If you’re on the hunt for a swoon-worthy dessert topping or filling, look no further than Peanut Butter Ganache. This rich, dreamy concoction brings together velvety chocolate and nutty peanut butter in a smooth, decadent harmony that’s perfect as a glaze, drizzle, dip, or even a luxurious frosting. Whether you’re impressing a crowd or treating yourself, every luscious spoonful of Peanut Butter Ganache delivers pure joy, and it’s so easy you’ll want to make it again and again.

Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing what just a handful of simple ingredients can do! Each component in this Peanut Butter Ganache recipe plays a key part in creating that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture and surround-you-with-joy flavor.

Chocolate chips: The heart of our ganache—they melt into a glossy, chocolatey base that sets the mood for the peanut butter to shine.
Heavy cream: Adds the silkiness and luscious mouthfeel that make this ganache pourable, spreadable, and all-around indulgent.
Creamy peanut butter: The star player, infusing the ganache with bold, nutty richness and a subtle saltiness that’s the definition of crave-worthy.
Vanilla extract (optional): Just a hint can add warmth and depth, but feel free to skip if you want the chocolate and peanut flavors to really sing.
Pinch of salt (optional): A little salt can awaken all the flavors, especially with sweet chocolate and peanuts. If your peanut butter is salted, you might not need extra.

How to Make Peanut Butter Ganache

Step 1: Heat the Cream

Begin by pouring your heavy cream into a small saucepan, then place it over medium heat. You want to watch closely here—heat it just until it starts to simmer, which means little bubbles will form around the edges. Resist the urge to walk away and do not let it boil, to keep your ganache silky-smooth.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Chips

Pour your ready-to-go hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. The hot cream will gently melt the chocolate, ensuring it comes together with a luxurious sheen. Let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before you stir, giving the heat time to do its magic.

Step 3: Stir Until Smooth

After your chocolate has bathed in the cream, grab a whisk or spatula and stir gently from the center outward. Watch as the chocolate and cream turn into a glossy, unified sauce. This is the moment when you know you’re headed for ganache greatness!

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter

Now, drop in the creamy peanut butter and stir until it disappears completely, transforming your chocolate sauce into a rich, Peanut Butter Ganache. It should be thick, glossy, and have a fragrance that’s pure heaven.

Step 5: Mix in Flavorings

If you’re adding vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, now’s the time. Just a small splash of vanilla and a touch of salt can elevate your ganache, making every bite sing with complexity. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is smooth and even.

Step 6: Cool and Use

Allow your Peanut Butter Ganache to cool slightly at room temperature. As it sits, it’ll begin to thicken up. If you’re using it as a glaze or drizzle, use while warm and fluid. For a thicker frosting, let it chill until it’s spreadable, or even whip it for airiness. The possibilities are endless!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Ganache

Garnishes

Treat your Peanut Butter Ganache to a little extra flair! Sprinkle on chopped roasted peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a dusting of flaky sea salt to accentuate the flavors and add a touch of crunch. A drizzle of honey or a flurry of sprinkles can take it from classic to party-ready in seconds.

Side Dishes

This ganache is a natural match for everything from fresh berries and sliced bananas, to simple vanilla ice cream or fluffy pound cake. It’s also fabulous with buttery cookies, pretzels, or even sandwiched between graham crackers for a fun treat. Each pairing adds its own layer of texture and taste to the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Get adventurous! Use Peanut Butter Ganache as a drip glaze on layer cakes, a luscious filling in cupcakes, a dip for fruit platters, or even as the ultimate swirl in brownie batter before baking. For a show-stopping dessert, pipe it into tart shells and top with berries or edible flowers—it’s truly as versatile as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peanut Butter Ganache keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. As it chills, it will firm up, making it perfect for frosting or spreading on toast. Let it come to room temperature or give it a gentle stir before using so it’s velvety again.

Freezing

If you want to store ganache for a later date, you’re in luck—it freezes incredibly well! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing to keep it at its best, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another round.

Reheating

To bring your ganache back to its pourable glory, simply microwave it in 10-15 second bursts, stirring well after each, until it’s as warm and loose as you want. You can also rewarm gently in a saucepan over low heat. Just be sure not to overheat or it may separate.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet?

Absolutely! White chocolate will produce a sweeter, creamier Peanut Butter Ganache with a caramel note. Just be aware that white chocolate is softer, so you might want to use a little less cream or chill it longer to get your desired consistency.

What if my ganache ends up too thin or too thick?

If it’s too thin, pop it in the fridge until it thickens up. For an extra-thick Peanut Butter Ganache, use less cream next time or let it chill longer. If it’s too thick, gently reheat and stir in a splash more cream until it’s just right.

Does this recipe work with crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, and it’s wonderful! Crunchy peanut butter gives your ganache a fun, nutty texture and bursts of salty crunch—perfect if you like a little bite to your sweets.

Is this ganache gluten-free?

It sure is, as long as your chocolate chips and peanut butter are gluten-free (most brands are, but double-check the label just in case). That makes it a safe decadent treat for many gluten-sensitive dessert fans!

How long will Peanut Butter Ganache stay fresh?

Stored in the fridge, your ganache will stay delicious for up to a week, and even longer if you freeze it. Always keep it sealed well to prevent it from drying out or picking up fridge odors.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this luxuriously simple Peanut Butter Ganache, you’ll never look at chocolate and peanut butter the same way again. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and downright addictive—there’s a reason it’s a favorite in my kitchen. Grab your ingredients and give it a go; I promise you’ll want to make it part of your dessert rotation forever!

Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Peanut Butter Ganache. Perfect for glazing cakes, drizzling over desserts, or filling truffles, this easy recipe will elevate your sweet treats to the next level.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

Peanut Butter Mix-in:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips, let sit, then stir until smooth.
Blend in Peanut Butter: Add peanut butter to the chocolate mixture, stirring until glossy.
Final Touches: Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Allow to cool slightly before using as desired.