How Much Ganache for an 8 Inch Cake?
About 841 g of ganache fills and coats a three-layer, 4 inch tall 8 inch round cake with a smooth ganache finish — 505 g of dark chocolate to 336 g of double (heavy) cream. A drip on its own takes about 195 g.
You need about841 g ganache
505 g dark chocolate + 336 g cream (3 : 2), for an 8 inch round, 4 in tall, three layers filled and coated.
By finish
| Finish | Ganache | Dark chocolate + cream |
|---|---|---|
| Drip only Drips down the top edge plus a thin pool on top. No side coat. | 195 g | 98 g + 98 g |
| Crumb coat A thin sealing layer to trap crumbs before the final finish. | 246 g | 148 g + 98 g |
| Full coat + filling A smooth ganache finish that stays exposed on the cake. | 841 g | 505 g + 336 g |
| Under fondant + filling A thicker coat built up for sharp edges before covering. | 1026 g | 616 g + 410 g |
By chocolate
| Chocolate | Ratio | Chocolate | Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | 3 : 2 | 505 g | 336 g |
| Milk | 5 : 2 | 601 g | 240 g |
| White | 3 : 1 | 631 g | 210 g |
How the amount is worked out
The calculator measures the top and sides of the cake and multiplies by how thickly each finish is spread: about 2 mm for a crumb coat, 3.5 mm for a smooth finish and 5 mm under fondant, with a 5 mm layer of filling between each sponge. It adds 15% for what stays in the bowl and on the scraper. A drip is worked out from the length of the edge it runs down plus a thin pool on top, and needs no extra — it is poured in one go.
Heat the cream until it just steams, pour it over the chopped chocolate, leave for a couple of minutes, then stir from the centre until glossy. Let it firm up before coating; use it warm and fluid for a drip.
Other cake sizes
Topping it?
An 8 inch cake takes a 7.5 in (191 mm) edible image. See the 8 inch cake size guide, or open that size in the topper editor — free to design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ganache to cover an 8 inch cake?
About 431 g for a smooth ganache coat over the top and sides of a 4 inch tall 8 inch cake, or 841 g if you also fill between three layers.
How much ganache for a drip on an 8 inch cake?
About 195 g — for dark chocolate, 98 g chocolate to 98 g cream (1 : 1), loose enough to run down a chilled cake.
How much ganache under fondant for an 8 inch cake?
About 1026 g including the filling, built up thicker for sharp edges — 616 g dark chocolate to 410 g cream (3 : 2).
How much ganache for an 8 inch square cake?
About 1071 g to fill and coat a three-layer, 4 inch tall 8 inch square cake — a square has more side and top to cover than a round of the same size.
Worked out with the same model as the ganache calculator, so this page and the calculator always agree. CakeyTops calculators are free to use with no account.