Make rich, creamy chocolate ganache with just 3 ingredients (chocolate, cream, and butter) in 5 minutes flat! Perfect for frosting cakes, dipping strawberries, or making silky truffles.
Want a rich, glossy ganache without the fuss? I've been using this 3-ingredient method for years, and it never fails. Just pantry staples, 5 minutes, and a quick stir-no fancy tools or pastry skills needed.
I like to drizzle it over my chocolate berry mousse cake when I want to impress. It's also amazing with my pink crepe cake with cream cheese filling for a pretty layered dessert, or even over something simple like my grandma's old-school apple fritters.
All you need is good chocolate, heavy cream, and a minute of stirring. That's it!
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💗 Why This 3-Ingredient Ganache Works
✅ Only 3 ingredients (no weird substitutes!)
✅ Works with any chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
✅ No cooking skills needed (just melt & stir!)
✅ Versatile-use it for frosting, dipping, or drizzling. Perfect for my Krispy Kreme copycat recipe.
📝 Ingredients & Substitutes
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Unsalted Butter - Be sure to chop it into smaller pieces for easier melting.
- Double Cream (Heavy Cream) - This is the base of your ganache. The high-fat content ensures a creamy texture. When heated, it will help melt the chocolate (or Nutella) smoothly without separating. If you can't find double cream, heavy cream, or heavy whipping cream is a suitable substitute.
- Nutella or Chocolate - You can use either Nutella for a sweet, chocolate-hazelnut flavour or good-quality chocolate for a classic ganache. If using chocolate, chop it finely to help it melt evenly. For a richer ganache, opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content. You can also use chocolate chips or chunks for the ganache.
| Ingredient | Best Choice | Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | 60-70% dark chocolate (high quality) | Milk or white chocolate |
| Heavy Cream | 35% fat (whipping cream) | Coconut cream (vegan option) |
| Butter (optional) | Unsalted | Omit for dairy-free |
🔹 Pro Tip: Use good-quality chocolate (like Ghirardelli or Callebaut) for the best flavour!
👩🍳 How To Make 3-Ingredient Chocolate Ganache
Loved this 5-minute chocolate ganache? You've got to try my homemade berry compote too! It's a great match for my fluffy blueberry pancakes with fresh blueberries, waffles, yogurt bowls, cheesecake, or even drizzled over one egg lemon pound cake.
Step 1: Pour the whipping cream into a microwave-safe glass bowl or jug.
Step 2: Add Nutella to the cream, then microwave for up to 1 minute until everything starts to melt.
Step 3: Pour in the melted butter and stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Serve with your favourite recipe-perfect for pancakes, waffles, or drizzling over cake.
*See the recipe card for detailed instructions.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Ganache
✔ Chocolate too thick? Add 1-2 teaspoon warm cream.
✔ Ganache split? Add 1 teaspoon hot water and whisk.
✔ Need it faster? Cool in the fridge for 15 mins.
✔ Storage: Keeps 1 week in the fridge or 3 months frozen.
This 3-ingredient chocolate ganache is a game-changer for bakers. Whether you're topping a cupcake or making tartlets, it's easy, delicious, and foolproof!
❓3-Ingredient Chocolate Ganache FAQs
Too-high heat can split it. Low and slow is key! If it happens, whisk in 1 teaspoon hot cream.
Gently reheat while stirring continuously until it comes back together.
If you're using a 1:2 ratio (1 part chocolate to 2 parts cream), the ganache will stay soft and glossy. It's perfect for dipping, glazing, pouring over ice cream, or even using in a chocolate fountain. I like to brush it over chocolate cake to keep it moist-kind of like a shortcut instead of using syrup. It won't set hard, but it does thicken a bit as it cools.
The most common rule is a 1:1 ratio-equal parts chocolate and cream. This makes a nice, thick glaze or a creamy filling for layer cakes. I use this kind when I want a rich, smooth texture that spreads easily and holds its shape, like on these simple chocolate tarts.
One big mistake is using heat that's too high-this can make your ganache split and turn oily or grainy. Another issue happens when you add cold cream to warm ganache, hoping to thin it out. Instead of helping, it can cause the mixture to break. To avoid both, heat gently and keep everything close to the same temperature.
Chocolate Ganache: Ways to Use It
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📖 Recipe
3-Ingredient Chocolate Ganache (Easy 5-Minute Recipe!)
Ingredients
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 150 ml double cream
- 3 heaped tablespoons Nutella or 60g chocolate
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the butter, double cream, and Nutella. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and everything comes together into a smooth, glossy ganache-this takes about 2-3 minutes.50 g unsalted butter, 150 ml double cream, 3 heaped tablespoons Nutella
- Alternative method: Heat the double cream in a microwave-safe container for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until hot. Add the chopped chocolate and melted butter, then stir until smooth and creamy.
- Once done, let it cool slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the pancakes but still pourable.
Video
Notes
- Cooling Time Matters: The ganache thickens as it cools. For a pourable consistency, use it warm. For frosting/dipping, let it cool 10-15 minutes.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently (microwave in 10-second bursts or stovetop with 1 teaspoon cream).
- Too Thick? Stir in 1 teaspoon warm cream at a time until smooth.
- Too Thin? Chill for 5-10 minutes or add a bit more melted chocolate.
- Best Chocolate: High-quality chocolate (bars, not chips) gives the smoothest texture. Chips contain stabilizers that can make ganache grainy.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut cream + vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Double Batch? This recipe scales perfectly-just use equal parts cream to chocolate by weight.
Cornelia says
I tried this 3-ingredient chocolate ganache and it really is as easy as you say—took me barely 5 minutes! I poured it over some brownies and it made them feel next-level. This easy chocolate ganache recipe is a keeper!
Elizabeth says
I love a good chocolate ganache! This recipe was so quick and easy to follow. Tasted amazing, too!
Krystle says
Fantastic on everything on cakes to ice cream. A staple in my recipe box
Nicole says
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Liz says
I never knew ganache was so easy to make! I'm going to be using this delicious recipe a lot!
Vicky says
Love the chocolate flavor in this. Would never believe it was so easy to make. This one's a keeper!
Ashley says
I didn't realize ganache could be so easy. Thanks for the great recipe!
Krystle says
Why have I never added nutella before? SO Good on cakes.
Nicole says
I love how easy this is to make. I'll be putting it on my ice cream!
Paula says
Wow! This chocolate ganache was incredibly good. And in just five minutes? Fantastic!
Claudia Ciorteanu says
My family loved this!