If you're searching for the best Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe, this is it! This recipe turns out rich, creamy, velvety and is an absolutely indulgent and delicious treat. With just 2 ingredients, you can make a 5 minute, dairy free ganache that's so easy to whip up yet, tastes completely decadent and delicious. The glossy, shiny texture is pure perfection, whether you want to frost brownies, cakes or bars, drizzle over desserts or even pipe swirls to get a bit fancy! I am obsessed!
I feel like what makes this ganache so special is how versatile it is. You can use it as a tasty topping, a filling for truffles or a dreamy dip for fruit and cookies. It can be emulsified into a luscious, gooey, dark chocolate swirl or chilled to make a luxurious, healthier, nut-free frosting. It's paleo friendly and keto friendly, too. Whether you need a go-to frosting or a quick way to dress up desserts, this vegan ganache is a simple, easily adaptable recipe you'll use forever! I love spreading this ganache over my Ghost Brownies and then topping that with White Chocolate Ghosts. You can also lather this over my Vegan Pumpkin Brownies or Candy Cane Brownies!
What is Chocolate Ganache?
Chocolate ganache is a glossy topping or mixture traditionally made by combining chocolate and heavy cream. Sometimes recipes include butter as well.
Depending on the ratio of cream to chocolate, it is classically used as a silky glaze, a spreadable filling or whipped into a fluffy frosting.
Since most chocolate ganache recipes contain dairy, I wanted to make one that is vegan, so that anyone with a dairy allergy (like me) can enjoy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I typically have these simple pantry staples at home, so this vegan chocolate ganache comes together pretty quickly.
Ready in about 5 minutes, it's perfect when you need a last minute dessert upgrade.
Whenever I add this to a dessert, it's like the velvety texture makes the dish feel like the most indulgent treat ever!
Use it as frosting, drizzling, piping, filling for truffles or a dip. It's so useful!
This ganache is naturally dairy free, nut free, vegan and easily paleo or keto friendly.
It gives you that luxurious, gooey chocolate flavor without heavy cream or butter.
I love how beautifully it sets into a shiny, luscious topping that makes cakes, brownies and bars look like I bought them from a bakery!
Equipment Needed
All you need is a bowl and a spoon to make this easy vegan chocolate ganache.
Ingredients Needed
Chocolate: I used vegan chocolate chips for this chocolate ganache! My favorite brands for this are Enjoy Life or Hu Gems.
Coconut milk: Go for a full fat coconut milk for the best and most glossy vegan chocolate ganache.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate.
Step 3: Stir in the coconut milk and let it sit until the ganache thickens.
What are Common Vegan Ganache Mistakes?
Here are the three common vegan ganache mistakes I see people making:
- Using low fat plant milk instead of a creamy option (this makes the ganache too thin).
- Not mixing properly; the chocolate and cream need to be emulsified for that velvety texture.
- Overheating the chocolate, which causes it to seize or split.
Storage
If I'm using it right away for drizzling or dipping, I keep the ganache covered on my counter for no longer than 30 minutes.
For longer storage, I'll keep it in an airtight container for up to 5 to 7 days. It will firm up, so I let it sit at room temperature or gently reheat to get back it's rich, creamy, velvety texture.
Ganache freezes really well! To freeze, I pop it in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. I then thaw it overnight in the fridge, whisk it gently to warm it up and make it luscious and glossy again.
If it feels too firm after chilling, you can just stir in some warm non-dairy milk to loosen and revive it.
Variations
Chill, then whip until fluffy for a light, more pipeable frosting.
Sometimes I'll chill the vegan chocolate ganache until firm, roll into balls and coat in cocoa powder, shredded coconut or crushed nuts. Instant truffles!
Stir in a shot of brewed espresso or 1 tsp instant espresso for a more coffee forward version.
Try adding in some freshly grated orange zest or a splash of orange extract.
Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty chocolate flavor.
How To Serve
This recipe for vegan chocolate ganache is actually super versatile. Here are a couple of ideas of what to do with it:
- Keep it warm and glossy, then drizzle over cakes or cupcakes. You can even use it as a drizzle for my Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.
- I also love it slightly warm as a yummy dip for strawberries, bananas or blueberries.
- Blend it up with warm milk for a chocolate flavored milk drink.
Recipe FAQ
Can you make ganache with vegan chocolate?
Yes, you can. Just make sure you use a dark chocolate that's dairy free.
What is the best way to melt chocolate?
The safest way is to melt chocolate slowly. I'll either use a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over simmering water) or microwave in short bursts (20-30 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals).
What is a vegan substitute for heavy cream in ganache?
Full fat coconut milk makes the best plant-based alternative to heavy cream. It works so well in my vegan chocolate ganache recipe.
Can I use coconut oil instead of coconut milk in vegan chocolate ganache?
Not exactly. Coconut oil on its own doesn't have the creamy texture that milk or cream has.
What is the difference between chocolate glaze and ganache?
A chocolate glaze is usually thinner, shinier and often made with chocolate plus oil, butte, or water. Ganache is thick and emulsified with cream (or coconut milk in the vegan version).
What is chocolate ganache traditionally made of?
Traditional ganache is made with heavy cream and chocolate. I used coconut milk in this recipe to make it vegan!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these fun chocolate recipe ideas next:
Homemade Chocolate Quinoa Bites
If you make this vegan chocolate ganache and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
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Vegan Chocolate Ganache
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Melt the chocolate.
- Stir in coconut milk and let sit until ganache thickens.
- Spread on your favorite dessert or use as a dip and enjoy!
Lauren