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 parties because it impresses guests and is fun to dip fresh fruit and cookies into.
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:
- 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 cm½ 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.
Pin it This dessert always brings my family together during Halloween making it a memorable treat each year.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 370 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 5 g
Pin it This Spiderweb Chocolate Ganache Board is sure to be the centerpiece of your Halloween celebration filling it with festive joy and deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the chocolate ganache smooth and glossy?
Gently heat the cream until just simmering and pour it immediately over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit briefly before stirring to allow the chocolate to melt fully, then add butter and vanilla for shine and richness. Stir gently until smooth.
- → What’s the best way to create the white chocolate spiderweb effect?
Melt white chocolate carefully in short bursts to avoid burning. Pipe concentric circles onto the ganache and drag a toothpick from the center outward to create the spiderweb lines.
- → Can I prepare the ganache board ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ganache and chill it until spreadable. Assemble and decorate just before serving to maintain the spiderweb’s delicate appearance and freshness of dippers.
- → What alternatives can I use for dippable treats?
Try adding chocolate truffles, brownie bites, or seasonal candies alongside strawberries, marshmallows, cookies, and pretzels for variety and flavor contrasts.
- → How should I store leftovers safely?
Cover the board tightly and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving again to soften the ganache for easier dipping.