Description
This Lemon Ganache is a smooth, creamy, and tangy filling made from white chocolate and fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfect for filling macarons, cupcakes, or any dessert that benefits from a bright, citrusy flavor with a luscious texture. The ganache sets in the fridge and can be made ahead, providing a vibrant yellow, creamy filling with a subtle balance of sweet and tart.
Ingredients
Scale
White Chocolate Base
- 250 g finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups)
- 80 g heavy whipping cream, room temperature (1/3 cup)
Citrus Flavoring
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest (zest of 2 lemons)
- 60 g lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons) (1/4 cup)
- Yellow gel food coloring (optional, a small drop)
Instructions
- Prepare the white chocolate: Place 250 g of finely chopped white chocolate in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- Heat the cream: Pour 80 g heavy cream into a heat-proof bowl and heat in 15-second intervals in the microwave until it just begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Alternatively, heat over medium-high heat in a saucepan until it starts to bubble and steam.
- Combine cream and chocolate: Pour the hot heavy cream over the white chocolate, ensuring all chocolate is submerged, and let sit for a couple of minutes to soften.
- Add lemon zest and juice: Zest 2 large lemons directly into the chocolate mixture, then juice them and add 60 g of fresh lemon juice. Add a small drop of yellow gel food coloring if desired for a brighter yellow color.
- Mix ganache: Use an immersion blender or a spoon to blend the mixture thoroughly until smooth and cohesive.
- Chill the ganache: Cover the ganache with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent skin formation and refrigerate for about 4 hours to set. Stir every 15 minutes to speed cooling if desired.
- Use the ganache: Once set and thickened, transfer the ganache to a piping bag fitted with a large round piping tip. If too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping. Use it to fill lemon macarons, cupcakes, or other desserts.
Notes
- The ganache needs approximately 4 hours to set properly; make it ahead of time, ideally the night before.
- If you want a more vivid yellow color, a small drop of yellow gel food coloring can be added.
- Microwave heating should be done in short bursts to prevent overheating the cream.
- If the ganache is too firm after chilling, allow it to soften at room temperature before use.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: lemon ganache, white chocolate ganache, lemon filling, dessert filling, macaron filling, cupcake filling, citrus ganache
