Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a creamy, chocolatey treat with a nutty twist, look no further than Peanut Butter Ganache. This irresistible blend balances luscious chocolate with rich peanut butter, giving you a luxuriously smooth, decadent topping or filling that transforms any dessert. Whether you want to lavish it over cakes, swirl it over brownies, or sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl, it’s guaranteed to be your new go-to for desserts that need an extra wow factor. It’s honestly so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peanut Butter Ganache is how remarkably simple the ingredients are, yet each plays a starring role in crafting that velvety texture and bold, comforting flavor. Every scoop brings together creamy, melty, and nutty elements for pure sweet bliss.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of this ganache, infusing bold nutty depth and unbeatable smoothness.
- Heavy cream: Provides the rich, silky base that brings everything together beautifully.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds a luscious chocolate note and helps create the irresistible ganache texture.
- Butter (optional): A touch of butter makes the ganache extra glossy and smooth, perfect for a dazzling finish.
- Salt (optional): Just a pinch heightens the chocolate and peanut flavors, keeping things balanced and not too sweet.
How to Make Peanut Butter Ganache
Step 1: Heat the Cream
Start by pouring your heavy cream into a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. The goal is to warm it gently until it just starts to simmer around the edges—don’t let it boil, or it could scorch. The gentle heat is ideal for melting the chocolate chips in the next step and ensures your Peanut Butter Ganache is silky, not grainy.
Step 2: Add and Melt the Chocolate Chips
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour in your semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let them sit undisturbed for about a minute; this quick rest helps them melt smoothly so you won’t get any little lumps. After a minute, whisk until you have a rich, perfectly smooth chocolate mixture.
Step 3: Whisk in the Peanut Butter
Scoop in your creamy peanut butter and keep whisking! The mixture will start to thicken up and turn beautifully glossy. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell incredible, and you can already tell things are headed in a delicious direction.
Step 4: Stir in Butter and Salt (Optional)
If you want your Peanut Butter Ganache to be next-level shiny and rich, stir in a dab of butter and a pinch of salt. The butter adds extra creaminess and visual appeal, while the salt sharpens every flavor in that dreamy chocolate-peanut swirl.
Step 5: Cool and Use
Let your ganache cool for a few minutes. For a pourable glaze, use it while it’s still warm; for a thicker, spreadable frosting, let it reach room temperature or pop it in the fridge for a quick set. Either way, get ready for total dessert bliss!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Ganache
Garnishes
Dress up your desserts by topping your Peanut Butter Ganache with chopped roasted peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of sea salt flakes. These little finishing touches add extra texture, flavor, and a bit of gourmet flair—truly making every bite special.
Side Dishes
This ganache pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fruit brings a refreshing, vibrant burst, while ice cream creates the ultimate sundae when swirled with your warm ganache.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond just pouring over cakes, try filling cupcakes, sandwiching macarons, or swirling into swirled cheesecake bars. You could even layer it in trifles or serve as a dip for pretzels or cookies. Let your imagination go wild—anywhere you crave peanut butter and chocolate, this ganache shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Popped your leftover Peanut Butter Ganache in an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge. It will stay delicious and silky for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it again, just rewarm gently so it’s perfectly spreadable or pourable once more.
Freezing
For longer storage, go ahead and freeze your ganache in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, and then stir well before serving—it will be just as lush and creamy as fresh-made!
Reheating
To reheat, place the ganache in a heatproof bowl and warm in short bursts in the microwave (stirring often) or gently over a double boiler. Take it slow and steady, stopping as soon as it’s glossy and smooth again. Watch closely so you don’t overheat and lose that dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give your ganache extra crunch and a more rustic texture. Just know the final result won’t be as silky-smooth, but the little peanut bits can be a fun surprise in every bite.
Is there a vegan version of Peanut Butter Ganache?
You can easily make this vegan by swapping in full-fat canned coconut milk for the heavy cream, using dairy-free chocolate chips, and skipping or subbing the butter with a plant-based alternative. It comes out just as rich and delicious.
How can I thicken my ganache if it’s too runny?
If your ganache is too thin, let it cool at room temperature or pop it into the fridge until it firms up to your desired consistency. You can also whisk in a touch more peanut butter or chocolate chips while it’s still warm for a thicker texture.
Can I use this ganache as a filling for cakes or cupcakes?
Definitely! Once your Peanut Butter Ganache has cooled and thickened, it works beautifully as a cake or cupcake filling. Spread or pipe it between layers, or fill the center of cupcakes for a decadent surprise.
Does Peanut Butter Ganache need to be refrigerated?
It’s best to refrigerate any leftovers, especially if you’ve added cream or butter. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Just let it sit out a few minutes or gently reheat until it’s the perfect consistency when you’re ready to use it again.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the creamy, chocolatey magic of Peanut Butter Ganache, you’ll want to make it for every celebration, potluck, or just because you deserve a delicious treat. It’s the secret sauce to transforming even the simplest dessert into something swoon-worthy. Don’t wait—grab a spoon and get ready to fall in love with this easy, unforgettable ganache!
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Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy decadence of Peanut Butter Ganache, a luscious topping or filling that pairs perfectly with cakes, brownies, and cookies. This easy-to-make ganache is a delightful blend of peanut butter, chocolate, and cream, creating a glossy and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1/2 cup
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:
1/2 cup
Butter (optional):
1 tablespoon
Salt (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Melt Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, letting them sit for 1 minute to melt. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and continue whisking until fully combined and glossy.
- Optional Additions: If using, stir in the butter and salt for extra richness and balance.
- Cool and Use: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring or spreading over cakes, brownies, or cookies.
Notes
- For a pourable glaze, use immediately while warm.
- For a spreadable frosting, let cool to room temperature or chill briefly until thickened.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated; rewarm gently before use.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
