This easy vegan chocolate ganache recipe uses only two ingredients and can be made in less than 5 minutes! Use it as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes and cookies, or enjoy it by itself with a spoon! It's also paleo, nut-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free and absolutely delicious.
If you're a chocolate lover and vegan like me, this recipe is definitely for you! This smooth vegan chocolate ganache couldn't be easier to make and it upgrades any dessert into pure decadence.
What is Ganache?
Ganache is simply a combination of chocolate and a liquid that are mixed together. The result is a rich, smooth and chocolatey dessert topping/filling that can be used in a variety of ways.
Ganache vs. Frosting
Ganache is a chocolate mixture that has been melted down into a cream, whereas frosting is a mixture of butter and sugar. Ganache is more decadent and the consistency of it changes based on the temperature (it hardens when cold and melts when hot).
Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate Ganache
Traditional chocolate ganache consists of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and heavy cream. The cream is typically heated in a small saucepan and then the chocolate is slowly stirred in.
In this vegan version, the two ingredients are coconut cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk) and melted vegan chocolate chips. That's it!
These two simple ingredients make the recipe dairy-free, paleo, nut-free and refined-sugar free. And don't worry - the chocolate flavor dominates so there is no coconut taste whatsoever. The whole thing is kind of magical.
How to Get Coconut Cream from a Can of Coconut Milk
The silky smooth texture comes from the cream portion of a can of full-fat coconut milk. When the can is refrigerated overnight, the coconut cream naturally floats to the top leaving the coconut water on the bottom. Simply scoop the white solid coconut cream out and discard the remaining liquid (or save for future use such as in a smoothie).
One can should yield about 1 cup of coconut cream. If your can does not then you might want to consider a different brand. See my review of cans of coconut milk and cream from the top brands for producing the best coconut cream.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache
This ganache comes together easily in less than 5 minutes! Simply melt the chocolate and combine it with the solid white coconut cream using a hand mixer until the ganache is fluffy.
I like to melt chocolate the simple way by pouring the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heating in 30-second intervals for up to two minutes, stirring in between.
You can also use a double boiler instead of the microwave for melting.
It is ready to use immediately. Spread it as you would spread frosting or add it to a piping bag to decorate. Done!
Helpful Tips for Getting the Perfect Consistency
- If the ganache is too runny after it cools, place it in the fridge for an hour and then use the mixer again to reach your desired consistency.
- If the ganache is too firm, pop the bowl in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften. Do not microwave for too long as it will liquify the ganache too much into a thinner consistency.
Choosing the Right Vegan Chocolate (and Health Benefits)
The flavor is going to come from the chocolate you use, so make sure it is high quality chocolate! I personally love the vegan, naturally sweetened dark chocolate gems from Hu - they are organic and have no added sugar in addition to being my favorite tasting chocolate.
I have always been passionate about nutrition and health (I have a master of public health degree (MPH) and am a master certified health education specialist) and it is important to know the health benefits of each ingredient I use. The health benefits of chocolate come from antioxidants called flavanols found in the cocoa solids. When consumed in large amounts, years of nutrition studies have shown that flavanols in chocolate are nutritious in so many ways and really benefit your overall health.
When consumed in large amounts, studies have shown that flavanols in chocolate may:
- Lower high blood pressure and decrease levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol leading to decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
- Promote lung health and protect against asthma
- Decrease the risk of diabetes and several types of cancer
- Benefit the brain and preserve cognitive abilities to lower the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease
- Improve mood and feelings of pleasure
- Benefit the vascular system by reducing the risk of blood clots and increasing blood flow in arteries and the heart
Storage
Store leftover ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reuse once refrigerated, let it come to room temperature until the consistency softens. You can re-whip it with the hand mixer to get the airy texture back.
How Much Does this Recipe Make?
This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of ganache. Depending on what you are using the ganache for, you may need to scale the recipe up. You can double or triple the recipe in the recipe card below and the measurements will automatically update.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Ganache
This dairy-free ganache recipe is the perfect addition to almost any dessert for that rich and luxurious extra touch. Definitely try it on this vegan chocolate chip cookie cake - you won't be disappointed!
I also love serving it as a dip for fresh fruit and using it between cake layers. It is so versatile and you can never get enough chocolate!
Other pairings for this ganache (all vegan and gluten-free):
I cannot wait for you to give this vegan recipe a try! If you do, please let me know. Leave a comment, give a rating and tag a photo @eatingbyelaine so I can see your creations.
Print
2-Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Ganache (5-Minute Recipe)
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy vegan chocolate ganache recipe uses only two ingredients and can be made in less than 5 minutes! Use it as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes and cookies, or enjoy it by itself with a spoon! It's also paleo, nut-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk (refrigerated overnight)*
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips, melted (measures ½ of melted chocolate)**
Instructions
- Add melted chocolate and coconut cream to a small mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to combine until smooth and fluffy. It should still be thick and creamy like frosting.
- Find the right consistency: If the ganache is not firm enough, pop the bowl in the refrigerator to harden. If it is too firm you can microwave it for 5-10 seconds to soften. Do not microwave for too long or it will liquify too much.
- Once the ganache reaches your desired consistency, spread it as you would spread frosting onto cakes, cupcakes, cookies or whatever baked good you are decorating. You can also add to a piping bag for easy decorating.
- Store leftover ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reuse once refrigerated, let it come to room temperature until the consistency softens. You can re-whip it with the hand mixer to get the airy texture back.
Notes
* When refrigerated overnight the coconut cream rises to the top of the can above the coconut water. You can discard the coconut water that is below the coconut cream or freeze it in an ice cube tray for smoothies. For best results I recommend these brands of full-fat coconut milk: 365 brand, Sprouts, Thai Kitchen or Native Forest. I do not recommend using Trader Joe's brand for this recipe. Your can should yield about 1 cup of coconut cream.
** To keep this recipe vegan and refined sugar-free/paleo, I recommend using Hu Kitchen Chocolate gems (not their chips). The gems melt best for this recipe. Depending on the chocolate you use you may need to add a teaspoon or two of coconut oil to get the right consistency. When melted, your chocolate should be drippy with no chunks. If it seems too thick or lumpy, add the coconut oil to thin it out to achieve a runnier texture.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
Rose Marie Kamenitz says
Macros please
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Rose: That nutrition facts are not currently calculated for this recipe. Since this recipe is just two ingredients it should be quick and easy to input into any free nutrition calculator you may already be using to calculate your macros. From there you can figure out serving size based on how you are using the ganache frosting (i.e. for a cupcake versus slice of cake). I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy this recipe it you give it a try! Best, Elaine