Chocolate Salami is a delightful no-bake dessert that resembles a salami but is actually a sweet treat made with chocolate, cookies, and nuts. This classic European confection originated in Portugal and Italy, where it’s known as “salame di cioccolato.” Its charming appearance and rich taste make it a perfect dessert for special occasions or as a homemade gift during holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required – perfect for hot days or when you don’t want to use the oven
• Only requires a few simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry
• Customizable with different nuts, cookies, and flavor additions
• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for weeks
• Impressive presentation that looks like it took more effort than it actually did

Ingredients

• Digestive Biscuits/Vanilla Wafers: These create the signature texture and provide the “marbled” appearance in each slice. You can also use graham crackers or any crisp, plain cookie.
• Toasted Hazelnuts: Adds a wonderful nutty crunch and flavor. Toast them first to enhance their natural oils and aroma.
• Dark Chocolate: The foundation of this recipe. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa for the best flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect consistency. Full-fat milk works best, but you can substitute with half-and-half for extra richness.
• Alcohol (Optional): A splash of Kahlua, Amaretto, brandy, or rum adds depth and complexity. If serving to children, substitute with vanilla extract.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the outside, giving it that authentic “salami” look. Also adds a touch of sweetness to each bite.

Variations

Fruit and Nut Chocolate Salami

Enhance your chocolate salami by adding dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots. The dried fruits will add a chewy texture and tangy flavor that beautifully complements the rich chocolate and crunchy nuts.

White Chocolate Version

Replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a striking visual contrast when sliced. Add some colorful dried fruits like cranberries and pistachios for a festive appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Spiced Chocolate Salami

Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of chili powder to the chocolate mixture for a more complex flavor profile. This variation works particularly well during the winter months and holiday season.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Crush the digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin until you have small, uneven crumbs. You want a mix of sizes for authentic texture. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in the toasted, chopped hazelnuts. This creates the foundation of your chocolate salami with varying textures.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mixture

Place the dark chocolate and butter in a medium bowl and melt them together either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or using a double boiler, stirring frequently until completely smooth. Add the milk and optional alcohol, stirring to combine. This creates a silky, pourable chocolate mixture that will bind all the ingredients.

Step 3: Combine and Shape

Pour the chocolate mixture over the biscuit and nut mixture, stirring thoroughly until everything is well-coated. Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and shape it into a log using a spatula or spoon. Roll it up tightly, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until completely firm.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once chilled and firm, remove the log from the wrapping and dust generously with powdered sugar on all sides. Brush off excess sugar for a more realistic “salami” appearance. Slice into rounds and serve on a wooden board for an impressive presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t crush the cookies too finely – varying sizes create the authentic marbled appearance
• Toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch
• Let the chocolate cool slightly before mixing with the cookies to prevent them from becoming too soggy
• Use cold hands when shaping the log to prevent the chocolate from melting too much
• For a neater appearance, reshape the log halfway through cooling if needed
• To achieve clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts

How to Serve

Chocolate Salami is traditionally served as thin slices on a dessert plate or wooden board, ideally alongside coffee or tea. For an elegant dessert platter, pair slices with fresh berries, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the rich chocolate with fresh fruit creates a balanced dessert experience.

For a truly authentic presentation, serve on a wooden cutting board with a small cheese knife, mimicking how real salami would be presented. This dessert also makes a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters or as part of a dessert buffet.

Make Ahead

Chocolate Salami is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to one week in advance and keep it refrigerated, tightly wrapped in parchment paper and then aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

If freezing, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw the frozen log in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.

For gifting, wrap chilled chocolate salami in fresh parchment paper, tie with twine, and add a decorative tag with serving instructions.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with seeds like pumpkins seeds, or additional cookies for crunch. Some people enjoy adding dried fruits instead for a different texture.

How long does Chocolate Salami stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Chocolate Salami stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. In the freezer, it can last for up to 3 months if well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but the dessert will be considerably sweeter. If using milk chocolate, you might want to reduce any added sweeteners and consider using less sweet cookies for balance.

Why did my Chocolate Salami not hold its shape?

This typically happens if the mixture was too warm when shaped or if not chilled long enough. Make sure all ingredients are well-combined, and allow at least 4 hours of chilling time, preferably overnight, for the salami to set properly.

Conclusion

Chocolate Salami is a delightful no-bake treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the satisfying crunch of cookies and nuts. With its impressive presentation and make-ahead convenience, it’s perfect for entertaining or gifting during the holidays. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Try making this chocolate salami for your next gathering, and watch as your guests are both intrigued and delighted by this unique dessert!

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