Traditional ganache is made using heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate. However, this renegade recipe utilizes a little coconut milk in place of the cream, along with a touch of cocoa powder to create a delicious thick chocolatey icing perfect for topping cakes and brownies.
How to use Ganache: Ganache is traditionally used as a glaze or icing, and it can be whipped to a mousse-like consistency using a mixer for use as a filling in pastries. When ganache is still warm it’s pourable, so you can easily pour and spread it over a pan of brownies or a sheet cake (shown above). You can also use warm ganache to make chocolate dipped strawberries. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, chocolate ganache makes a great icing for frosting cakes or cupcakes.
How to store Ganache: In general, ganache can be left at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you find yourself with leftover ganache, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. To use it, bring it back to room temperature for use as an icing, or rewarm it to use it as a glaze or sauce (warm ganache is delicious over ice cream).
P.S. For those of you who are dairy-free, you can easily use ghee or palm shortening in place of the butter with equally delicious results! (I’ve found it to be similar to butter to use a combination of 2 Tbsp of ghee with 2 Tbsp of palm shortening in this recipe.)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter (if DF, use ghee or palm shortening)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free mini-chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp unsweetened fair trade cacao powder
- 1 tbsp pure coconut milk
- 1/4 cup honey (mild clover honey is best)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Once melted, turn off the heat and add the chocolate chips, slowly whisking until melted.
- Move pan to a cool area on the stovetop and whisk in the cocoa powder, coconut milk and honey.
- Allow mixture to cool to room temperature in order for ganache to firm up (see note below). Then use it to frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes or brownies. Use an offset spatula to evenly distribute the ganache icing.
Notes
In order for the ganache to fully set, you can either leave it out at room temperature until cooled. Or you can refrigerate the ganache briefly, until icing reaches desired firmness – about 20-30 minutes. (Please note: If you refrigerate the ganache overnight, it will harden completely, and will need to come back to room temperature again before you'll be able to use it as frosting/icing.)
Read How to Store Ganache in post above for storage instructions. See How to Use Ganache in post above for more delicious uses for ganache.
That looks So gorgeous! Very very Tempting!!!!!! 😀
Happy new Year! Wish you the best the coming year.
Thanks, Minnie! You are such a sweet blessing – always sharing your encouraging words! Wishing you a super blessed New Year too! 🙂 Kelly
Looks good enough to eat plain! Who needs cake?! 😉
This is wonderful! So glad I tried it. Came together so easily, firmed up beautifully – I will be using this for all of my cakes from now on. I spread it on your decadent fudge brownies – just delicious! I am in love with all of your recipes – your site is my go-to site for EVERYTHING. I always check it first. Your recipes never fail. Thank you!!! I will be asking for your cookbook for Mother’s Day 🙂
You are so sweet, Vittoria. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so happy you are enjoying the recipes! And I’m honored that you’ve asked for my cookbook as a Mother’s Day gift. Be sure to send me an email, because I have a gift for you! ([email protected]) With blessings and gratitude, Kelly 🙂
I just sent you an email – I received it this morning as a mother’s day gift! Also wanted to mention that my husband got the second last copy in all of Ottawa! He spoke to the women at the store and they said they had heard wonderful things about the book too – one of them also owned it and loved it. Thought I’d let you know that it’s quite popular here in Canada as well!!!
Can’t wait to make every recipe. They all look SO good, I don’t know where to start. I feel really great knowing that my family will grow up eating such delicious, healthy baked goods. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into perfecting these recipes!
So great to hear from you! So happy you’re enjoying my cookbook! Enjoyed connecting with you via email! Thanks for your kind note here as well! With blessings, Kelly