Description
A rich and versatile chocolate ganache made with semi-sweet or dark chocolate and heavy cream, perfect for use as a glaze, frosting, or filling for cakes and desserts. This easy stovetop recipe produces a smooth, glossy ganache that can be adjusted for different consistencies.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for added shine and richness)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate: Place the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl to be ready for the hot cream.
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, making sure not to let it boil to prevent scorching.
- Combine Cream and Chocolate: Immediately pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the chocolate pieces.
- Mix Until Smooth: Gently stir the mixture with a whisk or spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy in texture.
- Add Butter and Salt: Stir in the unsalted butter and a pinch of salt, if using, to enhance the richness and add shine to the ganache.
- Cool as Needed: Let the ganache cool slightly before using it as a pourable glaze, or allow it to thicken at room temperature or in the refrigerator for use as a spreadable frosting or filling.
Notes
- Use the ganache while still warm for a smooth, pourable glaze perfect for topping cakes and desserts.
- For a thicker, spreadable consistency suitable for frosting, allow the ganache to cool at room temperature or refrigerate briefly.
- You can substitute milk or white chocolate for semi-sweet/dark chocolate, but you may need to adjust the cream amounts slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
- Adding the optional butter enhances shine and richness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
