Save 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 became a Halloween favorite in our family instantly due to its impressive look and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Ganache: 300 g (10.5 oz) dark chocolate (60–70% 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: 12–16 fresh strawberries hulled, 12–16 large marshmallows, 12–16 shortbread or butter cookies, 1 cup pretzel rods, 1 cup assorted fresh fruit (apple slices banana pieces orange segments)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- a. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. b. In a small saucepan heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). c. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 1–2 minutes then add butter vanilla and salt. d. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly (5–10 minutes) until thickened but still spreadable.
- Assemble the Board:
- a. Spread the ganache evenly onto a large serving board or platter forming a thick layer (about 1 cm/½ inch). b. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals stirring until smooth. c. Transfer melted white chocolate to a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off. d. Pipe 3–4 concentric circles on top of the ganache. e. Using a toothpick starting from the center gently drag lines outward through the circles to create a spiderweb effect.
- Arrange the Dippers:
- a. Neatly arrange strawberries marshmallows cookies pretzel rods and fruit around the ganache on the board. b. Serve immediately allowing guests to dip or scoop with their treats.
Save This recipe always brings the family together every Halloween for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
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 This spiderweb ganache board is as delicious as it is visually stunning making it perfect for your next Halloween gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a smooth chocolate ganache?
Heat cream until it just simmers, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let rest for 1–2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- → What is the best way to create the spiderweb design?
Pipe concentric circles of melted white chocolate over the ganache, then drag a toothpick from the center outward through the circles to form a spiderweb pattern.
- → Which dippers pair well with the chocolate ganache board?
Fresh strawberries, marshmallows, shortbread cookies, pretzel rods, and assorted fresh fruit complement the rich ganache beautifully.
- → Can I prepare the ganache ahead of time?
Yes, ganache can be made in advance and gently reheated before spreading on the board for serving.
- → Are there alternatives to dark chocolate for the ganache?
Milk or white chocolate can be used for a sweeter ganache but adjust the cream quantity slightly for desired consistency.