- Prepare Chocolate:
- Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it come to a full boil.
- Pour Over Chocolate:
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
- Stir:
- After a minute, gently stir the mixture with a spatula or whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Add Butter (Optional):
- If desired, add butter to the ganache and stir until it’s fully incorporated. The butter adds extra shine and silkiness to the ganache.
- Cool:
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly at room temperature. If you need a thicker consistency for frosting a cake or cupcakes, let it cool and thicken further.
- Use as Desired:
- Use the chocolate ganache as a frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. You can also use it as a glaze for cookies, doughnuts, or as a topping for ice cream.
- Store:
- Store any leftover ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to use again.
This versatile chocolate ganache is sure to add a decadent touch to your favorite desserts. Adjust the chocolate-to-cream ratio if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.