How To Thicken Chocolate Ganache [5 Easy Methods]
It’s rich, it’s creamy, it’s luxurious, and it’s inarguably the height of indulgence…
Chocolate ganache is one of those ingredients that you absolutely need to master if you’re serious about whipping up impressive sweet treats in the kitchen!
It can be used as a frosting, filling, or glaze, and getting it right is guaranteed to earn you some serious brownie points with your sweet-toothed friends and family.
Achieving the right consistency though can sometimes prove to be a bit of a challenge.
If you’re looking for foolproof and simple to follow tips on how to thicken chocolate ganache, you’ve come to the best place.
Here, I’m going to walk you through the very best ways to salvage runny ganache and get your bake back on the right track.
Best Methods for Thickening Ganache
1. Add More Chocolate!
Almost everything is better if you add more chocolate, and this situation is no exception to that rule!
One of the simplest ways to thicken your ganache is by adding more chocolate.
Ultimately, you’ll be playing around with the ratio of cream to chocolate, which is precisely what’s responsible for the texture and consistency of your ganache.
I like to use cooking chocolate drops for this purpose, just because it’s more convenient than breaking a bar up into lots of pieces whilst you’re in the middle of a baking project.
Chocolate chips would work just as well, or even grated chocolate if you have some at hand.
Cocoa is another option, though do keep in mind that it will significantly intensify the chocolatey taste. Add a teaspoon at a time, and always taste test as you go.
Something to bear in mind here is that the thickness varies depending on whether you use white or dark chocolate in your ganache.
Dark chocolate ganache demands a ratio of equal parts chocolate and heavy cream.
Use at least 60% chocolate for the best results.
White chocolate ganache on the other hand requires a smaller amount of cream to achieve the right consistency.
Keep this in mind as you’re altering your ratios and trying to get the perfect texture.
But what if you realise that you’ve used up all your chocolate, and you don’t have the time to dash back to the shops?
I’ve been there!
Here are some alternative options for how to thicken chocolate ganache that you can try…
2. Cool then Whip The Ganache
Ganache sets and thickens when cooled, so chilling it can make a significant difference.
To achieve a thicker texture, keep it in the refrigerator for an hour, stirring it halfway through.
Remember to store your ganache correctly, either at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for longer periods.
Of course, if you’re making a cake for a celebration, you’re going to have to factor this into your preparation process.
If you live in a hot climate or you’re experiencing a heat wave right now, the last thing that you want to do is end up ruining your whole bake because the ganache turned too runny!
You might decide to keep everything in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, to avoid any disasters.
Once your ganache has chilled until it reaches a thick consistency, you can whip it using a hand or stand mixer.
The result will be an airier and denser ganache that retains its rich chocolate flavour.
It can then be piped or spread on desserts as needed.
3. Use Cornstarch
Cornstarch can be added to ganache as a thickening agent without making it overly sweet.
Do be mindful though that more is definitely less here, and you should add a very small amount at a time to ensure that you don’t end up with a starchy consistency.
You should also be aware that cornstarch needs to be simmered for a while to cook properly, so bear this in mind if you’re trying this method.
4. Add a Touch of Cinnamon
You might be surprised to discover that adding a touch of cinnamon can be used as a method for thickening a runny chocolate ganache.
Of course though, using such a fragrant ingredient will definitely impact the taste of the finished product, and create a spiced ganache that could work particularly well for Halloween and Christmas bakes!
5. Add Icing Sugar
Icing sugar is another kitchen store cupboard staple that can be used when you need to thicken your ganache.
Just add a little at a time, whilst stirring, until you achieve your desired consistency.
Again, don’t forget that this will impact the taste, and will result in a sweeter ganache.
It’s perfect for those with a super sweet tooth, but if that doesn’t sound like you, you might want to try a different method.
In summary, you can thicken your ganache using different approaches, such as adding more chocolate, whisking, cooling, or using cornstarch, cinnamon, or icing sugar.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferred taste, ensuring that your ganache turns out rich and delicious!
