Best Chocolate Ganache Frosting Recipes

DARK-CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans; dust with cocoa, tapping out excess. Line bottom of each pan with a round of parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in chocolate and vanilla. With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture in three parts and buttermilk in two, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
• Divide batter between prepared pans; smooth tops. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pans 15 minutes; run a knife around edge of each pan, and invert cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• Set a rimmed baking sheet upside down on a work surface. Place one cake on sheet, and spread top with 1/3 of ganache. Place second cake on top, and spread remaining ganache over top and sides of cake. Using two wide metal spatulas, carefully transfer frosted cake to a serving platter.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE WITH VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING AND CHOCOLATE GANACHE GLAZE

Steps:

• To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil 3 (10-inch) cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper. Alternately, oil the pans and then flour them.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the brown sugar and oil. Turn on the mixer to a low speed and mix in the eggs. Let the sugar, oil, and eggs mix while sifting together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Set this mixture aside.
• In another small bowl, mix the vanilla into the milk and set this aside as well. Bring the water to a boil and pour over the cocoa and whisk it until it is smooth. To the egg mixture, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk mixture beginning and ending with flour. With the mixer off, scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. With the mixture at a low speed add the cocoa. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and pour this mixture into the prepared cake pans. Bake the cake for approximately 15 minutes or until tester comes out clean. When cake layers have cooled, remove from pans and refrigerate until cold.
• To make the frosting: In an electric mixing bowl place the soft butter and beat it on a low speed while adding powdered sugar. When all the sugar is mixed in, turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the vanilla and salt and let the mixer beat for 5 to 7 minutes on a medium speed. Fill and frost the cake and refrigerate it for 10 to 20 minutes to set up the frosting.
• To make the ganache: In a heatproof bowl, place the chocolate chips and the corn syrup. Bring the heavy cream to a full boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate and whisk it until smooth then set it aside.Pour ganache over the top of the cake and, with a cake spatula, smooth the top of the cake and allow ganache to spill over the sides. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or longer.
• Serve the cake cold or allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

FUDGY DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-by-2-inch round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Butter parchment; dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa and hot water until smooth. Whisk in sour cream; let cool, then whisk in chocolate. Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating to combine after each addition; scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the cocoa mixture and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until combined.
• Divide batter between prepared pans (or muffin tins lined with paper liners); smooth with an offset spatula. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes (18 to 20 minutes for cupcakes).
• Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto rack; peel off parchment. Re-invert cakes; let cool completely, top sides up.
• Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cake layers to level. Transfer a cake layer to a cake turntable or platter to frost. Using an offset spatula, spread 3/4 cup frosting on top. Set remaining cake layer into place.
• Spread remaining frosting over entire cake, swirling to coat. Serve immediately, or cover with a cake dome and refrigerate; let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

SALTED DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 8-inch round cake tins with parchment paper. Place the flour, cocoa, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, dark chocolate and vanilla in a large bowl and whisk until smooth. (You may need to use a spatula to start, but use a whisk once the ingredients begin to combine.) Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
• Make the ganache: Place the sour cream and melted chocolate in a large bowl. Whisk to combine and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes or until firm. Place 1 of the cakes on a cake stand or plate. Spread with half the ganache. Top with the remaining cake and ganache. Sprinkle with the salt to serve.

DECADENT DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• grease and flour pans. Combine dry ingredients. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 Cup boiling water. (batter will be thin) Pour into pans. Bake 30 minutes at about 350. cool and freeze cake.
• For the chocolate ganache frosting: combine chocolate chips and heated whipping cream and stir until smooth. Put over the frozen cake and the ganache will set faster. Store in the fridge.

VEGAN CHOCOLATE-GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Place semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Bring coconut milk just to a boil; pour over chocolate.
• Let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool, stirring occasionally,until thick, about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

DEVIL'S FOOD CUPCAKES WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
• Melt chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. In a bowl, stir baking soda into the boiling water; stir this mixture into chocolate. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture is light and pale yellow in color. Add eggs, one at a time, and continue to mix until thoroughly incorporated. Add flour and buttermilk, alternating between small amounts of each, and blend well.
• Add the melted chocolate and vanilla to the batter, and stir well. Pour the batter into the paper cups, and bake until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake, about 30 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the oven, and allow them to cool briefly in the muffin tin before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ice, and serve.

WHIPPED CHOCOLATE GANACHE FILLING (OR FROSTING)

Steps:

• Place chopped chocolate in a medium-sized bowl.
• Heat heavy cream and sugar (if using) in a large heavy saucepan over med-hi heat until it simmers gently.
• Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir gently until the chocolate is mostly melted.
• Let stand for 15mins to be sure all chocolate is melted.
• Stir ganache gently until perfectly smooth, let cool.
• Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight (it must be very cold or it will curdle when it's whipped; ganache can be made up to 4 days ahead).
• When you're ready to assemble the cake (and NOT before), whip ganache until it's stiff enough to hold a nice shape and seems spreadable (Don't overwhip; overwhipped ganache looks granular, so watch carefully).
• Spread whipped ganache immediately, as it will firm as it sits.
• NOTE: if using 50-60% bittersweet chocolate, use 8 oz of chocolate and omit the sugar; if using 60-64% chocolate, use 7 oz of chocolate and omit sugar; if using 66-72% chocolate, use 6 oz and add the optional sugar to give the ganache a bit of'lift'.
• If you're just using this as a filling, halve the recipe.
• If you're glazing the cake with a chocolate glaze, chill the filled cake for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days) before glazing.

THROWDOWN'S GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH COCONUT-PECAN-CAJETA FROSTING, CHOCOLATE GANACHE AND COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• For the cajeta filling/frosting:
• Bring the milk, coconut milk and goat's milk to a simmer over low heat in a small saucepan. Keep warm while you prepare the caramel.
• Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over high heat and cook (do not stir) until it becomes a deep amber brown color. Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until smooth; add the vanilla seeds and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sauce is reduced by half and is the consistency of a caramel sauce, about 55 minutes.
• Once the sauce is reduced, remove from the heat and whisk in the cold butter, vanilla extract, salt and rum and whisk until combined. Transfer the sauce to a medium bowl and stir in the pecans and coconut. Let the frosting cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally before frosting the cake.
• For the ganache:
• Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Put the chocolate into a medium bowl, add the hot cream and the corn syrup and let sit for 30 seconds. Gently whisk until smooth. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before pouring over the cake.
• For the chocolate cake:
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter 2 (9-inch) cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
• Melt the 12 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, add the sugars and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Add the coffee, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract and continue whisking until smooth and just combined. Slowly add the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture until combined.
• Divide the batter evenly between the 2 pans and bake on the middle rack until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 42 minutes. Let cool in the pans on a baking rack for 20 minutes. Then invert the cakes onto the baking rack and let cool for at least 1 hour before frosting. Slice each cake in half horizontally. Put 1 cake layer on a cake round or platter and spread 1/3 of the frosting evenly over the top, repeat to make 3 layers and top with the remaining cake layer, top side up. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• For the coconut whipped cream:
• Combine the heavy cream, coconut milk, sugar, rum and vanilla in a stand mixer and mix until soft peaks form. Slice the cake, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with some of the toasted coconut.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH GANACHE AND MARSHMALLOW FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 regular size cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl using an electric mixer on low speed, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, half-and-half, oil, and vanilla and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until fully combined.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until the cupcakes spring back when touched with your finger, 10 to 15. Let cool in the pans for a few minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Dip the tops of the cupcakes in Chocolate Ganache. Pipe Marshmallow Frosting onto the cupcakes using a pastry bag and your favorite tip.
• In a medium saucepan, bring the whipping cream to a simmer. Take off the heat and add the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
• Place egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan with boiling water. Whisk constantly over the heat for 1 to 3 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and beat with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks have formed, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH MALTED CHOCOLATE GANACHE AND TOASTED MARSHMALLOW FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of each pan with a parchment paper round and spray again; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 5 to 8 minutes. Add cocoa powder and beat until combined, 3 to 5 minutes more, scraping down the sides as necessary.
• In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and egg yolk. With the mixer on low, slowly add eggs, mixing until smooth and well combined, scraping down sides of the bowl as necessary.
• In a large bowl, sift together both flours, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
• In a medium bowl, mix together boiling water and oil. With the mixer on low, slowly add water mixture and mix until combined. Divide mixture evenly between prepared cake pans. Transfer to oven and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Transfer cakes to wire racks; let cool completely, at least 2 hours. Unmold cakes and remove parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level, then cut each cake in half horizontally. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place the bottom side of one bottom half on the cake plate. Evenly spread top with one-third of the ganache. Repeat process twice with top halves of each cake and top with the remaining bottom half of cake bottom-side up. You should have three layers of ganache and four layers of cake.
• Transfer marshmallow frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a plain 5/8-inch round tip (such as Ateco #808). Pipe frosting over cake to cover; evenly spread using an offset spatula. Using a kitchen torch, toast frosting until lightly browned.

CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• In a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer; remove pan from heat.
• Add the chocolate chips, preserves, and butter, shaking the pan to immerse the chocolate and as much of the preserves and butter as possible.
• Let stand for 1 1/2 minutes, or until the chocolate has melted.
• Beat the mixture with a wire whisk until smooth.
• Cool until thick enough to use as a glaze; or, cool completely and whip to desired spreading consistency using an electric mixer on medium speed.
• *Trywith milk chocolate or white chocolate chips.
• *.

WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• In a small, heavy saucepan, heat the cream just until it starts to simmer.
• Add the white chocolate, shaking the pan gently to immerse it into the cream, then add the butter.
• Let the mixture stand for 1 minute, then beat with a wire whisk until the chocolate and butter dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
• Refrigerate until mixture is cold, then whip with a wire whisk again until fluffy.
• Use frosting as desired; refrigerate your frosted goodies to firm up the frosting.

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE CUPCAKES WITH GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Place rack in the middle of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake papers.
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and set aside. Using a mixer, cream the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until pale yellow, about 1 minute. Add the egg and stir until just combined. Gently add half of the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated. Mix in the milk. Add the remaining flour mixture and stir until combined. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
• Fill prepared cupcake liners with enough chocolate batter to just cover the bottom. Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling to each, then top with remaining batter (cream cheese filling should not be visible).
• Bake for 20 minutes. Let cupcakes stand in the pan for 3 minutes and then remove and allow to cool completely on a rack.
• Dip each cupcake into the ganache, forming an even layer of frosting. Place in the refrigerator to set, about 15 minutes.
• Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, and whisk together the chocolate, cream, and espresso powder (if using). Continue whisking until chocolate is melted and the mixture is thick, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
• Yield: 1 cup
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Inactive Prep Time: 5 minutes

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH WHIPPED GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 18 to 20 cups of 2 standard (12-cup) muffin pans with baking cups. Sift cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt into the bowl of a mixer. Beat on low speed until just combined.
• Raise speed to medium, and add eggs, buttermilk, water, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Divide batter among baking cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake until tops spring back when touched with a finger, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool completely in pans set on wire racks.
• Place a mound of whipped ganache (about 3 tablespoons) on top of each cupcake, and frost each using a small spoon or a small offset spatula to create swoops.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Place chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Bring cream and corn syrup just to a simmer over medium-high heat; pour mixture over chocolate. Let stand, without stirring, until chocolate begins to melt.
• Beginning near the center and working outward, stir melted chocolate into cream until mixture is combined and smooth (do not overstir).
• Refrigerate, stirring every 5 minutes, until frosting just barely begins to hold its shape and is slightly lighter in color. Use immediately (ganache will continue to thicken after you stop stirring).

GANACHE-FILLED CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH SEVEN-MINUTE MERINGE FROSTING

Steps:

• For cupcakes:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup standard muffin pans with paper liners. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until well incorporated after each addition. Beat in vanilla, half of flour mixture, then 1 cup hot water. Add remaining flour mixture; beat just until blended. Let batter stand until cooled and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Divide batter among muffin papers (about 1/4 cup batter each).
• Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center comes out with some crumbs attached, 22 to 25 minutes. Cool cupcakes completely in pans.
• For filling and frosting:
• Bring cream just to boil in heavy small saucepan. Place chocolate chips in medium bowl; pour hot cream over. Let stand 1 minute, then whisk until melted and smooth. Let stand at room temperature until cool and firm, about 2 hours. (Alternatively, chill ganache until cool and firm, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.) DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Whisk 1/3 cup water, sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and coarse salt to blend in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Remove bowl from over water and continue beating until frosting is cool to touch, stiff, and billowy, about 2 minutes. Beat vanilla into frosting.
• Using thumb, press down center of each cupcake from top to bottom, forming deep pocket. Spoon or pipe ganache into pocket of each cupcake.
• Frost cupcakes, forming tall peaks. DO AHEAD: Cupcakes can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and store at room temperature.

SKILLET BROWNIE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 10-inch oven-safe skillet. Fill a medium pot with about 1 1/2 inches of water, and bring to a simmer. Place a medium bowl over the pot and add the chocolate, butter and oil. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate and butter are melted. (Alternatively, place the chocolate, butter and oil in microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue to microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until the butter and chocolate are melted.) Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. (The mixture will be grainy.)
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. To the chocolate mixture, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread into an even layer using a spatula.
• Bake the brownie until the surface appears set: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 33 minutes. Let cool completely.
• While the brownie cools, make the ganache: Place the chocolate in a medium, heat-safe bowl. Bring the cream to a simmer in a small pot over medium heat. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand undisturbed for 15 seconds. Stir the ganache until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Let cool slightly.
• Once the brownie is cool, spread the ganache onto the brownie in an even layer. (It will have thickened slightly. If it's not thick enough, you can refrigerate it for 10 minutes or so; if it thickens too much, you can microwave it in 10-second bursts in a microwave-safe bowl until it's spreadable again.) Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING FOR FUDGY DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Combine chocolate and corn syrup in a large heatproof bowl. Bring cream just to a simmer over medium-high heat; pour over chocolate mixture. Let stand, without stirring, until chocolate begins to melt.
• Beginning near the center and working outward, whisk melted chocolate into cream until mixture is combined and smooth. Continue to whisk until frosting just barely begins to hold its shape and is slightly lighter in color. Use immediately (frosting will continue to thicken after whisking).

COCONUT CUPCAKES WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE FILLING, TOPPED WITH CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING AND TOASTED COCONUT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a regular-size cupcake pan with 18 cupcake liners.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add the sifted dry ingredients and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Slowly add oil to the mixture until fine crumbs are formed. Add the eggs, milk, and coconut extract and mix on low speed for 1 minute. Stop and scrape the bowl and paddle, and then mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until baked through, about 20 minutes. Do not open the oven during this time. Cool the cupcakes completely after baking.
• To assemble, core each cupcake with an apple corer to create a pocket for the filling. Put the Chocolate Ganache Filling into a pastry bag and cut 1/2-inch off the tip. Fill each cupcake with the filling. Put the Caramel Buttercream Frosting into a pastry bag and cut 1/2-inch off the tip. Pipe the frosting on top of the cupcakes in a circular motion until completely covered. Once frosted, dip the cupcakes in a bowl of the toasted coconut and serve.
• Melt the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly until melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn. Remove from the heat to cool completely.
• Stir 1 cup butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla together in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave at 1 to 2 minute intervals, stirring between intervals. The caramel will be thick and bubbly when done. The caramel must sit and cool completely in order to incorporate into the buttercream.
• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the remaining 1 pound butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup cooled caramel and mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.