Homemade Dark Chocolate Glaze

Making a homemade dark chocolate glaze is a simple way to elevate your desserts, whether it's drizzling it over cakes, cookies, or pastries. Here's a basic recipe for a delicious dark chocolate glaze:

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (about 113g) good quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey (optional, for added shine)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate:

   • Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

2. Heat the Cream:

   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.

3. Combine:

   • Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate.

4. Stir:

   • Stir the chocolate and cream together until smooth and well combined. If needed, you can gently heat the mixture over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts to fully melt the chocolate.

5. Add Butter and Corn Syrup (Optional):

   • Stir in the unsalted butter and light corn syrup or honey (if using). The butter adds richness and shine to the glaze, while the corn syrup or honey helps give it a glossy finish.

6. Let the Glaze Cool Slightly:

   • Allow the chocolate glaze to cool slightly before using it. It will thicken slightly as it cools, making it easier to control when pouring or spreading.

7. Use as Desired:

   • Pour or drizzle the dark chocolate glaze over your desired desserts, such as cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies.
   • Alternatively, you can dip pastries or fruits directly into the warm glaze for a decadent treat.

8. Set:

   • Let the glaze set at room temperature for a few minutes or place the desserts in the refrigerator briefly to speed up the setting process.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve your desserts with the homemade dark chocolate glaze and enjoy their rich and chocolatey goodness!

Tips:

• For a thinner glaze, you can add a little extra cream or milk to the mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or more to taste.
• Customize the flavor of your dark chocolate glaze by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt.
• Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

With this homemade dark chocolate glaze recipe, you can easily add a luscious finishing touch to your favorite desserts. Enjoy!