Sour Cream White Chocolate Ganache

I love white chocolate ganache but I usually find it way too sweet. I found that using sour cream instead and adding some apple cider vinegar and salt gives an almost cheesecake-like flavour to my ganache and drops the sweetness out while boosting the flavour. This is by far my most favourite filling and has become a go-to for covering and filling cakes. The flavour is so well balanced that it is even fine to use under fondant, where regular white chocolate ganache would be too sweet and I have used it to fill and cover white chocolate mud cake. 

Sour cream white chocolate ganache

1.25kg Cadbury melts white chocolate or Cadbury dream block white chocolate, or Callebaut white chocolate. Nestle white melts will work, but aren’t as delicious
400ml Sour cream full fat (at least 30%)
1/4 tsp Fine table salt, more to taste
2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
A few drops of concentrated natural vanilla extract
(Ratio is 3:1 White chocolate to Cream)

Or for a smaller amount: 600g White chocolate and 200g of sour cream, 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of fine salt. 

Method

In a large microwave-safe bowl place one teaspoon of salt, the white chocolate, sour cream, and vinegar. Heat in microwave in one-minute bursts, stirring between bursts until combined. (should take roughly 2 and a half minutes in total). Once fully combined pour into large sheet pan and place in fridge or freezer and cool until the correct consistency is reached. test by poking at a corner of the pan with a palette knife. 

The most important tip when making ganache is not to overheat it. Take time to melt the chocolate into cream slowly.  

Once combined, do not mix, stir or disturb the ganache until it is nearly set to the right consistency. The aim is for the consistency to be the same as peanut butter. 

The only time I have ever split ganache is if I overheat the chocolate, or stir it before it has set the first time.

Something about the chemistry of ganache changes after you allow it to set, or nearly set.
I find that if I let it set to the right consistency or fully set up before I use it, then I can then reheat it gently to get it workable without any issues and mix it and work with it as much as I want.
However, if I stir it when it is only half way to being set, right after making it, then the oils will split from the mixture. 

 

robertscakes

10 comments

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    • Dee on 23 May 2019 at 3:18 pm
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    Hi there! Thank you for this recipe. I’m making it now, but noticed the apple cider listed in the Ingredient list is not mentioned in Method. I’m assuming everything is just mixed into the bowl together and microwaved?

    1. Good pick up, Yup all just thrown in together and heated. 🙂

    • Sweta on 29 January 2020 at 1:47 am
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    Just found the blog on Instagram when I was admiring modelling chocolate. It’s utterly brilliant! Can’t wait to try it. And I too find white Chocolate ganache too sweet. I’m inspired by your creativity and am so grateful to you for sharing. Sincerely, thank you. I’ve been feeling so down and uninspired lately, you’ve changed my headspace right round. I’ll do these and tag you on Instagram 🙌 have a wonderful day and week ahead

    • Sue McMurtrie on 16 February 2020 at 9:04 am
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    Hi Robert how long before icing the cake can I make this ganache please

    1. Hi Sue,
      The ganache will last 3 days at room temp, it will last a full week but you don;t want to shorten the shelf life of the finished cake. Or a week and a half in the fridge. 🙂

    • Marion on 15 June 2020 at 4:34 pm
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    Was looking for something to make my white chocolate ganache less sweet and this recipe sounds great! Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar for regular white vinegar or will that affect the taste you think? TIA

    1. You can, just use a bit less, or leave it out altogether, 🙂 It’s just there to add a little extra sourness. 🙂

    • cata on 1 July 2020 at 7:43 am
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    Hi Robert thanks for the recipe!
    I live in extremly hot and humid wheather ( barranquilla Colombia) and the ganache hold on perfecly

    • Miss Penda on 20 April 2021 at 11:28 pm
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    Hello, thanks for this amazing recipe. I’m wondering if white vinegar will do or fresh lemon juice instead of apple cider. And also can this be whipped like regular Ganache?
    Thank you

    1. Yes, although the vinegar is completely optional. White vinegar or lemon juice work well, or a pinch or citric acid, or creme of tartar, it’s just to add a bit of a sharper tang, be sparing with white vinegar, but it works great. It whips well too. If you want it really light and fluffy add a little more sour cream.

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