Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Are you ready for a simple recipe that always impresses and tastes great? Chocolate Ganache! It is an easy and delicious way to top a cake, have a rich filling in a layer cake or make beautifully topped cupcakes. The best part? You only need 2 ingredients. I like to add a little vanilla but that is optional. You can make this decadent topping with just 2 ingredients. Be sure to use a high quality chocolate. The better your chocolate, the better the ganache will be.

I like to use a 1:1 ratio of heavy cream and chocolate. This works well for most desserts. You can also change the ratios some depending on what you are using it for. If you want a thicker ganache you can add more chocolate. If you want the ganache a little thinner so it is lighter and easier to whip, you can add more cream. If you’ve never made it before, starting with a 1:1 ratio is a great place to start. Ready?

Ganache

Easy and Delicious Ganache

8 ounces Heavy Cream (also called Double Cream)
8 ounces Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate (good quality)
1 tsp vanilla (optional)

Chop the chocolate into fine pieces. Try to make sure there are no large chunks.
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Do not let the cream boil.
Once the cream starts steaming, pour it over the chocolate.
Immediately cover the bowl for just a couple of minutes to let the chocolate start melting.
Stir the cream and chocolate until it comes together and is smooth. At first it may not look like it is coming together but just keep stirring. It will turn out beautiful in the end.
Optional – Once it is all smooth, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla
Let ganache set for a few minutes to cool some. Enjoy!

You can use the ganache while it is still more liquid to pour over cakes or dip cupcakes. The longer you let it sit, the firmer it will become. You can also put it in the refrigerator for 45 minutes to an hour and then whip it into a beautiful whipped ganache frosting. I also like to put a little in a piping bag before it hardens and drizzle it over vanilla buttercream. However you use it, you are sure to love it!