Vegan Ganache With Dark Chocolate

Written by
Ashley Adams
Ashley Adams is a restaurant professional and workshop instructor with a specialty in dairy-free cooking and baking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Ashley Adams
Updated 11/19/20
Vegan dark chocolate ganache

The Spruce

 
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 7 mins
Total: 12 mins
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
367 Calories
29g Fat
24g Carbs
5g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 367
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 15mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Protein 5g
Calcium 40mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Ganache is traditionally a combination of chocolate and cream and can be used to make truffles, cover a cake, or top ice cream. When dairy-free dark chocolate and coconut milk are used, this decadent and versatile confection can be part of dairy-free desserts that are to die for. Keep in mind that this vegan ganache recipe is only as good as the dark chocolate you choose, so be sure to use a high-quality dairy-free brand. A little bit of vanilla extract adds another level of sweetness, and the coconut milk brings a subtle tropical twist.

Technically, dark chocolate should not contain any dairy since it is simply made from cacao beans and sugar; when dairy is added, it becomes milk chocolate. However, you do need to read labels carefully as some manufacturers may include dairy products. Also, be sure to choose unsweetened coconut milk that comes in a can; the type packaged in a carton is a beverage and will be watered down.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dark dairy-free chocolate (good quality, coarsely chopped)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk (not light varieties)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Vegan Ganache With Dark Chocolate ingredients
     The Spruce

  2. Place the coarsely chopped dark chocolate in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.

    Chocolate for vegan ganache
     The Spruce

  3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the coconut milk until bubbles just begin to appear around the edges and steam rises from the surface.

    Coconut milk for vegan chocolate ganache
     The Spruce

  4. Pour the hot coconut milk over the chopped chocolate and let stand without stirring for 5 minutes.

    Coconut milk and chocolate for ganache
     The Spruce

  5. Whisk the chocolate-coconut milk mixture until glossy and smooth (this will take about 2 minutes of gentle stirring).

    Mixing vegan chocolate ganache
     The Spruce

  6. Add the vanilla extract and stir until incorporated.

    Vegan dark chocolate ganache
     The Spruce

  7. Use warm or slightly cooled.

Recipe Variations

  • While coconut milk is a tried and true ingredient, you can experiment with almond or cashew milk for a rich, nutty taste.
  • Use almond extract instead of vanilla.

How to Use Vegan Ganache

  • Top vegan ice cream with this chocolate ganache. Add nuts, a few vegan brownie pieces, and fresh fruit. Or, turn into a banana split by adding a few more scoops of ice cream and two sliced bananas, along with plenty of the vegan ganache.
  • To make your own vegan chocolate truffles, double the amount of chocolate in this recipe. Prepare as directed, and let the ganache cool in the refrigerator until it's slightly soft but firm enough to roll into balls. After forming the truffles, roll them in coconut flakes or chopped nuts, or sprinkle with cocoa powder.
  • Get creative and top your ganache-covered desserts with vegan ginger chews or dried fruit such as cherries or raisins.

How to Store Vegan Ganache

Ganache can be left at room temperature for 2 days and then it should be refrigerated. If your kitchen tends to get warm, or you want to be extra cautious, store the vegan ganache in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that it will thicken as it sits, so if you want to use the ganache as a sauce, microwave in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.

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