I’m sure by now you know that I am a total and utter chocoholic. In fact, you could say that chocolate is my middle name (actually it’s Elizabeth, but chocolate sounds kinda cool too!). Anyway, if there’s one thing I’ve made a LOT of over the years, it’s chocolate ganache. Not only does it make for one fabulous little icing on a cake, it’s also the perfect thing to drizzle over a decadent dessert, sandwich between cookies or act as the best ever companion to a caramel treat!
Chocolate ganache is one super versatile recipe to have in your chefs toolbox. The best thing about chocolate ganache is you only need two ingredients. Yep… 2! Chocolate and cream. Easy-peasy!
Recipe: Super Easy 3 Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ganache can be thin and glossy or whipped and creamy. It all depends on your ratio of chocolate vs cream.
- For a thick ganache to be used over a cake or between cake layers, use equal parts chocolate and cream (1:1)
- For chocolate truffles use two parts chocolate to one part cream (2:1)
- For a glossy glaze that is pourable, use one part chocolate to two parts cream (1:2)
There are two different methods for making chocolate ganache:
Chocolate Ganache Method 1:
1. Chop dark chocolate.
2. Place dark chocolate into a small saucepan with the cream.
3. Heat over over low heat.
4. Stir continuously until melted and glossy.
5. Leave to cool slightly and then place into the fridge to cool.
Chocolate Ganache Method 2:
1. Chop or grate chocolate very finely and place into a bowl.
2. Bring the cream gently to a gentle simmer/just below the boil (only just) and then remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate).
3. Stir until the chocolate is completely covered by the cream, leave it for 15 seconds to melt and then stir until all of the chocolate has completely melted and you have a smooth consistency.
Whipped, Glazed or Truffles?
- for a chocolate glaze, pour the still-warm ganache over the cake (but make sure the cake has cooled completely)
- for a whipped ganache that you can use to ice a cake with, allow it to cool and then beat with a handheld or stand mixer for 2 minutes or until it is light and fluffy (this is also perfect for using with layer cakes)
- for chocolate truffles, place the ganache into the fridge. Stir it every 5 minutes so that it sets nice and evenly. As soon as it starts to stiffen, remove from the fridge and roll into truffle balls
Recipe: Lemon & White Chocolate Truffles
Extra tips and tricks for making the perfect chocolate ganache
While it’s super simple to make ganache, there are a few extra tricks to getting it just right:
- use couverture chocolate (if this isn’t possible – go for a good quality chocolate)
- chop your chocolate into very small pieces (or grate it) so that it will melt evenly
- you don’t need to boil the cream, simply bring it to a low simmer/just below the boil
- the better quality the cream and the chocolate you use, the better your ganache will be
So there you have it – my tips for the perfect chocolate ganache! If you’re after Thermomix chocolate ganache tips, check out this post on ThermoBliss.
What other topics would you like to see covered in Baking 101? What kitchen nightmares are stumping you at the moment?
This is so handy, I always end up with a ganache that is too runny or too thick for whatever I am doing. This is going straight to my tips board. Thanks!
Thanks Malinda!
Great tips lovely, I make my ganache using method number 2 – so easy and turns out perfect every time.
Why am I not the slightest bit surprised you make perfect ganache Little Miss Baker!!
Brilliant!
Loving these 101’s Lucy, I’m learning something new every week!
xx
Thanks Danielle!
When I started reading this post about drizzling ganache over a dessert or putting it in between a biscuit, the first thought that came into my mind was – I wish I was married to Lucy. Then I thought, I can’t write that. She will think I’m crazy. I imagine that you live in a deliciously sweet smelling chocolatey heaven of a house. You have one lucky husband 🙂
Hahahaha you make me laugh Renee! So funny!
Oh and visiting via #teamIBOT too 🙂
Thanks for the tips! Chocolate ganache when made perfectly is the most decadent and delicious cake topping ever!
Absolutely!!!
You’re becoming my baking bible. Do you know how many ganache recipes I “researched” last time I made a choc cake? And it bombed, it was too thin.
Where were you when I needed you??!! Ah, it’s ok, you’re here now!!
Well right back at with you all your delicious savoury recipes!
Seriously – you like chocolate?! But no – seriously. I had no idea there was a science to the ratio of cream & chocolate that is brilliant to discover.
Hahaha who would have guessed I like chocolate!?
Love this, so very handy. I find that I wing it every time I make ganache and then it never turns out the way I need. Love your blog by the way, I work with your friend Amie and we recently baked your Anzac slice at school 🙂 xx
I love a good chocolate ganache. It makes cake extra awesome.
What isn’t made better with chocolate ganache! Great tips, but I tend to be lazy and do mine in the microwave!
HEy dear, you can add that the method 2 is the french bakery method that all studients learn at bakery school. I think it’s saud to be better because of the mixing of ingredients. It’s easier. And we use chocolate in little pieces like money, we call them “pistoles”. Sorry to bring my knowledge that’s a bit show off haha! xx
I do the melt in a bowl over heat with cream method – I’m too impatient to grate it all first!
You are amazing. Seriously. You blow me away with your clever, beautifully-styled food. As someone who struggles with the basics of baking, I’m in awe of how good you are at this.
chocolate ganache rocks my world! I have been known to eat it straight from the tupperware after I have made it 😉
Hahaha that sounds perfect!