This study investigates the impact of structural modifications of chocolate ganaches by changes in technological processing and by addition of emulsifier, milk fat, milk protein, and guar gum. Ganaches were evaluated by textural analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, frequency sweep rheology, and optical microscopy. Chocolate pralines were manufactured from studied ganaches, followed by sensory and microbial tests for consumer acceptability and shelf-life stability, respectively. Ganache subjected to a 3-min emulsification process exhibited optimal properties and was sensorially rated as the most preferred. Notably, neither the emulsifier application nor extended 6-min emulsification had significant effect on the measured properties. The addition of milk proteins and guar gum resulted in a firm and complex water-binding structure, confirmed by higher viscoelasticity and lower water activity, and resulted in a better shelf-life stability. The preparation process minimally affected melting profiles measured by DSC, however, sample with guar gum exhibited a slight shift to higher temperatures. •Optimal emulsification time for ganache preparation was found to be 3 min.•The ganache's structure affected viscoelastic properties.•Increasing ganache firmness reduced the sensory preferences of products.•Guar gum or dried milk addition showed potential to prolong microbial stability.