You would be hardpressed to find a cake topping quite as perfect as ganache. This mix of chocolate and cream is the perfect way to finish off a dessert, especially if you love chocolate.
If you find yourself with leftovers then you must be wondering, can you freeze ganache?
Ganache can be frozen for up to 2 months. The ganache should be portioned out into containers, covered with cling film, sealed and then frozen.
Does Ganache Freeze Well? Yes
Can You Refreeze Ganache? No
How To Freeze Ganache
Freezing ganache is a really easy process and you don’t need to do much prep work at all. The most important thing to remember is that you need to make sure that air can’t get to the ganache as this will dry it out and cause freezer burn.
So just follow these instructions to freeze your ganache:
- Find Container
Find a suitable container. Preferably one that is airtight. If you don’t have anything suitable then you can wrap the ganache in cling film but this might get a little messy! - Portion Out
Put the ganache into the container. Place some cling film on top of the ganache and then seal the container tightly. If you are using freezer bags instead make sure you squeeze the air out before sealing. - Cover with Cling Film
Ensure that any surface that is uncovered is covered with cling film to protect it from freezer burn. This will also help stop the ganache from forming a skin on the top. - Label
Label the container with the date and the contents. - Freeze
Pop the ganache into the freezer.
How to Freeze Ganache Frosting
Ganache frosting is a popular method for icing a cake and we can see why! Chocolate and cream are the perfect additions to many types of cakes. You can freeze ganache frosting using the same method outlined above.
If you have bought your ganache frosting and it is still sealed then you can just pop the whole container into the freezer as it is.
One thing to watch is your ingredients. If you have a basic ganache made from chocolate and cream then you should be fine to freeze it but if you have a ganache with added ingredients then it may not freeze as well.
3 Tips for Freezing Ganache
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing ganache to have the best results:
Mix Vigorously
Once defrosted, you’ll need to give the ganache a vigorous mix (and even a blend) to remove any grainy patches.Â
Avoid White Chocolate
White chocolate tends not to defrost as well and you’ll find it is more grainy. The last thing you want is a grainy ganache.
Freeze In Portions
You need to consider how you’ll use the ganache and then freeze it into suitably sized containers. That way, you’ll avoid wasting it in future as you shouldn’t refreeze ganache.Â
How Long Can You Freeze Ganache?
Ganache keeps in the freezer for between one and three months, plenty of time to have some spare for the next time you need to ice a cake or add a tasty filling to a dessert! Check your recipe to find out the recommendations for your ganache.
After this time you might find that the ganache loses its structure. This is because crystals form which can make it feel grainy rather than smooth and silky.
You Can Freeze Ganache for Around 2 Months
How Do You Defrost Ganache?
Defrosting your ganache can be a little tricky and if you aren’t careful the texture can change too much. So, for best results defrost your ganache as slowly as possible.
To do this pop the ganache into a bowl and then put it in the fridge to defrost for several hours. If you have time, think ahead and get the ganache out of the freezer the night before you plan to use it.
Once it has defrosted then you need to take it out of the fridge and put it on the kitchen side for a couple of hours to warm up. If you don’t then your ganache will be too cold and firm to use.
Can You Refreeze Ganache?
It isn’t recommended that you refreeze ganache after you have thawed it out. You should use the ganache within a day or two and throw it away as soon as it started to harden or change in texture.
Does Ganache Freeze Well?
Ganache does freeze fairly well. You might notice a slight texture change with the ganache being a little grainy but you can give it a mix or blend to mix this backup.
If your ganache hasn’t frozen well then you might struggle to fix this change in texture but the taste should remain the same so it will still be enjoyable.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing ganache or ganache in general, then these may help:
Can You Freeze a Ganache Covered Cake?
When you freeze ganache in a pot, you can mix it to incorporate the fat that has separated but you won’t be able to do this if it is already on the cake.
Having said that, if you have no other choice then it is perfectly safe to freeze. Just wrap pieces in clingfilm and then store them in an airtight container.
I make truffles with leftover ganache. Refrigerate to firm up, roll into small balls and cover with cocoa/ melted chocolate/ white chocolate. Yummy!
Mmmmm, sounds delectable!