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 a chocolate orange cake or chill + whip to use as a frosting. 100% vegan and gluten-free.
I made a classic vegan chocolate ganache a little while ago to serve over my vegan chocolate bundt cake, and I knew right away I needed to come up with a chocolate orange ganache! If you are an orange-chocolate lover like me, then I know you will love this recipe!
This dairy-free chocolate orange ganache was made to go with this vegan orange chocolate ganache cake, but it is so versatile that you can serve it over your favorite desserts! I love how customizable this recipe is: keep the ganache warm for a pourable consistency or use it as a spreadable frosting once chilled.
Also, serve it as a dip for fruits or a pourable warm sauce for banana buckwheat pancakes, drizzle over ice cream (amazing over vegan cookie and cream ice cream!), turn it into chocolate orange truffles or pour over chocolate loaf cake... there are endless delicious ways to serve it!
All you need is chocolate chips of your choice, fresh oranges and plant-based milk. This ganache recipe is made without cream or added sugar. That's it! So simple and all made using a microwave.
Let me know if you give it a try! ❤️
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Fast and super simple recipe
- Burst with fresh orange flavor
- Made using 3 ingredients only (and without heavy cream!)
- Great to make ahead
- Versatile ways to use it and easy to customize the consistency
- 100% vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free
🗒 Ingredient notes (+ substitutions)
- Chocolate: I used the mini chocolate chips from the brand Enjoy Life, but feel free to use your favorite brand. I recommend using dark chocolate if possible and if looking for a vegan ganache recipe, then make sure to use dairy-free chocolate. You can also use 60% or 70% semi-sweet dark chocolate.
- Orange: I used fresh Navel oranges, which gave the ganache such a bright and fresh flavor. You can also use store-bought orange juice if you prefer, although in this case, you won't be able to add orange zest.
- Oat milk: or use your favorite dairy-free milk, such as soy milk or almond milk.
⭐️ Full list of ingredients (+ quantities) down below in the recipe card!
📝 Variations (+ serving suggestions)
Depending on how you want to serve the ganache, you can tweak the recipe to adjust the consistency. Here are a few options:
- 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 its 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.
🍽 How to make chocolate orange ganache
Step 1: To a microwave-safe jar, add the oat milk, orange juice and orange zest. Whisk to combine and warm up using the microwave until steamy hot (but not boiling), about 1.5-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the chocolate chips and let them rest for about 2 minutes in the hot milk.
Step 3: Then, whisk well until all the chocolate is melted. If needed, warm for an extra 20 seconds. Cover and transfer to the fridge for a thicker ganache.
Step 4: Stir well and check on consistency. If you need a thicker ganache, then place it back in the fridge (or even the freezer) for a little longer.
⭐️ Detailed recipe (+ video) down below in the recipe card!
💡 Helpful tips
- Don't warm the milk for too long, you want it to be steamy hot without boiling.
- 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 the 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.
❗️ Storage tips
Keep the orange chocolate ganache in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you want to soften its consistency after it has been in the fridge for a few days, then simply let it come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving or warm up for a few seconds at a time using the microwave.
I haven't tried freezing it, but I think it could work.
❓ FAQs
Yes, although you will need to first cool down the ganache overnight, then whip it using electric beaters until light. The final texture will remain a little soft but hard enough to pipe over cupcakes, cookies or cakes. In this case, I recommend using ½ cup of milk instead of ¾ cup.
Yes! Simply add the milk, orange juice and orange zest to a small saucepan and whisk well. Warm up until very hot but not boiling yet. Then, add the chocolate and remove from the heat. Let the chocolate stand in the hot milk for about 2 minutes before stirring. Chill, then serve!
🌱 More vegan icing or frosting recipes to try!
I hope you like this chocolate orange ganache recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!
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📖 Recipe
Dark Chocolate Orange Ganache (without Cream, Vegan)
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 tsp 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 the 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 its 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.
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