Ah, chocolate ganache frosting—just saying it makes my mouth water. You know, it’s like wrapping a cozy blanket of decadence around your favorite cake. I remember the first time I tasted this, it felt like a hug from an old friend—warm, rich, and utterly comforting.
With just a hint of bitterness from the chocolate, it’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your tongue. Speaking of dancing, did you catch the latest viral dance trend on TikTok? But back to ganache, it’s the kind of frosting that makes everything feel just a little bit more special, like finding a surprise $20 in your jacket pocket.
Steps
- Warm the cream in a saucepan until it’s just below boiling, being careful not to let it actually boil.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Pour the heated cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, whisk the mixture until the chocolate melts completely and becomes smooth.
- Allow the ganache to reach room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap. Let it cool and thicken, which should take around 2 to 3 hours at room temperature.
- Once the ganache is cooled, whip it with a mixer on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 4 minutes.
- Use the whipped ganache to spread or pipe on cakes or cupcakes as desired. If the ganache becomes too hard in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to work with.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (can also use heavy cream or double cream)
- 12 ounces dark chocolate (with approximately 54-55% cocoa solids), chopped
- 1 pinch kosher salt (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3264 | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 276g | Saturated Fat: 168g | Cholesterol: 504mg | Sodium: 240mg | Potassium: 2700mg | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 5376IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 480mg | Iron: 36mg
FAQ
- What is chocolate ganache frosting?
- Chocolate ganache frosting is a simple and versatile topping made primarily from chocolate and cream. It can be used as a frosting, glaze, filling, or even enjoyed on its own due to its rich and creamy texture.
- What type of chocolate should I use for ganache frosting?
- It is recommended to use dark chocolate with around 55% cocoa solids. This percentage ensures the chocolate melts easily, tastes great without being overly sweet, and sets well in the cream.
- How do I make chocolate ganache frosting?
- Begin by heating cream until it’s just about to boil. Pour it over chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Whisk the mixture until smooth, then refrigerate until it’s cool and slightly firm. Finally, whip the ganache until it’s fluffy and forms medium-stiff peaks.
- Can I make ganache without whipping it?
- Yes, you can skip the whipping process if you prefer. Instead, stir the mixture every fifteen minutes while it chills. This will result in a denser frosting with a slightly smaller yield.
- What should I do if my ganache becomes too hard in the fridge?
- If the ganache hardens too much in the refrigerator, simply leave it at room temperature until it softens enough to whip or spread.
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate with around 54-55% cocoa solids to ensure the ganache sets properly and achieves the best flavor.
- Avoid boiling the cream to prevent a skin from forming; instead, heat it just below the boiling point for optimal results.
- To achieve a spreadable consistency, allow the ganache to cool completely at room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap to avoid condensation.
- If you prefer a denser frosting and don’t have a mixer, skip the whipping and stir the mixture every fifteen minutes as it chills.
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl – If you don’t already have a suitable mixing bowl, this is essential for combining the chocolate and cream.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – While you can whisk by hand, a mixer is useful for whipping the ganache to a fluffy consistency.
- Plastic Wrap – For covering the ganache while it cools.
- Piping Bags and Tips – If you intend to pipe the frosting onto cupcakes or a cake.
