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.
I love serving this dessert at Halloween parties because it is not only delicious but also a great centerpiece that gets everyone excited to dig in.
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 My family always gathers around this board during Halloween making it a highlight of our celebration and a memory we cherish each year.
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 dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines festive fun with rich flavor perfect for Halloween parties.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a smooth ganache texture?
Heat cream just until it simmers, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Let it sit briefly before stirring gently to combine, ensuring a glossy, smooth ganache.
- → What is the best method to create the spiderweb decoration?
Melt white chocolate slowly, pipe concentric circles onto the ganache, then use a toothpick to drag lines from the center outward, forming a spiderweb pattern.
- → Can I prepare the ganache board ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ganache and spiderweb decoration in advance, but arrange fresh dippers just before serving to maintain their texture.
- → What dippers pair well with this chocolate ganache board?
Fresh strawberries, marshmallows, shortbread cookies, pretzel rods, and assorted fresh fruit complement the rich ganache perfectly.
- → How to store leftovers of the ganache board?
Cover the ganache board tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Consume within 2-3 days for best freshness and flavor.