In this article we will go over the top substitutes for ganache. No matter what recipe you are making one of these ganache replacements will work perfectly for you.
It’s no secret that I absolutely adore chocolate ganache. It’s rich, creamy, and goes perfectly with so many amazing desserts.
From topping cakes, cupcakes, and donuts, to being a dipping sauce for fruit or a filling for truffles, the possibilities for using ganache are only limited by the imagination.
But what do you do when you don’t have the ganache ingredients (or just need a dairy free alternative)?
In this article I will let you know all the ganache replacement options that you can use no matter what you are making.
So what are the best ganache substitutes?
The best substitutes for ganache are buttercream, whipped cream, glaze, poured icing, a pre-made frosting, dairy free ganache, or custard.
Now let’s get to when and how to use each of these ganache alternatives so you can use the one best suited for your recipe.
Ganache Alternatives
While each of these substitutions for ganache are excellent in their own way, I have found each has a type of recipe they work best in. Primarily, I look at whether I need a frosting or a filling and then decide which flavor type I want in order to use the right replacement.
Buttercream
Buttercream is a classic and delicious frosting that is very similar to ganache making it one of my go to replacements for chocolate ganache. Buttercream is a very popular cake frosting so it is a great alternative if your recipe calls for a frosting.
Buttercream offers more stability than ganache making it a great alternative when making desserts that will be served outside in the heat. While ganache will melt quickly in heat, buttercream will hold up much better to these conditions.
Buttercream can also be flavored in many ways, so whether you need chocolate, vanilla, coffee or any other flavor, buttercream can be used to suit your recipe needs.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream can be made in all types of flavors, including chocolate, making it an excellent ganache alternative.
It will work well as either a frosting or filling making it a versatile option for replacing ganache.
It does offer a fluffier texture than chocolate ganache so if a rich or dense substitution is desired you may want to go with a different option. But if a fluffy whipped cream is no issue then this is a great way to go.
Store bought whipped cream works well, but making your own is simple and just requires a few common ingredients. Whip together heavy whipping cream with cocoa powder and powdered sugar and you will have a delicious chocolate whipped cream perfect for substituting for ganache.
Chocolate Glaze
Glaze is a great ganache alternative when you are short on time. It is simple and quick to prepare and works great as a topping for many desserts.
Chocolate glaze only requires chocolate and some vegetable oil (or vegetable shortening). You simply melt your chocolate and then add about a tablespoon of vegetable oil. The oil will help your glaze remain pourable.
Once prepared just pour it over your dessert and you will have a delicious and simple topping for any recipe that calls for chocolate ganache.
Poured Icing
Chocolate icing is the perfect chocolate ganache substitute when you need a frosting. While I usually go with buttercream for frosting, chocolate icing is a great change of pace for cupcakes and cakes. While buttercream is soft and fluffy, chocolate icing will dry to a harder consistency.
This makes it a great alternative for those times you need to transport your dessert to a party or event.
Dairy Free Ganache
If you need a dairy free substitute for ganache then have no fear! It’s simple to make and offers a very similar flavor to traditional chocolate ganache.
To make dairy free chocolate ganache replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. The finished ganache will have a bit of almond or coconut flavor to it but that is rarely an issue.
Premade Frosting
And if all else fails you can replace chocolate ganache with a pre-made chocolate frosting. While I love making my ganache and frosting from scratch, there is no shame in using a premade frosting as a chocolate ganache substitute.
When you are short on time, or don’t have the ingredients to make buttercream or a glaze, then this is the best chocolate ganache alternative for frosting cakes or cupcakes.
Bottom Line
So there you have it. Any of these chocolate ganache alternatives will work great in your next recipe. They offer delicious flavor and versatility so no matter if you need a filling or frosting you are good to go!