Step 1

Place the chocolate in a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer. Heat the cream in a saucepan (or in the microwave) until it begins to steam.

Step 2

, Pour the cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Gently stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Set aside to cool to room temperature (75°F or below).

Step 3

, Once the ganache has cooled to room temperature, stir in the salt and vanilla.

Step 4

, Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the ganache on low speed, slowly adding the butter in several additions.

Step 5

, After all the butter has been added, whip the mixture on high speed until fluffy (3 to 5 minutes), stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6

, Use the frosting to finish the cake or cupcakes of your choice; see “tips,” below, for more information.