Vegan Ganache With Dark Chocolate

By
Ashley Adams
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
Updated on 01/15/23
Tested by
Tracy Wilk
Photo of Tracy Wilk
Tested by Tracy Wilk
Tracy Wilk is a professional pastry chef, recipe developer and chef instructor, and, most importantly, a firm believer in sprinkles.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 7 mins
Total: 12 mins
Servings: 8 to 10 servings

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.

Vegan dark chocolate ganache in a glass jar

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"You may think rich ganache is only reserved for those who can consume dairy since, traditionally, it contains cream. But this vegan version of dark chocolate ganache will surprise you. This super easy, dairy-free ganache is a delicious treat. Perfect for a glaze on a cake, drizzled onto ice cream...or enjoyed just with a spoon!" —Tracy Wilk

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces good-quality dairy-free dark chocolate, 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

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

    Chocolate for vegan ganache in a glass bowl

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  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 in a saucepan

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

    Coconut milk poured over chocolate in a glass bowl for vegan chocolate ganache

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

    Whisking vegan chocolate ganache in a bowl

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  6. Add the vanilla extract and stir until incorporated. Use warm or slightly cooled.

    Vegan dark chocolate ganache stirred together and dripping off a whisk

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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.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
332 Calories
23g Fat
29g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 332
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23g 30%
Saturated Fat 16g 82%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 16mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 5mg 28%
Potassium 347mg 7%
*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.)