Ganache is a delicious chocolate and cream mixture that can be used in many different ways.
Most often, it is used as a cake filling or icing.
But what do you do with the extra ganache?
Today, I will share with you some ideas to help you use up all of that chocolatey goodness.
Get creative and make a cake
Making a cake or cupcakes with leftover ganache is a great way to use up the extra.
To do this, thin your ganache slightly to make it slightly more runny and easy to spread.
Once the cake is cooled, spread a thin layer of ganache on top and let it cool back down.
If you want, you can add another layer of filling by repeating this process with extra ganache (and another thin layer of chocolate.)
Make chocolate truffles
Believe it or not, ganache can be used to make truffles.
This is a great way to use up extra chocolatey goodness because you are consuming the majority of your leftover ganache anyways.
Chop up some high-quality chocolate and melt it down in the microwave with heavy cream.
Once the mixture is smooth, roll it into balls and coat them in delicious toppings.
Some suggestions are cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or crushed nuts.
Make chocolate bark
This recipe is very similar to making truffles but with a few differences.
The difference between these two treats is that bark spreads out, unlike truffles, making bark easier to create.
To make chocolate bark, simply follow the steps above.
Use it as an icing or filling for cookies
This one is probably my favorite way to use leftover ganache because I love getting creative in the kitchen.
There are many different types of cookies that you can make with ganache as an icing or filling.
Some of my favorites include chocolate-dipped gingerbread men, mocha and white chocolate cookies with ganache icing, and assorted homemade Oreos.
Add it to your coffee
I’m not going to lie – this one sounds a little strange at first because we don’t typically associate hot coffee drinks with chocolaty desserts.
That is what makes this idea so special.
This is a great way to mix salty and sweet flavors together.
To do this, you will want to add some ganache to either your coffee grounds or hot milk before brewing then tops with whipped cream once it’s done.
Add it to ice cream
I love making coffee ice cream with chocolate syrup, so why not try this same idea but with ganache instead?
It’s a great way to mix salty and sweet flavors together.
All you have to do is add some cold (or hot) ganache into your favorite pint of ice cream.
Then, you can either eat it immediately or put it in the freezer for a few minutes to make it extra thick.
Make some hot chocolate.
This one seems pretty obvious but is one of my favorite wintertimes treats to make with leftover ganache.
To make this, you will want to add some hot water and mix in your leftover ganache.
Once mixed, you are done.
I like adding marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, and/or white chocolate chips to make it extra delicious.
Make chocolate milk
This one is great for kids because they can never have too much chocolate milk, right?
All you want to do is add some ganache into your milk of choice (skim or other) and mix until combined.
Then, you are good to go.
Add it to your oatmeal/breakfast cereal
I have always loved hot chocolate so adding ganache into my morning breakfast is a great way to mix salty and sweet flavors together.
You can add in some ganache when cooking your oatmeal or even better, you can mix it with your favorite cold breakfast cereal for a delicious chocolatey treat.
Dip fruit in it
This one is great for summer because who doesn’t love fresh fruit?
All you have to do is dip your favorite fruit into some melted ganache, let the excess drip off, and then top with some sprinkles if you want.
This is a perfect treat to enjoy by the pool or at picnics.
Pour it over fruit as a sauce for dessert
This one is a classic and my favorite way to enjoy fresh fruit.
All you have to do is cut up some of your favorite fruits, pour over some ganache as a sauce, and top with whipped cream.
Some favorites include raspberries, strawberries, bananas, mangoes, and oranges.
Use as frosting on cupcakes or other desserts
This one is a great way to use leftover ganache that may have gotten too thick.
All you have to do is whip up some ganache with a hand mixer until creamy and spreadable.
Freeze it into popsicles
This one is a very creative way to enjoy fresh fruits in the summertime or even frozen fruits in the wintertime.
All you have to do is pour your ganache into some popsicle molds and add in any additional ingredients if desired.
Then, just freeze until solid and enjoy.
This is a great way to use up summer fruits before they go bad.
In addition, I love making these with frozen blackberries or raspberries in the wintertime.
What are some variations of ganache?
There are many variations of ganache, but the most common are dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate.
What is the difference between ganache and frosting?
Ganache is made with chocolate and cream, while frosting is made with sugar, butter, and shortening.
What are some uses for ganache?
Ganache can be used as icing, filling, or topping on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and other desserts.
How do you store ganache?
You can store ganache in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If chocolate begins to bloom (white film forms on the top), this means it has spoiled and you should not eat it.
To prevent blooming, add a bit of hot water to your ganache before you store it, then let it cool to room temperature before placing it into the refrigerator.
How do you make ganache?
To make the ganache, first, melt chocolate in a microwave or double boiler, then pour the boiling cream over top and stir until well combined.
You can add in any additional ingredients (like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, etc.) if desired.
How do you thin out ganache?
You can thicken or thin out ganache by adding more cream or hot water to it as needed.
If your ganache has become too firm and stiff, simply add a bit of hot water to it and stir until desired consistency is reached.
If your ganache has become too thin, add a bit of powdered sugar to it and whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Some different ways to enjoy leftover ganache.
Whether you are looking for a new way to add chocolatey goodness into your breakfast, want a delicious frosting for your next batch of cupcakes, or need a yummy sauce for a fruit dessert, these ideas will definitely hit the spot.
What is your favorite way to enjoy ganache?
Let me know.
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