Peanut butter ganache is a decadent twist on the classic chocolate ganache that brings a rich, nutty flavor to your desserts. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple cake, drizzle over brownies, or create a luscious truffle filling, this creamy, velvety ganache is a game changer.
It combines the silky smoothness of ganache with the unmistakable taste of peanut butter, creating a harmonious blend that is both indulgent and satisfying.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making peanut butter ganache from scratch, using just a few wholesome ingredients. The result is a versatile, smooth, and glossy ganache that’s perfect for frosting, dipping, or even spooning over your favorite treats.
Ready to impress your friends and family with this luscious peanut butter delight? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This peanut butter ganache recipe stands out because it’s incredibly simple yet delivers a rich and complex flavor profile. Unlike traditional ganache that relies solely on chocolate, adding peanut butter introduces an irresistible creaminess and a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Whether you’re a peanut butter enthusiast or simply want to try something new, this ganache is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste—whether you prefer it thicker for frosting or thinner for drizzling.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with many desserts, from classic chocolate cakes to fruit tarts, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again when you want to add a special touch to your sweets.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (85g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler setup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate: Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will melt evenly.
- Heat the cream: Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Combine cream and chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Stir until smooth: Using a whisk or spatula, gently stir the mixture until all the chocolate has melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Add peanut butter: Stir in the peanut butter while the ganache is still warm. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Enhance flavor and texture: Add the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine and add richness.
- Cool and thicken: Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For thicker ganache, refrigerate for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Use as desired: Once it reaches your preferred consistency, use the ganache to frost cakes, dip fruits, or drizzle over desserts.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a chunkier texture, try using chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. It adds delightful bits of peanuts to your ganache.
If you want to make your ganache extra rich, substitute part of the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a subtle tropical twist. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate—milk chocolate for a sweeter version or bittersweet for a more intense flavor.
For a vegan adaptation, use dairy-free chocolate and replace heavy cream with coconut cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains indulgently good.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per 2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter ganache is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Frosting: Use it as a luscious frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. Chill it a bit for a thicker, spreadable consistency.
- Dip: Serve as a dip for fresh fruit like apple slices, strawberries, or banana chunks for an indulgent snack.
- Drizzle: Warm slightly and drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cheesecakes for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Truffles: Chill the ganache until firm, then scoop and roll into balls. Coat with cocoa powder or crushed nuts for homemade truffles.
Conclusion
Making peanut butter ganache at home is simpler than you might think, and the results are truly worth it. This recipe offers a perfect balance of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a ganache that’s rich, flavorful, and versatile enough to enhance any dessert.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this ganache will quickly become your go-to for adding a touch of indulgence.
Because it’s easy to customize, you can adjust the thickness and flavor to suit your needs, making it an excellent addition to cakes, brownies, fruits, and more. So next time you want to impress your guests or treat yourself, whip up a batch of this peanut butter ganache and enjoy the delicious magic it brings to your table.
For more amazing recipes, check out our Ultimate Chocolate Cake, Classic Brownies, and Easy Fruit Tart recipes to complement your ganache creations!
📖 Recipe Card: Peanut Butter Ganache
Description: A rich and creamy ganache combining the smoothness of peanut butter with silky chocolate. Perfect for frosting cakes, filling cupcakes, or drizzling over desserts.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
- Add the butter, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until glossy and smooth.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before using.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 10g
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