Dark Chocolate Orange Ganache (without Cream, Vegan)

A spoon pouring some dairy-free orange chocolate ganache ion a white pot.

5 from 1 vote

Dark Chocolate Orange Ganache (without Cream, Vegan)

This chocolate orange ganache is ultra easy, done using 3 ingredients and made without heavy cream or added sugar. Perfect to use as a pourable thick glaze for cakes or chill + whip to use as a frosting. 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate frosting, glaze, vegan frosting

Servings: servings

Calories: 168kcal

Author: Jessica Laroche

Equipment

Microwave-safe jar
Stirring spoon and spatula

Ingredients

1¼ cup dark chocolate chips I used the vegan mini chocolate chips from the brand Enjoy Life
¾ cup oat milk or your favorite plant-based milk
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice store-bought juice works too
2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

To a microwave-safe jar, add the milk, orange juice and orange zest. Whisk well to combine and warm up using a microwave for 1½-2 minutes or until steamy hot (but do not boil).
Add the chocolate chips and let them rest in the hot milk for 2 minutes. Then whisk well until all the chocolate is melted.
Use right away for a thinner and warm glaze or transfer to the fridge (covered) to cool down and allow it to thicken. Serve over cakes, pancakes or cool down + whip to frost cupcakes (see notes). Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Don't warm the milk for too long, you want it to be steamy hot without boiling for the best result.
The ganache will firm up as it cools down. So ideally, plan ahead and make it the day before you need it so it can chill in the fridge overnight.
Adjust sweetness to your preference, which might depend on the type of chocolate you use. If using chocolate chips, then no need to add any extra sugar, but if using dark chocolate that's a little bitter for your taste, then stir in a few tablespoons of sugar before warming up.
How to use this ganache as a pourable glaze: serve it warm or let the ganache cool down at room temperature, then use it while it is still pourable (skip the step of chilling in the fridge). This is perfect to pour over cake (check out this chocolate bundt cake, this orange chocolate cake or this chocolate loaf cake).
How to use ganache as a spreadable frosting: chill the ganache until completely cold, which will thicken the consistency. Ideally, let the ganache in the fridge overnight.
How to make a whipped ganache: make sure to allow the ganache to cool down in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. Then, use electric beaters to whip the cold ganache to a light and fluffy texture.
How to make chocolate orange truffles: use ½ cup of milk (instead of ¾ cup) and completely cool down the ganache overnight. Then, scoop the mix and roll into balls before freezing them again. You can cover the truffle with more melted chocolate or roll them into cacao powder.
Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.

Nutrition