• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Kitchen Girl logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Dinner
    • About
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    by Traci · 09/30/2021

    How to Make Chocolate Ganache Without Cream

    5 from 44 votes
    Total 5 minutes minutes
    Jump To Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Make an easy chocolate ganache without cream and use milk instead. It's rich, silky, and ready in a few minutes using the stove or microwave!

    spoon stirring chocolate ganache in glass jar
    Table of Contents hide
    1) What is ganache?
    2) Why we love this recipe
    3) Why make chocolate ganache without cream?
    4) Can you tell when ganache is made with milk?
    5) Ingredient notes
    6) How to make chocolate ganache in the microwave
    7) Frequently asked questions
    8) How long does it take for ganache to set?
    9) Recipe tips
    10) More chocolate desserts we love
    11) 📖 Recipe
    12) Easy Chocolate Ganache (with or without heavy cream)

    What is ganache?

    Chocolate ganache is a mixture of heavy cream and chocolate that becomes a glaze, topping, icing, filling, or sauce for desserts. The resulting texture depends on the chocolate-to-liquid ratio and temperature of the ganache. This chocolate ganache recipe includes details on how to make ganache without cream for use with any dessert.

    Why we love this recipe

    You can make chocolate ganache without cream and with milk instead. However, heavy cream can still be used for this ganache recipe because the method is the same.

    Make ganache with chocolate chips or chocolate bars – either will work perfectly for this recipe.

    Any chocolate variety can be used for this recipe (semisweet, dark, milk, bittersweet, and white).

    You can make chocolate ganache using your microwave, so you don't need to babysit the stove to heat the milk. However, the stove is still an option.

    Use this ganache recipe to make the topping for other dessert recipes like no bake peanut butter pie, choclolate eclair cake, and orange olive oil cake.

    Why make chocolate ganache without cream?

    A classic ganache is made with heavy cream. Substituting a lower fat percentage of milk is ideal for anyone wanting less calories and less saturated fat. Also, it's the perfect workaround when you don't have heavy cream on hand.

    Can you tell when ganache is made with milk?

    I certainly can't tell and no one has ever called it to my attention while devouring my desserts. In fact, no one even detects it because the ganache is still so rich and decadent – even without the heavy cream. Amazing!

    Ingredient notes

    Get the full printable recipe below.

    chocolate or chocolate chips - Use any variety quality chocolate or chocolate chips including semisweet, bittersweet, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.

    milk - Traditional ganache is made with heavy cream, but you can make it with any milk to reduce the fat that comes with heavy cream.

    chocolate chips in tin measuring cup and milk in measuring cup on brown cutting board

    How to make chocolate ganache in the microwave

    See printable recipe card below (includes stove instructions too).

    1. Heat milk or cream in a microwave-safe container on high power in 20 second intervals until it steams.
    2. Add chocolate chips to the steamed milk and rest about 5 minutes.
    3. Whisk the mixture thoroughly.
    4. When the chocolate dissolves and the mixture forms a silky texture, allow it to set up for a few hours at room temperature.

    Note: Once the chocolate and milk mixture is created, it can appear thin, but it will thicken as it cools either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

    4 image collage of how to make chocolate chip ganache

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I make chocolate ganache with chocolate chips?

    Yes. Chocolate chips can be substituted for chocolate bars and they don't require chopping. Chocolate bars can still be used with this recipe.

    Does ganache need to be refrigerated?

    When ganache is made with milk or heavy cream, refrigeration is recommended. It will become firm, so it's important to rest ganache at room temperature or reheat before serving.

    Can I freeze chocolate ganache?

    Yes! Allow ganache to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container up to 90 days, or longer if vacuum sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

    Chocolate ganache dripping from a teaspoon

    How long does it take for ganache to set?

    Ganache can be used almost immediately as a warm chocolate topping. To use as a decorative glaze for cakes, cupcakes, and pies, allow ganache to briefly cool and thicken, but it should be thin enough to pour.

    At room temperature, it takes 2-3 hours to reach the texture of peanut butter. However, refrigerated ganache can reach the same texture in a fraction of the time, which is ideal if you're in a hurry.

    spoon stirring chocolate ganache in glass jar

    Recipe tips

    • Soften refrigerated ganache to a spreadable texture by allowing it to sit at room temperature an hour or two before using.
    • To make it fluid again, add a splash of milk or cream and microwave the ganache on medium heat in 20 second intervals, stirring as needed.
    • If ganache becomes too liquefied, allow it to set up again at room temp or in the refrigerator. Or, reheat and add small amounts of chocolate chips, stirring as needed.

    More chocolate desserts we love

    • Double Chocolate Banana Bread
    • Chocolate Energy Bars (No Bake)
    • No Bake Energy Bites
    • Salted Chocolate Covered Nuts

    📖 Recipe

    spoon stirring chocolate ganache in glass jar

    Easy Chocolate Ganache (with or without heavy cream)

    Make chocolate ganache with milk OR heavy cream. This recipe makes rich and silky ganache in minutes using the stove or microwave.
    Prep TimePrep Time: 2 minutes mins
    Cook TimeCook Time: 3 minutes mins
    Total timeTotal Time: 5 minutes mins
    Yield 4 ounces
    Author Traci Antonovich
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Pin it for later 📌

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Kitchen Girl.

    When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.

    Ingredients 

    • 3 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream, 50 milliliters (or 45 grams)
    • ½ cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips, 90 grams

    Instructions

    Chocolate ganache microwave instructions

    • Add MILK (or heavy cream) to a microwave-safe container.
    • Microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals until steaming, but not boiling over.
    • Pour CHOCOLATE CHIPS into the heated liquid and allow to rest at room temperature about 5 minutes.
    • Whisk ingredients together until the chocolate dissolves and mixture becomes smooth.

    Stove instructions

    • Bring MILK (or heavy cream) almost to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
    • Pour this over CHOCOLATE CHIPS and allow to rest about 5 minutes.
    • Whisk ingredients together until the chocolate dissolves and mixture becomes smooth.

    Serving and storage instructions

    • Serve warm like a chocolate sauce, or cool to room temperature and use for other desserts.
    • Allow to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 14 days.
    Did you make this? We'd love your feedback!!Please rate and review it here or below ⤵️

    Recipe Notes

    Use chocolate ganache with delicious desserts like peanut butter pie, chocolate eclair cake, and chocolate covered nuts.
    • When you make chocolate ganache without heavy cream and with milk, it's hard to even tell the difference!
    • To soften refrigerated ganache to a spreadable texture, let it sit at room temperature an hour or two before serving.
    • To make ganache smoother, add a splash of milk or cream and microwave on medium heat in 20 second intervals, stirring as needed.
    • If ganache becomes too liquefied, allow it to set up again at room temp or in the refrigerator. Or, reheat and add small amounts of chocolate chips, stirring as needed.

    Equipment

    • heat safe measuring cup
    • measuring spoon
    • wire whisk or fork
    • airtight storage container(s)

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Easy FREE recipes to your inbox weeklyJoin The Kitchen Girl community!
    340 shares
    • Facebook
    • Email recipe

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 44 votes (39 ratings without comment)

    We love recipe feedback... Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Tap stars to rate recipe




    Comments

    1. JR says

      August 13, 2023 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      I never comment on these but I just had to. This sauce was so fast, simple, and delicious. It turned out perfect in less than 10 minutes. I didn't use it as you usually would on a cake, I used it for ice cream.. but damn it was good!

      Reply
      • Traci says

        August 14, 2023 at 7:50 am

        Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it enough to leave this feedback. I'm crazy about this ganache and use it for all things dessert. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

    2. SH says

      June 18, 2023 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      Love it! I made this as a topping for my cake and it came out perfect!

      Reply
      • Traci says

        June 18, 2023 at 10:39 am

        Yay!! I'm so glad you went for it! Thank you for sharing your experience. It's much appreciated 🙂

    3. John says

      January 14, 2023 at 1:01 pm

      I tried the 3 x recipe and got in to lots of trouble. It says 540g of milk and I think that must be a mistake. I've just ended up with hot chocolate. Definitely can't ice a cake with this.

      Reply
      • Traci says

        January 14, 2023 at 1:33 pm

        Oh my word, you are so right, John. There must be something wrong with the database because 3 tablespoons milk is more like 45 grams (and the conversion says 180 grams 😳). Also, the chocolate chips aren't converting at all. I'll work on getting a fix for this asap. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention and apologies for the glitch 🙁

      • Traci says

        January 14, 2023 at 1:50 pm

        Just FYI, you inspired me to turn off the metric conversion option until I can get it fixed AND I included the amount in grams for you. Again, so very sorry for the inconvenience.

    4. Gen says

      September 21, 2022 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, thank you for explanation and for taking the time to show an alternative and easier way to make the ganache 🙂 I want to try it but I'm not sure how much milk to use, the US ingredients say 3 tablespoons (about 45ml) while metric 180g (a bit more of a glass).
      thank you a lot!!

      Reply
      • Traci says

        October 03, 2022 at 11:04 am

        Hiya, I'm not sure what you're asking but will love to help. Can you rephrase the question? Thanks so much! 🙂

      • RJ says

        November 28, 2022 at 12:39 pm

        use the 45ml, 180ml will be too runny.

    5. Janet Anstead says

      March 23, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh this was so easy. I will be keeping this for future reference. It also taste amazing. Thank you

      Reply
      • The Kitchen Girl says

        March 23, 2022 at 8:47 pm

        Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Ganache is one of my favorite guilty pleasures and it couldn't be easier 🙂 Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated!

    6. Jeffrey says

      September 30, 2021 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      Whoah! A chocolate ganache that's unpretentious with simple explanation. Love it that I can use chocolate chips, no heavy cream, and my microwave. Winning!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    The Kitchen Girl standing in a white kitchen with brown accents

    Hi! I'm Traci and I'm sharing my easy recipes with everyday ingredients, simple instructions, and ALL the flavor. Read more about me.

    Spring Recipes

    • asparagus with Parmesan and chopped parsley garnish on white serving plate
      The BEST Air Fryer Asparagus
    • asian slaw in white bowl with two serving spoons
      Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
    • garlic roasted mushrooms in white bowl on green surface
      Garlicky Roasted Mushrooms
    • kale salad with toppings in glass bowl with salad tongs
      Lemon Kale Salad Recipe
    • strawberry salad in wood bowl
      Strawberry Salad
    • whole artichokes on trivet in Instant Pot
      Instant Pot Artichokes

    Trending Recipes

    • Ham and beans in white bowl with spoon
      Ham and Bean Soup
    • turkey chili in white soup pot with serving ladle next to fresh toppings
      The BEST Turkey Chili Recipe
    • lasagna soup in white bowl with spoon
      Lasagna Soup
    • penne alla vodka with chicken in white skillet
      Chicken Penne alla Vodka
    • black refried beans garnished with fresh cilantro in white serving bowl next to lime wedges
      Refried Black Beans Recipe
    • tortilla chip is dunked into blender salsa in a black bowl
      5 Minute Blender Salsa (Restaurant Style Salsa)

    Weeknight Favorites

    • white crockpot with chicken vegetable soup and a soup ladle
      Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup
    • cream of mushroom soup in white bowl with soup spoon
      Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • turkey sloppy joes on hamburger bun
      Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe
    • A skillet filled with creamy pasta shells, ground meat, and garnished with chopped herbs. A wooden spoon is resting in the skillet.
      Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
    • asian slaw in white bowl with two serving spoons
      Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
    • lentil chili in black bowl with fresh herb garnish and spoon
      Lentil Chili

    Easy Chicken Recipes

    • Crispy chicken thighs on blue plate garnished with fresh parsley.
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    • Golden brown whole chicken in black slow cooker
      Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
    • crispy and juicy chicken legs on blue serving platter with lemon wedges
      Easy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
    • whole chicken on serving board with parsley and lemon garnish
      Instant Pot Whole Chicken
    • Partially sliced air fryer chicken breast on wooden cutting board
      Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
    • crispy air fryer chicken legs in air fryer basket
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs in 25 Minutes

    Footer

    About TKG

    • Meet Traci
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Back to home page

    Classic Recipes

    • Baked Chicken Legs
    • Broiled Salmon
    • Turkey Chili
    • Charcuterie Board
    • Ham and Bean Soup
    • Homemade Cornbread
    • Baked Chicken Thighs
    • Reuben Sandwich
    • Lasagna Soup
    • French Bread
    • Best Banana Bread
    • Minestrone Soup
    • Beef Stroganoff
    • Pico De Gallo

    Cooking Methods

    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • One Pot Meals
    • Slow Cooker

    Categories

    • Appetizers
    • Beef Recipes
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dips and Spreads
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Pasta and Noodles
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Soup, Stew, and Chili
    • Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • TikTok
    The Kitchen Girl as seen on image banner

    ©2025 The Kitchen Girl LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    • 34Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Flipboard
    340 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.