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Ganache vs Buttercream: Which Cream is Better for Your Pastry?

Written by Olga | Last Updated: March 21, 2023

Ganache and buttercream are two of the most popular types of frosting used in pastry making. While both are delicious and versatile, they have distinct differences in terms of taste, texture, and application.

Ganache is a rich and indulgent chocolate-based cream made from chocolate and cream, while buttercream is a sweet and creamy frosting made from butter and powdered sugar.

Ganache VS Buttercream

Choosing between ganache and buttercream depends on various factors, including the specific application, personal preference, and desired flavor profile.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between ganache and buttercream, and delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each. Whether you’re a pastry professional or an at-home baker, understanding the differences between ganache and buttercream can help you make the perfect frosting for your next dessert.

What is chocolate ganache?

Chocolate ganache is a versatile and delicious mixture of chocolate and heavy cream that can be used as a frosting, filling, or glaze for cakes, pastries, and other desserts.

It is made by heating heavy cream and pouring it over the chopped chocolate, then stirring until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Ganache can be made with different ratios of chocolate to cream, which will result in different textures and uses.
For example, a 1:1 ratio of chocolate to cream will produce a firm ganache that can be rolled into truffles, while a 2:1 ratio will create a thinner ganache that is perfect for pouring over cakes.

Ganache can also be flavored with various ingredients, such as liqueurs, extracts, or spices, to create unique and delicious variations.

Popular ganache recipes

Here are three popular ganache recipes that you can try at home:

Classic Dark Chocolate Ganache:

  1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
  3. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  4. Use as desired, either as a glaze, frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

White Chocolate Ganache:

  1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
  3. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  4. Use as desired, either as a glaze, frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

Salted Caramel Ganache:

  1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
  3. Add the caramel sauce and salt to the chocolate mixture and stir until everything is melted and combined.
  4. Use as desired, either as a glaze, frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

Ganache usage in pastry

Ganache is a versatile ingredient in pastry making, and it can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few common ways ganache is used in pastry:

  1. Frosting or Filling: Ganache can be used as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries. Depending on the consistency, ganache can be spread or piped onto the pastry to create a smooth and shiny finish.
  2. Truffles: Ganache can be used as a filling for chocolate truffles. Once the ganache has cooled and set, it can be rolled into balls and coated in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or other toppings.
  3. Glaze: Ganache can be used as a glaze for cakes, pastries, and other desserts. When poured over the pastry, it creates a smooth and shiny finish that enhances the overall presentation.
  4. Torte: Ganache can be used to create a torte, which is a rich, dense cake that is typically made with layers of ganache and cake.
  5. Mousse: Ganache can be whipped with additional cream to create a light and fluffy chocolate mousse that can be served on its own or as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Overall, ganache is a versatile and delicious ingredient that adds richness and flavor to a wide range of pastries and desserts.

What is ganache good for?

Ganache is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, and it has many benefits when it comes to pastry making. Here are some of the reasons why ganache is a popular ingredient in pastry making:

  1. Versatility: Ganache can be used in a wide range of pastries, from cakes and cupcakes to truffles and tarts. It can be used as a frosting, filling, glaze, or as a base for other desserts.
  2. Flavor: Ganache is rich and chocolatey, with a smooth and creamy texture. It can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as liqueurs, extracts, or spices, to create unique and delicious variations.
  3. Texture: Depending on the ratio of chocolate to cream, ganache can have a firm or soft texture. This makes it ideal for use as a filling or frosting, as it can be shaped or piped into different forms.
  4. Appearance: Ganache has a glossy finish that looks elegant and professional. It can be used to create a smooth and even surface on cakes and pastries, or to add a decorative touch to truffles and other chocolate treats.

Overall, ganache is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add richness, flavor, and texture to a wide range of pastries and desserts.

What is buttercream?

Buttercream is a type of frosting or filling that is commonly used in cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries. It is made by creaming together butter and powdered sugar and often flavored with vanilla extract or other flavorings.

Buttercream can be made in a variety of consistencies, ranging from a stiff, pipeable texture to a softer, spreadable texture. Different types of buttercream include:

  1. American buttercream: This is the most common type of buttercream, and it is made by creaming together butter, powdered sugar, and milk or cream. It has a sweet and creamy flavor, and can be flavored and colored as desired.
  2. Swiss meringue buttercream: This buttercream is made by whisking egg whites and sugar together over a double boiler until they reach a certain temperature, then whipping the mixture until it becomes a fluffy meringue. Butter is then added to the meringue to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
  3. Italian meringue buttercream: This buttercream is made by whisking egg whites and sugar together, and then adding a hot sugar syrup to the mixture. The mixture is then whipped until it becomes a fluffy meringue, and butter is added to create a smooth and creamy frosting.

Buttercream can be used in a variety of ways, such as frosting and filling cakes and cupcakes, piping decorations onto desserts, or as a filling for macarons and other pastries. It is a versatile and delicious frosting that is loved by many.

Popular buttercream recipes

Here are three popular buttercream recipes that you can try at home:

American Buttercream:

  1. In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  5. Use as desired, either as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

  1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg whites and sugar together.
  2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch.
  3. Remove from heat and whisk the mixture with an electric mixer until it becomes a fluffy meringue.
  4. Add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  6. Use as desired, either as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

Chocolate Buttercream:

  1. In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  5. Use as desired, either as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

What is buttercream good for?

Buttercream is a versatile frosting that can be used in a variety of ways in pastry making. Here are some of the reasons why buttercream is a popular frosting for cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries:

  1. Versatility: Buttercream can be used as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries. Depending on the consistency, it can be spread, piped, or shaped to create different decorative effects.
  2. Flavor: Buttercream has a sweet and creamy flavor that complements a wide range of cake and pastry flavors. It can also be flavored with various extracts, fruit purees, or other ingredients to create unique and delicious variations.
  3. Texture: Buttercream can be made in a variety of consistencies, ranging from a stiff, pipeable texture to a softer, spreadable texture. This makes it ideal for use as a filling or frosting, as it can be shaped or piped into different forms.
  4. Appearance: Buttercream has a smooth and creamy appearance that looks elegant and professional. It can be used to create a smooth and even surface on cakes and pastries, or to add a decorative touch to cupcakes and other treats.

Overall, buttercream is a versatile and delicious frosting that can add flavor, texture, and appearance to a wide range of pastries and desserts.

Ganache vs Buttercream – which cream is better?

Ganache and buttercream are both delicious and versatile creams that can be used in a variety of ways in pastry making. However, which one is better depends on the specific application and personal preference.

Ganache is a rich and chocolatey cream that is made by melting chocolate and heavy cream together. It has a smooth and creamy texture and is often used as a filling or frosting for cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries.

Ganache is especially well-suited for chocolate-based desserts and can add a rich and indulgent flavor to any dish.

Buttercream, on the other hand, is a sweet and creamy frosting that is made by creaming butter and powdered sugar together. It can be flavored with various extracts and other ingredients and is often used as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries.

Buttercream is versatile and can be used to create a range of decorative effects, from smooth and simple to elaborate and intricate.

Choux Puffs with Praline Cream Recipe

Overall, both ganache and buttercream have their unique strengths and are well-suited for different applications.

Ganache is ideal for chocolate-based desserts and adds richness and indulgence, while buttercream is versatile and can be used to create a range of decorative effects. Ultimately, the choice between ganache and buttercream comes down to personal preference and the specific application.

Advantages and disadvantages of ganache and buttercream

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of ganache and buttercream:

Advantages of Ganache:

Disadvantages of Ganache:

Advantages of Buttercream:

Disadvantages of Buttercream:

Overall, both ganache and buttercream have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific application and personal preference. Ganache is ideal for chocolate-based desserts and has a rich and indulgent flavor, while buttercream is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ganache and buttercream are both popular and versatile creams that can be used in a variety of ways in pastry making. Ganache is a rich and chocolatey cream that is ideal for chocolate-based desserts, while buttercream is a sweet and creamy frosting that can be used in a range of applications, from frosting and filling to decorative piping.

Both ganache and buttercream have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific application and personal preference. Ultimately, whether you choose ganache or buttercream, both creams have the ability to add flavor, texture, and appearance to a wide range of pastries and desserts.

Takeaways

Featured recipe: Raspberry ganache

Here is a recipe for Raspberry Ganache, which is a delicious variation of classic ganache that adds a fruity and tangy flavor to your desserts:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, place the chopped white chocolate.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and raspberry puree over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
  3. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
  4. Stir the mixture until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  5. Add the raspberry extract (if using) and stir to combine.
  6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge until it is set and firm enough to spread or pipe.
  7. Use as desired, either as a filling or frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or other pastries.

This Raspberry Ganache adds a delicious fruity and tangy flavor to your desserts, and is a perfect complement to chocolate-based cakes and pastries.

Featured recipe: Peanut butter buttercream

Here is a recipe for Peanut Butter Buttercream, which is a delicious variation of classic buttercream that adds a nutty and creamy flavor to your desserts:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  5. Use as desired, either as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

This Peanut Butter Buttercream adds a delicious nutty and creamy flavor to your desserts, and is perfect for use in chocolate-based cakes and pastries. It can also be used as a filling or frosting for peanut butter cupcakes and other treats.