The beloved no-bake dessert Chocolate Salami is a sweet treat that resembles a cured sausage. But instead of meat it contains broken cookies, nuts, butter and cocoa powder. The result? A perfectly balanced treat that's not overly sweet but still irresistibly rich. Plus, it's a no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly with pantry staples.
What kind of dessert is that
Chocolate Salami has roots in Italy and Portugal. It's often made during the holidays, served alongside coffee or tea, and cherished for its rustic charm and simplicity.
What makes my version of the recipe particularly special is its ease and versatility. The irresistible chocolate taste is accomplished without actual chocolate. The high quality cocoa powder brings a deep, rich flavor, while the combination of cookies and nuts adds a delightful crunch.
Last but not least the rum flavor makes this dessert a real delight!
Ingredients
One of the key elements of a great Chocolate Salami is the quality of the ingredients. Since this dessert doesn't require baking, the flavors of each ingredient will shine through.
Here's what you'll need:
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Cocoa powder: Provides that essential chocolate flavor without the need to melt chocolate. That's why it is important to use high quality cocoa powder with at least 20% cocoa butter content.
- Crushed cookies: Traditionally, digestive biscuits or tea cookies are used. They give the salami its signature texture. You can also vary the types of cookies and include also crackers.
- Toasted hazelnuts: I find them the best nut for this particular dessert.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
- Rum flavor: it adds an irresistible touch and enriches the taste of the hazelnuts.
- Milk: Brings softness to the cookies
The complete ingredient list is below the post, in the recipe card
Recipe summary
- Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan: that will make the sweet salami taste even better.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the rest of the ingredients: rum extract, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, the cookies, broken into crumbs and the hazelnuts.
- Mix well and transfer everything to a sheet of baking paper or plastic wrap. Shape a log resembling of a salami and wrap it well. Refrigerate until firm.
- Once chilled, dust your chocolate salami generously with powdered sugar.
Serving suggestions
Chocolate salami is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways:
- As a coffee companion: Slice it thinly and serve it alongside your favorite coffee or espresso.
- Potluck dessert: The perfect treat for a gathering or a party
- Gift it: Wrap slices in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift.
Note: Make sure you always use a very sharp knife when slicing the Chocolate Salami. That way you will slice right through the nuts and will avoid broken pieces.
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly: Make sure to let the salami firm up in the fridge for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: Since cocoa is the primary flavor, a good-quality cocoa powder will make a big difference.
- Crush the cookies unevenly: You want a mix of larger chunks and finer crumbs for the best texture.
Variations
- Nuts: substitute the hazelnuts by pistachio or almonds. Or you can make a mix of nuts. That will change the flavor slightly but will make the dessert different
- Add a few dried cranberries or raisings to make the texture even more interesting
So, next time you're looking for a no-bake treat that's sure to impress, give this chocolate salami a try. It's simple, nostalgic, and packed with flavor-a sweet slice of tradition that everyone will love.
📝 Recipe
Chocolate salami
Ingredients
- 1 stick/ 113 g butter
- 50 g /1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 100 g/ 3.5 oz white cookies, tea cookies, vanilla wafers, digestives, graham crackers, etc.
- ½ cup/ 60 g raw hazelnuts, chopped
- 2 teaspoon rum extract
- 6 tbsp/ 40 g cocoa powder , with at least 20% cocoa butter content
- 2 tbsp/ 30 ml milk
Instructions
- Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn slightly golden around the edges. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the rum extract, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Break the cookies into pieces and add them to the cocoa mixture. Then add the toasted hazelnuts.
- Mix well to ensure the cookies and nuts are fully coated in the chocolate mixture. If the mixture is still hot, let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or baking paper. Wrap it tightly and shape it into a log, resembling a salami. Roll the wrapped log gently on the countertop to achieve a rounder shape.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the chocolate salami and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Slice into thin rounds with a sharp knife.
Notes
- Store the chocolate salami in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- You can freeze it wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
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