Easy Chocolate Ganache for Cheesecake (5 Min Topping)

Closeup of a cheesecake topped with chocolate ganache.

4 from 2 votes

Easy Chocolate Ganache for Cheesecake (5 Min Topping)

This Chocolate Ganache for Cheesecake is the easiest topping recipe made with just 2 ingredients in under 5 minutes! It's silky smooth, richly flavorful, and makes a beautiful decorative addition to your dessert. In this post we share all of our top tips, including the best brand to use, the difference between chips versus bars, and how to get it shiny for an impressive appearance!

Cook Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cheesecake topping, about ½ cup

Calories: 51kcal

Author: Misty

Equipment

Small glass measuring cup optional
Offset spatula optional

Ingredients

⅓ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli highly recommended for best results

Instructions

Microwave the heavy cream for 45-60 seconds until it is very hot, but not quite boiling.
⅓ cup heavy cream
Meanwhile, put the chocolate chips in a glass measuring cup or other dish, preferably with a pouring spout. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, cover the dish with a plate to trap the heat, then leave undisturbed for 3 minutes.
⅓ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
After 3 minutes, stir the mixture well with a rubber spatula or spoon. Keep mixing until it is very smooth.
While it is still warm, pour the ganache into the center of a cooled cheesecake. Use an offset spatula to spread it just to the edges, or push it gently over the edges for a drippy look.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Don’t allow the ganache to cool too much, or it will thicken and be hard to pour nicely on the cheesecake. I use it pretty much immediately once it is mixed.
You can double this recipe for a thicker topping, but it may need to cool for just a few minutes before pouring so that it doesn't run right off the sides.
I know I've already said it... but use a great brand. If you're unsure, we always use Ghirardelli bittersweet chips (this isn't an ad, just genuinely what we use).

**The post is full of troubleshooting tips, suggestions, and FAQs to help you make this successfully. If you have a question we did not answer, we would love to help you in the comment section!

Nutrition