How to Create the Perfect Chocolate Drip
A drip cake is a decorated cake where a ganache is poured over the top, so it drips down the sides for a drip effect.
The drip is usually made from ganache, as it is the most reliable. Ganache is made of chocolate and cream: It can also be made with caramel, icing, or melted spreads. Find our simple guide to making chocolate ganache here: Chocolate Ganache.
- A crumb Coated Cake (See here on our tips to do this- How to Crumb Coat a Cake.
- Drip mixture/ Ganache (see out hints and tips on Chocolate Ganache.
- Something to apply the drip: Spoon, Piping bag, or Squeeze bottle (gives more control)
-Optional extras: Turntable (makes it easier to go around evenly) and Spatula (to smooth the top after dripping)
Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a microwavable bowl. Add the butter and melt together in the microwave in 30 second bursts stirring between each burst. You need to make sure all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Leave to stand for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Once the chocolate mixture has cooled place in a piping bag and cut off the end of the piping bag to create a small hole, making sure the chocolate does not start dripping out! Or you can pour your ganche.
Remove your cake from the fridge and starting at the edge of the cake begin to drip the chocolate down the sides of cake, hold the piping bag in the same place to allow enough chocolate to drip down the side of the cake and then continue around the edge of the cake. OR you can pour over the ganache and allow it to drip naturally. Once the drip is all the way around the edge of the cake squeeze the remaining chocolate onto the top of the cake and smooth out with a palette knife if required.
Drip mixture is too hot
If you do not cool down your ganache or drip before starting then, it will run too far down the sides and, melt your buttercream and may pool at the bottom. Make sure you let the ganache cool slightly until it’s thick but still pourable. Test the consistency on a spoon first.
Drip mixture is too thick
A thick ganache won’t flow properly, leaving short or uneven drips. Add a little cream (for chocolate) or warm gently until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Cake isn’t chilled enough
Not chilling the cake down properly will absorb the drip too quickly, making it messy. Make sure you chill the cake in the fridge for 30-60 minutes so the top and sides are firm.
Pouring too much at once
Putting all the ganache on top at once can cause overflow and uneven drips. Make sure you apply the drip gradually, either with a spoon or piping bag, around the edges first, then fill in the top.
Not controlling the ganache temperature
Chocolate sets too hard if too cold, or melts buttercream if too warm. Aim for room temperature ganache: thick enough to hold shape but soft enough to flow. And work quickly to prevent the ganache setting too quick on the top.
Not letting the drips set
Moving and covering the cake too quickly and not allowing time for the drip to fully set. Make sure you chill the cake for 15–20 minutes after dripping to set the ganache before adding extra decorations.
How long will a drip cake last?
A drip cake will last: 2–3 days at room temperature (if cool) and up to 5 days in the fridge
What is the best frosting for a drip cake?
Buttercream- is best because it’s firm when chilled and helps control the drips.
Can I just use melted chocolate for a drip cake?
You can, but it’s not recommended as more could go wrong, and it wouldn’t have the natural shine to it. It is way too thick and will not drip properly, and it sets far too hard to cut into it. It is always better to mix it with cream to make ganache.
How to do a Biscoff drip on a cake?
If using Biscoff:
Warm it slightly in the microwave Stir until smooth and pourable Let it cool a bit before dripping Apply like ganache.
Can you use glace icing for a drip cake?
You can use glacé icing, but it’s thinner and less rich and can look more transparent and runnier.
Now you have taken your decorating skills to the next level. Why not check out how to make Moist Cakes Or how to Icing a Cake .