Save It A show-stopping Halloween dessert featuring a rich chocolate ganache spread artfully decorated with a white chocolate spiderweb, served with an assortment of dippable treats.
This dessert has become a favorite at our Halloween parties and always impresses guests with its festive look and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Ganache: 300 g (10.5 oz) dark chocolate (60&ndash70>% cocoa), chopped, 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Spiderweb Decoration: 60 g (2 oz) white chocolate, chopped
- Dippers: 12&ndash16 fresh strawberries, hulled, 12&ndash16 large marshmallows, 12&ndash16 shortbread or butter cookies, 1 cup pretzel rods, 1 cup assorted fresh fruit (apple slices, banana pieces, orange segments)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 12 minutes, then add butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly (510 minutes) until thickened but still spreadable.
- Assemble the Board:
- Spread the ganache evenly onto a large serving board or platter, forming a thick layer (about 1 cm&frasl2 inch). Melt the white chocolate in a microwavesafe bowl in 20second intervals, stirring until smooth. Transfer melted white chocolate to a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Pipe 34 concentric circles on top of the ganache. Using a toothpick, starting from the center, gently drag lines outward through the circles to create a spiderweb effect.
- Arrange the Dippers:
- Neatly arrange strawberries, marshmallows, cookies, pretzel rods, and fruit around the ganache on the board. Serve immediately, allowing guests to dip or scoop with their treats.
Save It Our family loves gathering around this dessert every Halloween, sharing stories as everyone dips their favorite treats into the ganache.
Notes
Add chocolate truffles, brownie bites, or Halloween candies for extra variety. Use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter ganache. Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a flavor twist. Pair with coffee, dessert wine, or hot chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Required Tools
Heatproof mixing bowl, Small saucepan, Whisk or spatula, Serving board or large platter, Piping bag or ziplock bag, Toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, butter, chocolate), gluten (cookies, pretzels), soy (possible in chocolate), and may contain nuts depending on chocolate brand and dippers. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if serving to individuals with food allergies.
Save It This chocolate ganache board is your next show-stopping dessert for Halloween parties that will delight both kids and adults alike.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I make the chocolate ganache smooth and glossy?
Heat cream until just simmering, pour over chopped dark chocolate, then add butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until fully melted and glossy.
- → What chocolate is best for the ganache?
Dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa provides a rich, balanced flavor and smooth texture for the ganache.
- → How is the spiderweb effect created?
Pipe concentric white chocolate circles on ganache, then drag a toothpick from center to edges to form a spiderweb pattern.
- → Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, the ganache can be made and spread in advance. Chill slightly before decorating and arranging dippers shortly before serving.
- → What are good dippers to serve with ganache?
Fresh strawberries, marshmallows, shortbread or butter cookies, pretzel rods, and fresh fruit slices complement the ganache well.