Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Published by Izzy

on Sep 20, 2022, Updated Oct 12, 2023

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When you taste this sweet and delicious Chocolate Ganache Frosting, you’ll never want to get store-bought frosting again! It’s perfectly creamy and smooth.

Impress your guests with a cake topped with this creamy and delicious chocolate ganache frosting. The rich chocolate flavor is utterly irresitable.

What Is Ganache?

Ganache is a type of frosting, icing, glaze, or filling that’s made with equal amounts (by weight) of chocolate and cream. The cream is heated and added to the chocolate and the mixture is whisked until smooth. Ganache can be used to drizzle over pastries, as frosting on cakes, or whipped until light and fluffy to use as icing on cupcakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

heavy whipping cream
dark chocolate
kosher salt (optional)

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How to Make Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Heat the cream in a small saucepan or the microwave until hot and bubbling.
Place the chocolate pieces in a medium bowl and pour the hot cream on top. Set aside for 5 minutes. Add the optional salt and whisk until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to cool and thicken. The frosting will fully cool in about 2 hours at room temperature. If you prefer to use the fridge, the frosting will cool faster, but you will need to stir it a few times to ensure it is smooth.
For whipped frosting, beat at medium speed for about 3 minutes or until it is fluffy and light and stiff peaks form.

Tips And Tricks

Choose good quality chocolate with about 55% cacao solids. This will help ensure the ganache sets properly.
For a sweeter ganache, use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
For a smaller amount of rich, dense ganache, whisk it every 15 minutes as it chills instead of whipping it.
Create a different flavor profile by adding extracts like vanilla or peppermint, or liqueurs like Baileys or Kahlua.

What’s The Best Chocolate To Use For Ganache Frosting?

Dark chocolate with 55% cocoa solids will produce a firm ganache that isn’t overly sweet. If you prefer a sweeter ganache, use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.

What’s The Difference Between Chocolate Ganache And Chocolate Frosting?

The main difference between chocolate ganache and chocolate frosting is the ingredients. Chocolate frosting features a butter base with powdered cocoa and powdered sugar. Ganache is made by melting solid chocolate in warm heavy cream. Both can be added to desserts but chocolate ganache has a more intense chocolate flavor.

Does Chocolate Ganache Frosting Harden With Time?

As chocolate ganache cools, it will develop a thicker, fudge-like consistency but it won’t become overly hard. To soften chilled ganache, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can You Frost A Cake With Chocolate Ganache?

Yes. Chocolate ganache is delicious as a frosting. The ganache can be poured over the cake or it can be whipped until light and fluffy and spread on the cake.

How To Store Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Place the ganache in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a film from forming. Ganache can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Ganache Frosting?

Yes. Place the ganache in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the ganache in the fridge overnight before using.