We’ve always been fans of that irresistible combo of smooth peanut butter and decadent chocolate, and our peanut butter ganache recipe brings it all together in one easy treat. Originating from classic French techniques with an American twist, it’s perfect for drizzling over cakes or filling cookies, adding a nutty richness that’ll wow your guests.
This versatile delight isn’t just delicious—it’s simple to whip up with pantry staples, making it a go-to for home bakers like us. Join us as we explore how a few ingredients can create magic in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Peanut Butter Ganache recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that fuse creamy peanut butter with decadent chocolate to deliver a smooth nutty texture perfect for enhancing desserts. Let’s break down the essentials, ordered by how we’ll use them in the preparation process.
Key Ingredients List
To achieve the ideal balance of flavors and consistency, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter: We recommend using a natural, unsalted variety at room temperature to ensure it blends seamlessly without clumps.
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: Opt for high-quality chocolate bars—we find that chopping them into even pieces helps for quick, uniform melting.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This should be full-fat and chilled, as it provides the creamy base that emulsifies the mixture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds extra richness and helps achieve a glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Added for a subtle depth of flavor, making the ganache even more irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the nutty notes and balance the sweetness.
These ingredients combine to yield about 2 cups of ganache, enough to coat a standard 9-inch cake or fill 24 cookies. For nutritional reference, here’s a quick overview based on standard values:
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth Peanut Butter | 1 cup | 1,520 | 128 | 56 | 64 |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate | 8 ounces | 1,120 | 72 | 128 | 8 |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup | 400 | 44 | 4 | 4 |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tbsp | 200 | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Pure Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | 12 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on average USDA data; adjust for specific brands or variations.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Peanut Butter Ganache recipe to life, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure precise preparation and a silky-smooth finish. These items help us handle the ingredients like smooth peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate with ease, transitioning seamlessly from measuring to mixing.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools and equipment we recommend:
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for gently heating the heavy cream to the perfect temperature, preventing scorching and ensuring even melting of the chocolate for that rich, nutty ganache.
- Heatproof mixing bowl: We use this to combine the melted chocolate and peanut butter, allowing for safe, double-boiler-style heating that maintains control over the mixture’s consistency.
- Whisk or silicone spatula: A whisk works best for vigorously blending the ingredients to eliminate lumps, while a silicone spatula helps us scrape down the sides of the bowl for thorough incorporation.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial, so we opt for sturdy, heat-resistant sets to precisely measure out the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Digital kitchen scale: For weighing the 8 ounces of finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, this tool guarantees precision and helps achieve the ideal balance of flavors in our ganache.
- Rubber gloves (optional): If we’re handling hot equipment, these protect our hands during the process, making it safer when pouring or stirring the warm mixture.
| Tool | Primary Use | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Medium saucepan | Heating cream | Prevents uneven heating and burning |
| Heatproof mixing bowl | Melting chocolate | Withstands high temperatures safely |
| Whisk or spatula | Blending ingredients | Ensures smooth, lump-free texture |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Precise measuring | Maintains recipe accuracy |
| Digital kitchen scale | Weighing solids | Delivers consistent results |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients and tools, we guide you through creating a velvety peanut butter ganache that boasts a rich nutty aroma and glossy sheen. Our step-by-step process ensures a seamless blend of flavors for perfect results every time.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s organize our ingredients for efficient preparation. Start by measuring and prepping each item as follows to ensure accuracy and optimal texture:
- Measure the peanut butter: Scoop out 1 cup of smooth peanut butter into a small bowl. We recommend stirring it first to achieve an even consistency free of any oil separation.
- Chop the chocolate: Finely chop 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate using a sharp knife. This step maximizes the surface area for quicker melting and a silkier ganache.
- Prepare the cream: Pour 1/2 cup of chilled heavy cream into a measuring cup. Its cold temperature is crucial for controlling the heating process and preventing curdling.
- Soft the butter: Cut 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into small cubes and let it soften at room temperature. This makes it easier to incorporate smoothly into the mixture.
- Add flavor enhancers: Measure 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and add a pinch of salt to a separate small dish. These elements amplify the ganache’s depth with subtle vanilla notes and balanced saltiness.
By prepping in this order, we streamline the cooking process and minimize any potential mess.
Make the Ganache
With ingredients ready, we now heat and combine them to craft a luscious ganache that delivers a decadent chocolate-peanut fusion with a creamy mouthfeel. Follow these precise steps for the best outcome:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup of chilled heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Watch closely as small bubbles form around the edges— this should take about 2-3 minutes— to avoid boiling and ensure a gentle infusion of flavors.
- Place the finely chopped 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and 1 cup of smooth peanut butter into a heatproof mixing bowl. Pour the hot cream over these ingredients immediately, allowing the heat to start melting the chocolate for a glossy blend.
- Using a whisk, stir the mixture vigorously for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and smooth. Add the 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and pinch of salt, then continue whisking until everything emulsifies into a thick, shiny ganache. The aroma at this stage is irresistibly nutty and chocolatey, signaling a perfect consistency ready for cooling.
This method guarantees a ganache that coats utensils with a rich, velvety layer, ideal for your baking needs.
Cool the Ganache
Once made, we cool the ganache to achieve the desired thickness and sheen, transforming it into a spreadable delight with a fudgy texture. Proceed as outlined to preserve its sensory appeal:
- Remove the mixing bowl from the heat and let the ganache sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to release heat evenly and prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
- For faster cooling, transfer the ganache to a shallow dish and place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to ensure uniform cooling— the mixture should thicken to a pourable consistency perfect for drizzling or spreading.
- Test the texture by dipping a spoon into the ganache; it should coat the spoon smoothly with a glossy finish and hold its shape slightly when cooled.
Proper cooling enhances the ganache’s nutty richness, making it versatile for your next dessert creation.
Make-Ahead and Storage
We love how versatile our peanut butter ganache is, allowing us to prepare it in advance for seamless dessert planning. After following the step-by-step instructions to create a smooth, nutty-rich ganache, make-ahead preparation ensures you maintain its glossy sheen and perfect spreadability.
Preparing Ahead
To make-ahead, we recommend chilling the ganache right after it reaches the desired consistency. Simply pour the warm ganache into an airtight container and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This method lets the flavors meld, enhancing the nutty depth from the peanut butter and chocolate. For optimal results, prepare it up to 3 days in advance—refrigerate immediately to preserve freshness and prevent any crystallization.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to keeping our ganache’s silky texture and rich aroma intact. Use these methods based on your needs:
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the cooled ganache to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, maintaining its creamy consistency for drizzling or spreading.
- Freezer Storage: For longer-term use, portion the ganache into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze it for up to 3 months to lock in the indulgent peanut butter notes without compromising quality.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Store in an airtight container; avoid exposure to strong odors for best flavor preservation. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; gently re-whip if needed to restore smoothness. |
Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off odors or separation, before using. When ready to use, let refrigerated ganache soften at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or warm it briefly in a microwave on low power to regain its luxurious, velvety feel.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this peanut butter ganache recipe to bring a delicious twist to your baking adventures. It’s a simple way to elevate everyday desserts with that irresistible nutty depth.
As home bakers ourselves, we’re confident you’ll find endless uses for this versatile treat. Give it a go and let your creativity shine in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is peanut butter ganache?
Peanut butter ganache is a creamy, versatile dessert topping or filling that blends smooth peanut butter with chocolate, inspired by French techniques with an American twist. It’s perfect for drizzling on cakes or stuffing cookies, adding a nutty richness to your treats. This easy recipe uses common pantry items, making it ideal for home bakers looking to elevate their desserts.
What ingredients are needed for peanut butter ganache?
You’ll need 1 cup smooth peanut butter, 8 ounces finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream, 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These high-quality ingredients ensure a balanced flavor and silky texture, yielding about 2 cups—enough for a 9-inch cake or 24 cookies. Check nutritional info for dietary planning.
What tools are required to make peanut butter ganache?
Essential tools include a medium saucepan for heating cream, a heatproof mixing bowl, a whisk or silicone spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a digital kitchen scale for accuracy. Optional rubber gloves help with safety. Using the right equipment ensures a smooth, professional finish and prevents mishaps during preparation.
How do I make peanut butter ganache?
Start by heating 1/2 cup cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Pour over 8 ounces chopped chocolate and 1 cup peanut butter in a bowl, then add 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth, then cool to thicken. This process takes about 10-15 minutes and results in a spreadable, nutty ganache ready for your desserts.
Can I prepare peanut butter ganache in advance?
Yes, you can make peanut butter ganache up to 3 days ahead. After reaching the desired consistency, chill it in an airtight container to preserve its sheen and freshness. This allows for easy meal prep, letting you focus on assembly when needed, while maintaining that luxurious, nutty texture.
How should I store peanut butter ganache?
Store ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months to keep it fresh. Look for signs of spoilage like off odors or separation. To use, let it soften at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for the perfect consistency. Always check for quality before applying to desserts.