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Holy moly. This Hard Cider Ganache is GOOD. And fun! Because you get bonus leftover hard cider, too.
Sometimes, really good things come to those who don’t restock their pantry. You see, I made you a cake. I made you the tastiest, most simple, flourless chocolate cake you’ve ever seen. It’s decadent and delicious and if you follow me on Snapchat (@fedandfit), you got to see the cake come together in a series of videos. I’ll post the full recipe here in a few days. This awesome cake needed a chocolaty crescendo, a finishing touch. My first inclination was “ganache!” I thought that I’d just whip up a simple coconut milk ganache, slather it on the top of the dessert marvel, and then call it a day. THEN, I opened my pantry. The shelf designated for coconut milk in my neat and tidy type-A pantry was empty. EMPTY! I couldn’t believe it! Didn’t I JUST buy a whole case of coconut milk? What’s girl to do? How am I supposed to make ganache?
I put my thinking cap on and decided to throw caution to the wind. A couple bottles of hard cider had found their way into my refrigerator …I thought, well, that could be delicious. If I add some butter, it could end up with about the same fat content as coconut milk. Let’s give it a go!
I think I love my accidental recipe successes almost more than I love my recipes that required a LOT more work – like the Perfect Paleo Pie Crust in my Holiday Feast eBook. Oh boy that one was a labor of love. 12 batches and then I finally nailed the recipe.
This one was a labor of a different kind of love. It was an impulsive, fun, creative love. A love of chocolate and of bonus leftover cider. Also, a love of butter. Because everything is better with a little grass-fed butter.
Long story short, this hard cider ganache blew my socks so far off that I decided it needed a photo shoot and recipe post all on its own. I DID put it on the cake, but this ganache is great as-is, too …on some berries, or on a spoon.
If you’re looking for a simple recipe for Valentines Day, a girl’s night in, or for a quick dessert option at a brunch you’re hosting, this hard cider ganache will deliver!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dark chocolate chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup hard cider
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and set aside.
- Add the hard cider, butter, and sea salt together in a small sauce pan. Whisk together over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the butter is melted and everything is well-incorporated. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and stir occasionally for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot buttered cider over the chocolate pieces and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then, using a whisk, mix the now melted chocolate until smooth. Use right away to top cakes or drizzle on berries.
- If the ganache gets too stiff to use, simply place the heat-proof bowl over a smaller pot of boiling water and stir until it has a consistency you need.
- Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Sondra says
That sounds wonderful and so easy. I can’t wait for the flourless cake. Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Cassy says
Absolutely perfect!! I hope you love the cake – it’s live now!
Deborah says
When will you be posting the flourless chocolate cake recipe? I would like to make and take to a neighbors Valentine’s dinner this Friday evening. This will be my first attempt at a flourless cake, is the springform cake pan imperative? Thank you for all your recipes, information, and snapchats! I enjoy it all.
Cassy says
Chocolate cake is live now, Deborah! I included a note to folks who don’t have a springform pan, too 🙂 So glad you’re liking everything!! I’m having a blast with Snapchat.
Erin says
My daughters birthday is next week and she has requested a chocolate cake with berries. This looks absolutely perfect. Does the alcohol cook off in the process? Getting you 6 year old tipsy at her birthday is generally frowned upon. =)
Natalie says
Erin, while the alcohol may cook off, the flavor is REALLY strong. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone underage for that reason, I don’t really want to start my teens on a taste for alcohol… I tried this twice, once leaving out the salt to see if that would help, but if possible the alcohol flavor was stronger. Honestly I’m guessing that’s the idea with this? And as an adult only dessert, in that case, some might really enjoy it! (I gave it two stars, because it was quite smooth and creamy, but wow the alcohol is just all I taste, and I cook salmon in white wine often and love it… my husband doesn’t drink, he likes my salmon but also said the alcohol was way too strong in this.)
I didn’t care for it and I’m trying to decide if there’s another use for it, because I’m sad I wasted the chocolate, and the cider I would have rather just sipped on, I love hard cider! Lesson learned that I just don’t like strong alcohol flavor in desserts!
On a side note, flourless cake stands alone just beautifully, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top and add the berries, and I’d bet your daughter would be delighted.
Stephanie Richards says
What is a good replacement for the hard cider or is there one? I do not do any kind of alcohol.
Kaylene says
Yes, I would love to know a substitute as well. I am thinking club soda.
Brandi Schilhab says
Water, kombucha, coconut milk, or regular milk would all work! We’d stick with something sweet or neutral tasting.
Karla says
Incredible recipe. Just delicious.
Can you offer tips on how to make this a peanut butter ganache?