If you’ve never had Chocolate Ganache before, you need to! Ganache is a lush, rich and chocolatey dessert topping that sounds fancy and tastes fancy… but the great thing is that ganache so easy to make!
Ganache is the Ultimate Dessert Topping
You are literally just 2 ingredients and 5 minutes away from this amazingness. Once the ganache is whisked, it can be immediately poured over a dessert (like Cookie Dough Brownies or Chocolate Orange Pie) for a silky covering. If you let it sit at room temperature it can also be piped for an amazingly rich dessert topping!
What is Chocolate Ganache?
Chocolate Ganache is a rich and lush dessert topping, almost like a glaze. The difference between a ganache and a glaze is the ingredients (and flavor). Chocolate ganache needs just two ingredients (cream and chocolate) although some bakers add a bit of butter as well.
Once combined, the result is very silky and rich and can be poured, piped or spread over your favorite Chocolate Cakes.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache
This topping couldn’t be easier to make!
- Combine chocolate and hot cream. Allow to sit undisturbed for a few minutes.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Pour or pipe onto desserts. Easy right?
If you are pouring the ganache, you are going to want to let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before refrigerating. This helps keep it nice and shiny. Chocolate ganache can also be whipped with a hand mixer to make an amazing Chocolate frosting!
How to Pipe Chocolate Ganache
Once your ganache has cooled to room temperature, it can be piped. Check the consistency by using a spoon and scooping little bit out, if it will hold a peak, it’s ready.
Place the ganache into a piping bag and simply pipe onto your desserts. If you’d prefer a fluffy ganache frosting, mix it with a hand mixer.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Ganache?
Yes, you can freeze chocolate ganache. I would suggest placing a layer of plastic wrap on the surface. Cover or seal it tightly and freeze. Chocolate Ganache should be defrosted in the fridge overnight and then allow it to sit at room temperature for a few hours before using.
More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Banana Bread – Popular recipe!
- Baileys Brownies
- Peppermint Brownies
- Zucchini Brownies with 1 Minute Frosting – So moist!
- Chocolate Banana Cake
- Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake – Classic dessert recipe!
5 Minute Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat heavy cream to boiling. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 4 minutes without stirring. Whisk until the mixture becomes dark and thick.
- Ganache can immediately be poured over squares or cakes or it can be cooled to room temperature and piped.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert
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Can you use heavy whipping cream or half and half for the heavy cream?
Either of those should turn out fine, Angel!
12 oz is one and 1/2 cup semi sweet correct
It is 12 ounces by weight Precious. Enjoy!
hi cake looks amazing. I was writing down the direction to make it all of a sudden it disappears. How to I get the whole recipe? Thanks for your time
Hi Gerry, there is a recipe card that has the entire recipe. Scroll down the page, or click on the Jump to Recipe button at the top of the post to find it. You’ll find the ingredients and instructions there! Enjoy the recipe!
I looked at some of your recipes, they look absolutely delicious and not so difficult that the average home maker can’t follow.
Thanks Karen! Have fun cooking.
I heated my cream in the microwave and the ganache turned out perfect. THANK YOU! This recipe is great and so easy. I’m wondering if I can leave any leftovers covered on my counter if I use it within a week?
Hi Sheri, I would refrigerate the ganache if wanting to use it for up to a week or pop it into the freezer to save it for longer.
Believe it or not, you CAN improve the ganache. Stir in a large spoonful of peanut butter-it is delicious. I shared homemade chocolate brownies that were topped with this ganache. People asked for the recipe, I thought they meant the brownies, but one gentleman told me “no…I want the topping recipe!”
Oh boy Patti, that sounds so delicious! Great idea.
Can it be whipped for more of a fluffy frosting? Looks delicious
Absolutely Debbie! If you’d prefer a fluffy ganache frosting, mix it with a hand mixer.
I tried this Ganache recipe and it is the BOMB! I will never buy another store frosting again. I used it as a ganache topping for a birthday cake and after an overnight refrigeration it was the best consistency for piping frosting. I even spread it on my blueberry muffin like butter and it is sooooo rich and delicious. (NOTE: since I didn’t have an heavy cream and it was late I used the half and half milk and cream with carnation milk and it works great and to break the sweetness I slowly added lemon powder for a slight tang not too much tough) Wish you had a feature for uploading images. Thanks for this recipe.
So glad you loved it Vivian!! Thanks for sharing the tip about half and half!
Can 2% milk be used instead of heavy cream. Or will this change the consistency. I want to pour or drizzle over a chocolate devil Food cake .
I haven’t tried making ganache with milk before. Since you’re just using it as a drizzle, it might work (as it doesn’t need to set up). Let us know how it goes!
Super easy and I love how versatile ganache is .. you can add this to just about any dessert you want and it will be perfect!
Ummmm… say no more. 5 minute. Chocolate. Ganache. I am trying this ASAP!
Super easy and quick!
I can’t tell you how many time I’m making cupcakes and I wish I had an easy chocolate ganache recipe to make instead of buttercream. Saving this recipe for later!
So I’ve never made ganache before but 2 ingredients?! You cant beat that!! I’ll have to give this recipe a try!!
Yes Amanda!
I love your chocolate ganache! It is a perfect way to top so many dessert recipes and make a dessert extra special! 2 ingredients and just a few minutes prep for a delicious sauce!
It’s a special topping, made with ease!
DID YOU SAY CHOCOLATE GANACHE OVER COOKIE DOUGH BROWNIES. Sold. I’m so sold. This ganache looks awesome – and so insanely easy. I can’t wait to try it out!!
I love how deceptively easy ganache is to whip up! Such a perfect topping for cupcakes too beacuase yours look moist and heavenly!
It’s so much easier than you think :)
If I can make ganache in 5 minutes, I will make it everyday! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Nicole, enjoy!!
I don’t think a week goes by that I’m not making a batch of ganache – it somehow winds up in or on so many of the desserts I make! I am, admittedly, not even a chocolate fan, but my husband sure loves to lick the bowl!
Ganache always looks so luxurious, and your cupcakes look fabulous with it piled high! Thanks for the tips on keeping it nice and shiny. This looks so delicious!
Thank you Ashley!
I guess I can’t use the excuse that I don’t have enough time to make it when it comes to this ganache! Also, I am all over anything chocolate ;)
I agree Cathleen, chocolate is my go to!!
Hi, can ganache be used to cover cake pops? The cany melts Crack over my pops. Maybe adding heavy cream to the candy mixture may prevent that?
Ganache is much softer and won’t work for cake pops. I add a little bit of vegetable oil to my chocolate when coating strawberries. This keeps it from cracking.