Ganache is one of my all time favorite frostings and fillings. I make it often for topping all sorts of desserts.
It’s rich, smooth and incredibly versatile.
But sometimes I end up with leftover ganache and throwing it out is not an option! Instead, I’ve come up with some great treat ideas for using leftover ganache.
Find More Things to Top with Ganache
There is really no limit to how many different kinds of foods that you can put ganache on as a topping. If you find that you have leftover ganache after making a cake and you may not be inclined to make another full cake, you could consider coating truffles with your ganache.
Ganache can also be used to top everything from cookies, cake pops, and brownies, to just about any small baked goods.
If you are looking for some specific recipes you can top with your leftover ganache, you will find my favorite recipes further below.
Add if to Pudding
Pudding far too often is just mixed from a box and served as is. But what if I told you that pudding is the perfect base for using up your leftover ganache?
A great tasting and simple snack can be made in just minutes by layering your pudding and ganache. Get out individual serving cups and add an inch or two layer of pudding followed by an equal layer of ganache.
Continue making alternate layers until desired serving size is achieved. This works with just about any flavor of pudding, but my family’s favorite is vanilla pudding with chocolate ganache.
It’s incredibly delicious!
Turning Ganache into Truffles
Thick ganache is the perfect topping for truffles. It holds it’s shape and works wonderfully with just about any berry based truffle.
Try it with strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry truffles. The sweetness of chocolate ganache pairs perfectly and is an amazing treat for the entire family.
You can even add more flavors such as coconut, sprinkles, caramel, or shaved chocolate. Let you’re creativity free!
Turning Ganache into a Glaze
If you have a thinner ganache, it is perfect for using as a chocolate glaze for all sorts of dessert. You can also thin out your ganache by mixing in some heavy cream, milk, or even table cream.
Chocolate ganache is a great glaze for many types of desserts. Try it on cinnamon rolls, donuts, ice cream, or even muffins.
And for a special, sweet breakfast, add your thin ganache to waffles, pancakes, or crepes. Add on some fresh berries for an unforgettable breakfast treat.
Make a Ganache Fondue
Have leftover ganache and want to have a fun night with family or friends? Turn that leftover chocolate ganache into a fondue party!
Simply warm up your ganache so it is a bit thinner. Just stir while heating on low in a saucepan until it is the consistency of a chocolate sauce.
From there you just need to prepare some dipping options. This is another great opportunity to get creative.
Below you will find some of my favorite chocolate fondue dipping options.
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Banana
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Apples (tart apples are particularly good)
- Graham Crackers
- Angel Food Cake
- Pound Cake
- Rice Krispies Treats
- Almonds
- Ladyfingers
- Pretzels
- Oreo Cookies
- Twinkies
- Marshmallows
Using the Ganache as a Filling
Ganache isn’t just for topping, it also makes a wonderful filling for all types of treats.
You can pipe it into donuts, cupcakes, layer cakes, crepes and so much more!
You will have the best results from a thicker ganache when filling cupcakes or donuts, but a thinner ganache is well suited for layer cakes and crepes.
You can even use your leftover ganache to fill a chocolate lava cake!
Use Your Ganache as a Sauce
Similar to using your ganache for fondue, you can use it as a sauce to pour over tons of tasty desserts.
A thinner ganache will work best so you can simply drizzle it over your dessert. This is a great way to bring up the flavor of brownies, cookies, muffins, cakes, ice cream, and fruit bowls.
Does your family love ice cream sundaes? Drizzling some ganache over your ice cream tastes amazing and puts those premade chocolate sauces to shame.
How about some improvised turtle brownies? Make a batch of fudge brownies, sprinkle on pecans then simply drizzle some ganache and caramel sauce on top!
Recipes Perfect for using Ganache
In case you need even more ideas for using up your ganache, I will provide some of my favorite recipes for topping or filling with chocolate ganache.
Some of them are written for other types of frostings or toppings, but taste absolutely amazing with ganache.
Conclusion
Ganache is incredibly versatile so there are tons of great options to use up those leftovers. It is easy to make, and can be adapted to a wide range of breakfast and dessert recipes.
Make sure to save this guide so you can get some inspiration the next time you have leftover ganache to use up.