Description
This classic Chocolate Ganache recipe combines rich semi-sweet chocolate with creamy heavy whipping cream to create a versatile, smooth, and luscious frosting or glaze. Perfect for drizzling over cakes and ice creams, piping decorative swirls on cupcakes, or whipping into a fluffy frosting, this ganache is simple to prepare yet indulgently delicious.
Ingredients
Ganache
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat cream: Add the heavy cream to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Bring the cream just to a simmer, making sure it does not boil to avoid scorching.
- Combine chocolate and cream: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a medium-size heatproof bowl. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate thoroughly.
- Stir ganache: After 2 minutes, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly with a spoon or rubber spatula until the ganache is completely smooth and glossy with no lumps remaining.
- Use as drip or drizzle: Immediately pour the ganache over cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream to create a shiny, smooth drip or drizzle effect.
- Prepare piped ganache: For piping, let the ganache sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until it thickens and solidifies enough to be transferred into a piping bag fitted with a pastry tip. Pipe as desired.
- Make whipped ganache: Let the ganache cool and solidify at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Then, using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the ganache on medium speed for about 5 minutes until fluffy and slightly lighter in color. Transfer to a piping bag and use immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap as whipped ganache dries out fast.
- Reheat if needed: To revert solid ganache to a pourable drip consistency, microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until desired smoothness is achieved.
Notes
- Storage: Keep any leftover ganache in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
- Yield specifics: Drip/drizzle ganache yields about 1½ cups, enough to cover approximately 12 cupcakes.
- Piped ganache quantity covers about 6 cupcakes with a light-medium amount; double the recipe for 12 cupcakes.
- Whipped ganache yields nearly 3 cups, sufficient to pipe 12 cupcakes.
- Use whipped ganache immediately or keep tightly covered to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
