Pin 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 my go-to Halloween treat because it impresses guests and is surprisingly easy to make.
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.
Pin It My family loves gathering around this board to share stories and enjoy the festive treats during Halloween.
Notes
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
Pin It This dessert is perfect for Halloween parties and can be customized with your favorite dippers to suit any crowd.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the ganache smooth and glossy?
Heat the cream until it just simmers and pour it over chopped chocolate. Let it sit briefly before adding butter, vanilla, and salt, then stir gently until smooth.
- → What is the best method to create the spiderweb decoration?
Melt white chocolate and place it in a piping or ziplock bag. Pipe concentric circles on the ganache, then drag a toothpick from the center outward to form the spiderweb pattern.
- → Can I prepare the ganache board in advance?
Yes, prepare the ganache and chill until thick but still spreadable. Assemble the board shortly before serving for the best texture.
- → What dippers work well with the chocolate ganache?
Fresh strawberries, marshmallows, shortbread or butter cookies, pretzel rods, and assorted fresh fruit complement the ganache beautifully.
- → How can I add variety to the board for special occasions?
Include chocolate truffles, brownie bites, or themed candies to enhance both flavor and appearance.