Making Vegan Ganache, Whipped Ganache, And Truffles
Ganache, whipped ganache, and truffles are three of the most luxurious chocolate items around. They are all made with the same ingredients and a similar process. One downfall to this process, though, is that traditional ganache and truffles are made with heavy whipping cream. If you follow a vegan diet, then of course this just won't fly. Thankfully, though, you can pretty easily make a vegan version of these items with coconut milk. Follow this guide to learn more:
Vegan Ganache
This vegan ganache will be the base for both the whipped ganache and the truffles, so it's worth fiddling around with the recipe a bit and making sure you get it right. To make about 1.5 cups of velvety ganache, you'll need:
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup vegan chocolate
- a pinch of salt
- 1 drop real vanilla extract, optional
Do not use low-fat coconut milk in an attempt to make this recipe healthier. The ganache will be too runny and may not come together well.
Place your coconut milk in a saucepan, and warm it over low heat until it is just starting to bubble. Turn the heat off, and add the salt and half of your chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is dissolved, and then add the remaining chocolate. Stir until that chocolate is dissolved. Then add your vanilla extract, if desired. You can then pour this ganache over a cake, or use it to make either whipped ganache or truffles.
Whipped Ganache
If you want to make whipped ganache, which is a light and fluffy chocolate frosting, then you must start by making the ganache recipe as explained above. Put the finished product in the fridge for at least two hours, or until it is completely cold.
Scrape your chilled ganache into a mixing bowl and beat on high speed for two minutes, or until light and fluffy. Enjoy!
Truffles
To make vegan chocolate truffles, you need a prepared batch of the ganache above, plus a small bowl of vegan cocoa powder. Start by chilling the ganache until it is completely cool. Then, scoop it out of the bowl one teaspoon at a time. Roll each teaspoon of ganache in the cocoa, and set the balls on wax paper. Refrigerate until serving.
Making vegan ganache is not that hard once you know what you're doing. And once you have the ganache recipe down, you can also make a lovely whipped ganache and truffles. Yum!