Vegan ganache frosting is a dairy-free, decadent frosting made from chocolate and plant-based cream.
It is a perfect alternative to traditional ganache frosting, which is typically made with heavy cream and butter.
Vegan ganache
Vegan ganache frosting is a great option for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, have lactose intolerance, or simply want to reduce their intake of animal products.
It has a rich and creamy texture that is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
Making vegan ganache frosting is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those who are new to vegan baking.
Vegan ganache frosting recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for vegan ganache frosting:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut cream until it starts to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooled, use an electric mixer to whip the ganache until it becomes fluffy and lighter in color, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use the ganache immediately to frost your cake or cupcakes.
Note: If the ganache becomes too stiff while cooling, you can heat it up slightly over a double boiler to soften it before whipping.
Vegan ganache options
There are many variations of vegan ganache that you can try. Here are some options:
- Nut Milk Ganache: Replace the coconut cream with nut milk, such as almond milk, cashew milk, or hazelnut milk. Make sure to use a thick and creamy variety of nut milk for the best results.
- Avocado Ganache: Use ripe avocados in place of the coconut cream for a healthy twist. Simply blend the avocado flesh with melted chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Silken Tofu Ganache: Blend silken tofu with melted chocolate and a pinch of salt for a protein-packed, creamy ganache that’s lower in fat than traditional ganache.
- Coconut Oil Ganache: Replace the coconut cream with melted coconut oil for a firmer, more stable ganache. This works especially well for making chocolate truffles.
- Whipped Aquafaba Ganache: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can be whipped into a fluffy, meringue-like texture that works well as a base for the ganache. Simply whip aquafaba until stiff peaks form, then fold in melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
Experiment with these different variations to find your favorite vegan ganache recipe.
Ganache for frosting – texture and thickness
The texture and thickness of ganache frosting can be adjusted based on the ratio of chocolate to cream and the method of preparation.
Here are some tips:
- Chocolate to cream ratio: A higher ratio of chocolate to cream will result in a thicker and firmer ganache, while a lower ratio will result in a thinner and more pourable ganache. For a traditional ganache frosting, use equal parts chocolate and cream by weight.
- Method of preparation: Whipping ganache with an electric mixer after it has cooled and thickened will create a fluffy and light frosting. This method will also lighten the color of the ganache. Alternatively, using ganache straight from the stove will result in a thinner, smoother frosting with a glossy finish.
- Temperature: The temperature of the ganache will also affect its texture and thickness. A warm ganache will be thinner and more pourable, while a chilled ganache will be firmer and thicker.
- Cream choice: Different types of cream can also affect the thickness of the ganache. Coconut cream or cashew cream, for example, is thicker and creamier than almond milk.
Remember that ganache frosting will thicken as it cools and can be adjusted by adding more cream or reheating to thin it out.
Ultimately, the texture and thickness of ganache frosting is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment to find the perfect consistency for your frosting needs.
Are there any taste differences between vegan and classic ganache?
There can be some taste differences between vegan ganache and classic ganache, although it depends on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Here are some potential differences:
- Flavor: Vegan ganache may have a slightly different flavor than classic ganache, as it is typically made with plant-based milk or cream instead of dairy. This can affect the overall taste and richness of the ganache.
- Texture: Depending on the type of non-dairy milk or cream used in the recipe, vegan ganache may have a slightly different texture than classic ganache. For example, some non-dairy milks can be thinner or less creamy than dairy milk, which can affect the thickness and creaminess of the ganache.
- Sweetness: Vegan ganache may be slightly sweeter than classic ganache if it is made with a sweetened non-dairy milk or cream, or if extra sugar or sweeteners are added to compensate for any changes in flavor or texture.
However, with the right ingredients and recipe, vegan ganache can still be just as delicious and satisfying as classic ganache.
Many people find that vegan ganache has a rich, chocolatey flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that is very similar to classic ganache.
Vegan ganache creative pastry ideas
Here are some creative pastry ideas that you can make with vegan ganache:
- Vegan Ganache Cake: Use the vegan ganache frosting to frost a vegan chocolate cake. You can also add a layer of vegan ganache between the cake layers for an extra decadent touch.
- Chocolate Truffles: Let the ganache cool until it’s firm enough to handle, then roll it into small balls and dust it with cocoa powder or chopped nuts for a delicious vegan chocolate truffle.
- Stuffed Cookies: Use the vegan ganache as a filling for your favorite cookie recipes, such as thumbprint cookies or sandwich cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Dip fresh strawberries into the melted ganache, then chill until firm for a delicious vegan chocolate-covered strawberry treat.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Dip pretzels into the melted ganache, then chill until firm for a salty-sweet snack.
- Chocolate Bark: Spread the melted ganache onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. Chill until firm, then break into pieces for a delicious vegan chocolate bark.
- Hot Chocolate: Whisk the melted ganache into warm non-dairy milk for a rich and decadent vegan hot chocolate.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ways to use vegan ganache in your favorite pastry recipes!
How to store vegan ganache?
The vegan ganache should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for storing vegan ganache:
- Wait for it to cool: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. This will prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the ganache.
- Use an airtight container: Store the ganache in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors or flavors from other foods in the refrigerator.
- Label it: Be sure to label the container with the date so you know how long it has been stored.
- Reheating: If the ganache becomes too firm in the refrigerator, you can reheat it over a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals until it reaches the desired consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
- Freezing: Ganache can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the ganache in an airtight container and label it with the date before storing in the freezer. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
By following these tips, your vegan ganache should stay fresh and delicious for several days in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
Can vegan ganache be frozen?
Yes, vegan ganache can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze vegan ganache:
- Let it cool: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the ganache.
- Use airtight container: Transfer the ganache to an airtight container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label it: Label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.
- Freeze: Place the container in the freezer and freeze for up to three months.
- Thaw: To thaw the ganache, transfer the container to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once thawed, you may need to reheat the ganache gently to bring it back to a smooth and creamy consistency.
It’s important to note that freezing and thawing may affect the texture and quality of the ganache, so it’s best to freeze it only if necessary. Also, make sure to use a freezer-safe container to avoid any freezer burn.
How long does vegan ganache last?
The shelf life of vegan ganache depends on how it is stored. If stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, vegan ganache can last for up to 1 week. However, if the ganache has been left at room temperature or exposed to air, it can spoil more quickly and should be discarded.
If you need to store ganache for longer than a week, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing can affect the texture of the ganache, so it’s important to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to avoid any separation or graininess.
It’s always a good idea to label the container with the date that the ganache was made or stored to help keep track of its freshness. If at any point the ganache smells or tastes off, it’s best to discard it to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Wrap up
In summary, vegan ganache is a delicious and versatile alternative to the traditional ganache. It can be made using plant-based milk or cream and vegan chocolate and can be used as a frosting or filling for a variety of pastries and desserts.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, vegan ganache can last for up to one week, and it can also be frozen for up to three months.
While there may be some subtle differences in flavor and texture compared to classic ganache, with the right ingredients and recipe, vegan ganache can be just as delicious and satisfying.
