Easy Ways to Thicken Ganache: 8 Steps

Ganache is a delicious and versatile chocolate mixture that has a wide range of uses, including glazes, truffles, and fillings for pastries and cakes. But sometimes, you may find that your ganache is too thin and needs to be thickened. Here are eight easy steps to help you thicken your ganache:
1. Let it cool: One of the simplest ways to thicken ganache is by allowing it to cool at room temperature. As ganache cools, it will gradually become thicker and more stable. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
2. Refrigeration: Placing the ganache in the refrigerator will also help it thicken as it cools down. Make sure to cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent condensation and moisture from getting in.
3. Add more chocolate: If your ganache still needs thickening after cooling, you can add more chopped chocolate pieces or chips in a 1:1 ratio of cream to chocolate. Gently reheat the mixture in a double boiler or microwave and mix until smooth.
4. Use less cream: To avoid thin ganache in the first place, try using less cream in your recipe. A higher chocolate-to-cream ratio will result in thicker ganache.
5. Cornstarch slurry: As a last resort, you can add cornstarch slurry (a mixture of equal parts water and cornstarch) to your ganache if it hasn’t thickened enough using other methods. Heat the ganache over low heat and then slowly stir in the slurry until the desired thickness is achieved.
6. Whisking: Another method for thickening ganache is by whisking air into the mixture using an electric mixer or by hand until it gains volume and becomes lighter in texture.
7. Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, you can thicken ganache by letting it mix on medium speed with a paddle attachment for a few minutes. This method is highly effective and is especially useful when making whipped ganache for filling pastries.
8. Wait it out: Patience can pay off if your ganache turns out too thin. Sometimes, allowing the ganache to sit undisturbed for an extended period can help it achieve the desired consistency.
By following these simple steps and experimenting with different methods, you’ll be able to adjust the thickness of your ganache to create the perfect consistency for your recipes and desserts.