Description
This Easy Chocolate Ganache Recipe is a simple, rich, and versatile chocolate sauce made from just a few ingredients. Perfect for glazing cakes, filling cupcakes, topping desserts, or creating luscious truffles, this ganache offers a smooth and glossy texture with an optional buttery shine and balanced sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Ganache
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate into a heatproof bowl to get ready for the cream.
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil to avoid scorching.
- Combine cream and chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften completely.
- Whisk to smooth: Gently whisk the chocolate and cream together until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully integrated.
- Add butter and salt: Stir in the unsalted butter and a pinch of salt if using, then continue whisking until they are completely melted and incorporated, enhancing shine and flavor.
- Adjust consistency: Let the ganache cool slightly before using. Use it warm as a pourable glaze, or let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate briefly for a thicker, spreadable, or pipeable consistency.
Notes
- This ganache is incredibly versatile, perfect as a glaze, cake filling, cupcake topping, or base for truffles.
- For added flavor, you can stir in a splash of vanilla extract, espresso, or your favorite liqueur after whisking the ganache.
- Store any leftover ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before use.
