chocolate Ganache
• Pastry Cream
• Whipped Cream
• Stabilized Whipped Cream

To Make Chocolate Ganache You Will Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan

If you want to become a better baker, then enroll in my Ultimate Baking Bootcamp class! Enroll here!