Dairy Free Ganache Recipe

This 2-ingredient Dairy Free Ganache Recipe will become your go-to for making vegan truffles, plant-based cupcakes, layered cakes, and more!

Hey there, fellow chocolate enthusiasts! I'm excited to share this dairy free ganache recipe with you!

Prepare to be amazed, because this heavenly delight requires just two simple ingredients - chocolate and coconut milk. And the best part? No need for a double boiler! So, let's dive right in and discover the magic of this easy-to-make, dairy-free indulgence.

I usually have something chocolate stashed away in the refrigerator and a lot of the time it's ganache. It's so versatile, is delicious right off the spoon, and only requires 2 simple ingredients. I've stirred it into ice cream, piped it on top of cupcakes, layered it in between a layer cake, and rolled it into truffles. It's become a kitchen staple. 

Jump to:

• First, what is ganache? 
• Ingredients:
• Instructions:
• How to use this Dairy Free Ganache Recipe
• ​Ganache Flavor Variations
• Storing and Enjoying Ganache
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

First, what is ganache? 

Ganache is a versatile and decadent confection that serves as both a frosting and a filling for various desserts. 

Classic ganache is traditionally made by combining melted chocolate with warm heavy cream, resulting in a smooth and glossy mixture. The ratio of chocolate to cream can be adjusted to achieve different consistencies, ranging from a pourable glaze to a thick, spreadable frosting. 

Ganache can be flavored with extracts, liqueurs, or spices, allowing for endless customization and creativity. 

Whether drizzled over cakes, used as a filling for pastries, or shaped into truffles, ganache adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to any dessert. Its rich, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor make it a favorite among chocolate lovers worldwide.

Ingredients:

There's no need for wild ingredients like powdered sugar, coconut oil, cocoa powder, or corn syrup. Nope, just 2 simple ingredients: good quality chocolate and full-fat coconut milk. 

Chocolate

Before we get started, let's talk about the star ingredient: vegan chocolate.

To achieve a rich and decadent ganache, opt for good quality chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa.

The type of chocolate you'll want to look for is dark chocolate without milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, or even dairy-free chocolate chunks or vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips.

It's important to choose brands that use simple, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor for your ganache.

Coconut Milk

Instead of heavy cream that's used in traditional chocolate ganache, we'll be using luscious coconut milk to create our dairy-free ganache. Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream for a creamy and velvety texture.

When you open a can of coconut milk, you'll notice that it separates into a thick cream layer and a watery layer. For our ganache, we'll be simmering the coconut milk to blend it perfectly with the chocolate.

You can also use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. If you do, I would suggest adding a tablespoon or two of vegan butter to the ganache. This way, you'll have a bit of added fat that you'd miss out on when opting not to use coconut milk. 

Instructions:

Now, let's move on to the exciting part - making our dairy-free ganache! Grab a small pot and pour in a can of full-fat coconut milk. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. You want to heat the coconut milk until it's hot but not boiling. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't scorch.

Once the coconut milk is simmering, remove it from the heat and pour it over a bowl of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. Make sure the chocolate is in a heat-safe and microwave-safe bowl. As you pour the warm coconut milk over the chocolate, it will slowly melt and create a velvety, glossy ganache right before your eyes. Give it a moment to settle and then gently stir until the mixture is smooth and all the chocolate has melted.

After stirring, set the ganache aside and allow it to cool down to room temperature. This will give it time to thicken and reach the perfect consistency for spreading or piping. Be patient, cooling time may vary depending on your kitchen temperature, but trust me, it will be worth the wait.

How to use this Dairy Free Ganache Recipe

Now that our dairy-free ganache is ready, let's talk about how to use it. Ganache is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways. It's perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, and it can also be used as a delectable cake filling or pastry filling. It's great for making chocolate truffles and as a stand-in for chocolate buttercream. The options are endless!

Sometimes, just dipping fresh fruit into the ganache is a delicious way to serve the ganache. 

​Ganache Flavor Variations

If you're looking to add some excitement to your ganache, why not experiment with flavor variations? 

Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for a classic twist or incorporate a touch of maple syrup for a subtle sweetness. You can even infuse your ganache with a hint of espresso, mint extract, or almond extract to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Storing and Enjoying Ganache

If you have any leftover ganache (which is quite rare in my experience!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ganache can last for about a week when refrigerated, but it's so tempting that it might not make it that long!

When you're ready to use the ganache, simply let it come to room temperature for a few minutes until it reaches a spreadable or pipeable consistency. If you need to warm it up slightly, use short intervals in the microwave or a gentle heat source, such as a warm water bath.

Their you have it, this dairy-free ganache recipe is a game-changer for chocolate lovers seeking a delectable treat without any dairy. With just two simple ingredients, chocolate and coconut milk, you can create a velvety, smooth ganache that rivals its dairy-filled counterparts.

Remember to choose high-quality vegan chocolate and full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture. Simmer the coconut milk and pour it over the chopped chocolate to create a magical, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Allow the ganache to cool to the perfect consistency, and then let your imagination run wild with all the creative ways you can use it.

So, the next time you're in the mood for a dairy-free chocolate indulgence, give this easy vegan ganache recipe a try. I guarantee you'll be impressed! 

📖 Recipe