I think everyone who loves dessert, should know how to make ganache! It’s easy and has essentially two ingredients. You can use this chocolate decadence for truffles, cakes, cookies, cake decorating — the possibilities are endless! And you can make ganache ahead of time, to boot! What is ganache? Let’s learn . . .
Here’s the deal. Next week I’m throwing a very sweet dessert party — a virtual one, that is. It’s happening right here on Cooking On The Weekends, and it’s just for you!
Whenever I have a party of any kind, I do as many of the preparations ahead of time as possible. So this week, we’re making a few of the key ingredients we’ll need for our dessert party. Let’s start with learning how to make Ganache , since after all, everyone should know how to make this incredibly rich, chocolate creation. We’ll need it for our Salted Caramel Chocolates. Getting excited!? I am!
What is Ganache?
- Ganache is a mixture of one part chocolate and one part heavy cream.
- Ganache can be used as a dessert sauce, a glaze or filling for pastries and cakes, for making traditional chocolate truffles, and the list goes on.
- Flavors can be added to ganache, typically liqueurs, and usually dark or semi-sweet chocolate is used.
- The quality of chocolate you use is, of course, very important. I’m loving Scharffen Berger right now, but use your favorite — as long as it’s good quality!
- When you use the ganache for things like truffles, it has to set in the refrigerator first. This makes it easy to scoop it. And of course, if you’re glazing a cake, it must be warm and pourable.
- It’s quick and easy to make ganache ahead of time. Even better!
Ok, let’s focus! We have a party to get ready for!
It’s a beautiful process.
The finely chopped chocolate . . . 
adding the hot cream with vanilla . . .
and mixing it all together to form gorgeous chocolate deliciousness. At first it might look like it’s not coming together — keep stirring gently and you’ll soon see the magic happen.
And that’s it! Wasn’t that easy?
Now you know how to make Ganache. Yay!
Enjoy!
You can use this chocolate decadence for truffles, cakes, cookies, decorating -- the possibilities are endless!
*Makes 2 cups
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 8 ounces heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Finely chop the chocolate and add it to a stainless steel mixing bowl.
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In a small saucepan, scald the cream with the vanilla. Tiny bubbles will appear on the edges of the pan and it should be very hot, but not boiling.
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Pour the cream over the chocolate. Do not stir it yet - wait about 4 minutes and then, use a wooden spoon and gently stir to combine. It will take a few minutes of mixing before you'll see it come together.
If you want a nice sheen in your ganache -- if you're glazing a cake, for example -- add a tablespoon of light corn syrup to the cream while you're heating it.
You can make the ganache up to a week ahead of time. It should be
stored in the refrigerator, and then gently warmed it in a small saucepan -- just to melt it. (Unless you're making truffles, in which case, you'll want it to be solid.)
G-G-Good G-G-Ganache! G-G-GREG
It’s my Mum’s birthday today and I’m making ganache for a cake that I’m baking. Will use your recipe!
Fantastic! I love glazing cakes with ganache! The best. Enjoy.
I love making ganache, will try your recipe next time!
Thanks, Emily! 🙂
I just want to bake something just so I can eat this! I love anything with chocolate!
You don’t even need anything to go with it. Just a spoon! 😉
Years ago, I always thought ganache was this super complicated thing that only professional bakers can do, but this is SO easy and decadent!!
I did too before I ever made it. Try it! You’ll make it all the time once you do. 🙂
So simple, yet so effective! Smooth gorgeous ganache makes everything better 🙂
Thanks! Yes simple and delicious!
I have never made this, but now I want to give it a try!
You must. After you try it, you’ll be making it all the time.