Description
This Easy Chocolate Frosting recipe features a luscious, smooth ganache made from dark and semi-sweet chocolate combined with warm heavy cream, vanilla, and a touch of salt. Perfectly whipped to a light, fluffy texture, this frosting is ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and fillings, providing a rich chocolate flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate
- 4 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped (use a bar, not chips)
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (use a bar, not chips)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt chocolate: Place the finely chopped dark and semi-sweet chocolate together in a heatproof bowl and set aside.
- Heat cream: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it starts to simmer and steam gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling. Pour the hot cream evenly over the chopped chocolate, making sure the chocolate is fully submerged.
- Combine: Let the chocolate soften in the hot cream for 2-3 minutes, then stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
- Cool: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken at room temperature until it becomes scoopable. Do not refrigerate, as chilling can cause graininess in the frosting.
- Beat: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the ganache along with the vanilla extract and salt on medium speed for about 1 minute until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Use immediately: Spread the frosting on cakes, pipe it onto cupcakes, or use it as a filling for your favorite desserts. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate bars rather than chips for a smoother texture.
- Do not boil the cream to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Allow ganache to reach room temperature to prevent grainy texture during whipping.
- If ganache thickens too much, gently rewarm to soften before beating.
- This frosting is best used fresh and at room temperature for easy spreading or piping.
