How to Make Chocolate Ganache

How to Make Chocolate Ganache

1. Chop the Chocolate

• Coarsely chop the chocolate with a serrated knife then transfer to a heatproof bowl.
• You can use chocolate chips, but since they have ingredients added to help them keep their chip shape, you’re best off using a bar of baking chocolate and chopping it yourself.
• Since ganache has only two ingredients, be sure to use the highest quality ingredients possible for the best flavor.
• You can use milk or white chocolate, but note that since they contain much more milk than semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, they can be more susceptible to heat damage. This means you must be very careful not to overheat. Additionally, the extra milk in these chocolates also makes for a softer ganache, so reduce the amount of cream used.

2. Heat the Cream

• Bring the cream to just a boil over medium-high heat. Don’t allow the cream to boil over!
• You can also heat the cream in the microwave, but watch it carefully.
• Pour the heated cream over the chopped chocolate and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, to allow the hot cream to melt the chocolate, and to allow the overall temperature to reduce. Emulsions like ganache form better at 90 to 110°F.
• The higher the fat content of the cream, the richer and more stable the ganache will be.
• Heavy whipping cream is the traditional choice, but you can even use crème fraiche or sour cream. You’ll just need to heat the crème fraiche/sour cream and chocolate together in a double boiler until melted and smooth.
• You might be able to get away with using nondairy alternatives such as soy milk or almond milk, but the texture will not be as rich and creamy.

3. Whisk

• Start slowly, then vigorously whisk the mixture in one direction until smooth and creamy.
• This may take a little while, just keeping whisking.
• The ingredients won’t want to mix at first, but by forcing them to do so, we are creating an emulsion, which leads to that thick, rich texture everyone loves about ganache.

Basic Ganache Ratios

The ratio of chocolate to cream greatly impacts the final texture. Which ratio to use will depend on your need and preferences. These ratios don’t have to be perfect, you can increase or decrease the chocolate to cream depending on your desired consistency. Note that as ganache cools, it becomes increasingly thick and solid.

1:1 Ratio Ganache

To make ganache for a layer cake filling or to cover with a thick glaze, like with my Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream, use equal parts chocolate and cream.

To glaze a cake, cheesecake, or other dessert with ganache:

• Let the ganache sit uncovered until it’s at room temperature, about 15 minutes, before pouring over the cake.
• Start pouring in the middle gently working your way to the edges.
• You can either do a single coating or let the ganache pour over the sides.

2:1 Ratio Ganache

• For a very thick, almost solid fudge-like ganache which is perfect for making truffles or thick fillings for cookie sandwiches, macarons, or tarts, you want to use twice as much chocolate compared to the cream.
• This would mean 8 ounces of chocolate to 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of cream.
• This ganache will become solidified as it cools, especially in the fridge.
• To make for a solid yet chewy texture and shiny appearance, add a tablespoon of corn syrup along with the cream.

For tons of tips on making truffles, check out my Ultimate Truffle Guide.

1:2 Ratio Ganache

• For thin, pourable ganache glaze use a 1:2 ratio, one part chocolate to two parts cream.
• This is great for dipping fruit in or pouring over ice cream!
• It’s especially perfect for making whipped ganache, which is photographed above.
• Whipped ganache tastes like a combination of chocolate whipped cream and chocolate mousse.

Ganache Flavor Options

Some of these flavor additions may change the consistency of the ganache. Add more cream or chocolate as you see fit.

• Salt: To bring out the sweet flavor of the ganache, add 1/8 teaspoon salt to the hot mixture.
• Liqueurs and Brandies: Substitute 1 to 2 ounces of the cream with a flavored liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Bailey’s, Chambord, or a brandy such as Armagnac to the warm ganache.
• Other flavorings: Add flavored extracts, fruit purees, espresso powder, or spices to the warm ganache.
• Peanut Butter or Nutella: Add 2 tablespoons to a 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter or Nutella along with the chopped chocolate to the hot cream.
• Cream infusion: As you heat the cream, infuse it with flavor. Bring to a boil, then add fresh mint leaves, tea, herbs such as lavender, coffee beans, or citrus zest and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain before using. Note that you may need to rewarm the cream before adding it to the chocolate.

Storage: How to Store Ganache

• Always store with a piece of plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent any film or crust from forming.
• The general rule is that classic ganache may stay at room temperature for up to 2 days, then must be refrigerated.
• If you’d rather be safe (which I recommend), keep it refrigerated for all storage.
• Ganache can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the fridge then let come to room temperature before using.
• The reason some classic ganache recipes can be stored at room temperature (though some would disagree with that) is because the sugar and fat content is so high it actually binds the water together in a way that microorganisms can’t utilize it to grow and thrive. Because of this I feel comfortable leaving ganache out at a cool room temperature for several hours if I need to.