Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    Four Simple Tasks to Complete Right Now to Make Your Entire Home a Little Greener

    Four Simple Tasks to Complete Right Now to Make Your Entire Home a Little Greener

    Our experts share the to-dos that will can make your home so much more eco-friendly.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Plant a Beautiful Perennial Garden

    How to Plant a Beautiful Perennial Garden

    Create a living work of art with a variety of flowers and plants, colors, and textures.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Dessert & Treats Recipes
  5. Ganache 101

Ganache 101

January 17, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
ganache-making-mld107823.jpg
Credit: Tara Donne
Think of it as the gift that keeps on giving. Start with our easy and irresistible chocolate ganache recipe, then adapt it for all kinds of uses.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ganache

ganache-making-mld107823.jpg
Credit: Tara Donne
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Think of it as the gift that keeps on giving. Start with our easy and irresistible chocolate ganache recipe, then adapt it for all kinds of uses.

Easy as 1-2-3

Chop. Pour. Stir. Nothing up your sleeve, no sleight of hand. Those three basic steps are all there is to making an irresistible batch of ganache. Despite its French name, ganache is nothing elaborate -- chopped chocolate melted in heated heavy cream, with just a bit of salt to bring out the flavor.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Get It While It's Warm, Hot, or Cold

ganache-101-1-mld107823.jpg

One simple recipe spins off into multiple chocolaty directions. The application varies depending on the temperature -- and therefore the consistency -- of the ganache, but the ingredients stay the same. While it's still warm, ganache can be poured directly from the bowl over a cake for a can't-fail glaze. Or piped into tartlets. Or it can be cooled to room temperature and whipped into a fluffy frosting or whoopie pie filling. Mixed with some peanut butter, chilled, and rolled, it turns into truffles.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 1: Chop the Chocolate

ganache-chop-mld107823.jpg
Credit: Tara Donne

Our basic ganache recipe (which can easily be multiplied) is the base for all the variations that follow. First, coarsely chop 8 ounces of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (we like 61 percent cacao). A serrated knife is best for the job; its sawlike teeth grab the chocolate, breaking it up.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 2: Heat Cream

ganache-heavy-cream-mld107823.jpg
Credit: Tara Donne

Bring 1 cup heavy cream just to a boil over medium-high heat. Pour over chocolate and add 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt. Let stand for 10 minutes (don’t stir -- doing so will cool the ganache too quickly, making it grainy).

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 3: Whisk the Mix

ganache-mixing-mld107823.jpg
Credit: Tara Donne

Stir with a whisk until smooth and shiny to break up any pieces and emulsify the cream and chocolate.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 4: Scrape the Bowl

ganache
Credit: Tara Donne

Chocolate will often settle on the bottom or sides of the bowl. Scrape the dish with a rubber spatula to incorporate all of it.

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How to Fix Broken Ganache

chocolate ganache glaze
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If the fat starts to separate from the cream, much like the oil in a vinaigrette, fret not. To bring a "broken" ganache back, whisk in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is smooth and emulsified again. Resist the impulse to add cream, which will disrupt the ratio of chocolate to fat (generally, 1 ounce chopped chocolate for every fluid ounce of heavy cream -- plus 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt for every 8 ounces chocolate).

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Warm Ganache: Cake Glaze

ganache-glaze-mld107823.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

While ganache is still hot and fluid, it makes a showstopping pour-on cake glaze or a glossy filling for tartlets. Before pouring the ganache, set cake on a wire rack over a baking sheet. The excess will pool in the tray and you’ll be able to cleanly lift the cake away (and equally important, reuse any leftovers).

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Warm Ganache: Filling

ganache-filling-mld107823.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For more precise applications, such as filling tartlets, use a disposable pastry bag with a small opening, which will provide control as you pipe the liquid.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Room-Temperature Ganache: Frosting

ganache-whip-mld107823.jpg

When beaten at room temperature, ganache fluffs up like whipped cream (which, given its heavy-cream content, makes perfect sense). For a smoother and denser frosting, whip the ganache less; for a fluffier, lighter one, whip it longer.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Room-Temperature Ganache: Whipped Filling

ganache-whipped-filling-mld107823.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ganache that has cooled to room temperature can be used as a whipped filling. As it cools, stir often for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat it with a mixer on medium-high speed until paler and fluffy, 2 to 4 minutes. (1 1/2 cups ganache will yield about 2 cups when whipped.) Transfer to a disposable pastry bag with a large opening and use it as a filling for mini whoopie pies.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Room-Temperature Ganache: Whipped Frosting

ganache-whipped-frosting-mld107823.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Alternatively, spread whipped ganache frosting over cupcakes.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chilled Ganache: Truffles

ganache-truffles-1-mld107823.jpg

Refrigerated and firmed up, ganache has the perfect texture for rolling into truffles. Double or even triple batches of ganache can be used to make holiday and hostess gifts.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chilled Ganache: Peanut Butter Truffles

ganache-truffles-3-mld107823.jpg
Credit: Emily Kate Roemer
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The batch here was flavored with peanut butter. Adding liqueur or a flavored extract is another option, as is rolling straight-up chilled ganache.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

More Ganache Ideas

mld106677_0211_hotfudge.jpg

Just when you think you’ve run through all the possibilities, there are more: You can alter the richness depending on the percentage of cacao beans in the chocolate. And not a drop should go to waste. When you glaze a cake and some spatters off to the side, scoop it up and serve it over ice cream or crepes. Or mix it with warm milk, and tuck into a nice cup of hot chocolate.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 15 Ganache
    2 of 15 Get It While It's Warm, Hot, or Cold
    3 of 15 Step 1: Chop the Chocolate
    4 of 15 Step 2: Heat Cream
    5 of 15 Step 3: Whisk the Mix
    6 of 15 Step 4: Scrape the Bowl
    7 of 15 How to Fix Broken Ganache
    8 of 15 Warm Ganache: Cake Glaze
    9 of 15 Warm Ganache: Filling
    10 of 15 Room-Temperature Ganache: Frosting
    11 of 15 Room-Temperature Ganache: Whipped Filling
    12 of 15 Room-Temperature Ganache: Whipped Frosting
    13 of 15 Chilled Ganache: Truffles
    14 of 15 Chilled Ganache: Peanut Butter Truffles
    15 of 15 More Ganache Ideas

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Martha Stewart

    • Cookware Sets
    • Living Room Furniture
    • Area Rugs
    • Garden Tools
    • Dinnerware Sets
    • Patio Furniture
    • Window Treatments
    • Duvet Covers
    • Bakeware Sets
    • Craft Kits
    • Shop More

    Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Martha Stewart

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Sitemap
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    View image

    Ganache 101
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.