Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIt’s hard to believe that something as visually striking as Chocolate Salami can come together with such ease. This no-bake Portuguese delight captures the essence of festive gatherings and sweet family moments, combining rich cocoa flavors with bites of crunchy biscuit and nuts. Not only is this dessert a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare, allowing you to focus on what really matters—creating cherished memories with loved ones. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for busy days. Are you ready to impress your family and friends with this unique dessert? Let’s dive into the delightful world of Chocolate Salami! Why Is Chocolate Salami So Irresistible? Effortless Preparation: This no-bake recipe requires minimal effort, perfect for busy holiday schedules. Decadent Flavor: The rich cacao and creamy dulce de leche create a delightful chocolate experience that everyone will adore. Visual Appeal: Shaped like a gourmet log, each slice reveals a beautiful contrast of textures with crunchy nuts and biscuit bits. Versatile Treat: Customize with your choice of nuts or add a splash of your favorite spirits to elevate your Chocolate Salami. Perfect for Gatherings: Serve it on a decorative platter at parties, alongside other homemade delights like Decadent Chocolate Cake or Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, and watch it disappear! This chocolate salami not only delights the palate but also sparks joy, bonding everyone over a shared love of delicious desserts. Chocolate Salami Ingredients • Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable no-bake dessert. For the Base Mixture Biscuit Cookies – These form the core structure; opt for plain biscotti or classic tea biscuits that aren’t too sweet. Cacao Powder – This provides that rich chocolate flavor; you can replace it with cocoa powder if needed. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and binds the mixture; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal blending. Condensed Milk – This gives a creamy sweetness; you could substitute it with similar sweetened dairy products, but watch the consistency! For the Flavor Boost Dulce de Leche – This adds a luscious caramel-like note; alternatives like Nutella can be used, but it may alter the taste. For the Crunch Pecans – These nuts introduce a delightful crunch; feel free to switch to any favorite nuts like almonds or cashews for a different twist. Get ready to whip up a delightful Chocolate Salami that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Salami Step 1: Gather Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients for the Chocolate Salami. Ensure the unsalted butter is at room temperature to make blending easy. Prepare a large mixing bowl, a food processor, and some plastic wrap or parchment paper for shaping. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make your kitchen adventure enjoyable! Step 2: Chop Biscuit Cookies In your food processor, add the biscuit cookies and pulse them until coarsely chopped. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks to create delightful texture in your Chocolate Salami. This should take about 30 seconds; stop to check for consistency. Once you have the desired texture, sprinkle in the cacao powder and pulse a few more times to combine. Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Transfer the cookie mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the softened unsalted butter, condensed milk, and dulce de leche into the mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to blend everything until fully incorporated. This process may take about 2-3 minutes, and the mixture should be thick, rich, and well-combined with no visible butter chunks. Step 4: Incorporate Pecans Fold in the broken pecans, mixing gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the Chocolate Salami mixture. This typically takes just a minute or so, and you want to ensure the nuts are well integrated. The blend should be luscious and speckled with crunchy pieces, ready for shaping. Step 5: Shape the Mixture Once everything is mixed, lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your counter. Scoop the Chocolate Salami mixture onto the center and gather the edges of the wrap to shape it into a log. Gently roll and press to form a tight cylinder, about 6-8 inches long. Be sure to wrap it securely to maintain its shape. Step 6: Refrigerate for Firmness Place the wrapped Chocolate Salami in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help it firm up nicely. After the chilling process, you should have a log that’s firm enough to slice, showcasing that beautiful mixture within. Step 7: Dust and Slice When ready to serve, carefully unwrap the Chocolate Salami and dust it generously with powdered sugar to enhance its festive appearance. Use a sharp knife to slice into rounds, revealing the decadent layers of chocolate, nuts, and biscuit. Each slice should be beautifully shaped, perfect for sharing during your holiday celebrations! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Salami logs are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to savor a homemade dessert with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the entire mixture up to 3 days in advance by shaping it into logs and wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. To maintain their quality, refrigerate the logs as soon as they are formed. When you’re ready to serve, simply unwrap the Chocolate Salami and dust it with powdered sugar before slicing into rounds. This means you can enjoy a decadent holiday treat on busy days without sacrificing flavor or presentation—it’s a delightful time-saver for any festive gathering! Chocolate Salami Variations & Substitutions Feel free to put your personal touch on this scrumptious treat with these delightful ideas! Nut Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to customize the flavor. Each nut brings its unique crunch, so choose your favorite! Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut milk or a nut-based cream instead of condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains richness and sweetness. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of orange or almond extract to elevate the flavor profile. These aromatic touches will surprise and delight! Dried Fruit Mix: Incorporate chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for bursts of fruity flavor and added texture. This twist enhances the sweetness beautifully. Chocolate Chips Addition: Toss in mini chocolate chips to amplify the chocolatey experience. Every slice will have delightful pockets of melted bliss. Spiced Up: A dash of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder can introduce a warm kick, invigorating your Chocolate Salami with unique flavors. It’s a fun way to surprise your taste buds! Adult Version: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon for a sophisticated adult treat. This gives your Chocolate Salami a depth that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Layered Treat: Make individual Chocolate Salami cups by layering the mixture in cups instead of rolling into a log. This can make for fun, shareable portions! Whether you’re craving something classic or want to get adventurous, these variations ensure your Chocolate Salami is as unique as every gathering it graces. You might also enjoy pairing it with a delicious slice of Decadent Chocolate Cake for an even more indulgent experience! What to Serve with No-Bake Chocolate Salami? Nothing rounds out a festive meal quite like the right accompaniments to your delicious dessert! Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chocolate Salami, balancing sweetness with their tart flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast, enhancing the chocolate experience with a cool, velvety touch. Espresso Coffee: The bold bitterness of a freshly brewed espresso cuts through the sweetness, providing a sophisticated pairing that coffee lovers will appreciate. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a light, airy contrast to the dense Chocolate Salami, elevating each bite to a new level of indulgence. Chocolate Dipped Fruits: Pairing with chocolate-covered strawberries or bananas creates a chocolate-lover’s dream and adds a playful, whimsical element to your dessert spread. Mint Tea: The refreshing taste of mint tea or peppermint-infused beverages helps cleanse the palate, making each slice of Chocolate Salami feel even more indulgent. Nutty Biscotti: Serve alongside crunchy, nutty biscotti for an extra layer of texture that compliments the chocolate and provides a delightful nibble between bites. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like Brie or mascarpone creates an unexpected but delicious savory counterpart, balancing the sweetness and providing richness. Toffee Sauce: Drizzling warm toffee sauce over the Chocolate Salami adds a decadent touch, enhancing its impressive presentation while creating a sweet contrast in flavors. Storage Tips for Chocolate Salami Fridge: Store Chocolate Salami in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This keeps it fresh and ready for a sweet treat anytime. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply slice while still frozen for cleaner cuts. Serving: After refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing. This softens it slightly, enhancing flavor and texture. Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover slices, store them individually in small containers or zip-top bags for convenience, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful dessert on demand! Expert Tips for Chocolate Salami Butter Softness: Make sure the unsalted butter is at room temperature for easy blending and a lump-free mixture, which is crucial for a smooth Chocolate Salami. Chill Time Matters: Allow the salami to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal firmness; rushing this step can lead to overly soft slices. Texture Control: If your mixture seems too soft after chilling, briefly freezing it can help—a simple fix to achieve the perfect slicing consistency. Presentation Tip: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to enhance the visual appeal of the Chocolate Salami and add a lovely touch of sweetness. Avoid Overmixing: When folding in the pecans, do it gently to maintain some texture in the final dessert; overmixing could lead to a dense outcome. Chocolate Salami Recipe FAQs What type of biscuit cookies should I use for Chocolate Salami? I recommend using plain biscotti or classic tea biscuits that aren’t too sweet. It’s important to have a biscuit that provides good structure while balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. How should I store Chocolate Salami, and for how long? Store Chocolate Salami in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This helps keep it fresh and ready for when those sweet cravings hit! Can I freeze Chocolate Salami, and how do I do it properly? Absolutely! To freeze Chocolate Salami, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To slice it neatly, allow it to freeze completely, then cut while still frozen for clean, beautiful slices. What should I do if the mixture is too soft? If you find that your Chocolate Salami is too soft after refrigerating, simply place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This brief chilling will help firm it up, making it easier to slice without falling apart. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes! If you’re making Chocolate Salami for a gathering, be aware of nut allergies if you’re using pecans (or any nuts) in the recipe. You can substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version while still achieving that delightful crunch. Can I customize my Chocolate Salami with different ingredients? Very! Feel free to substitute the pecans with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or cashews. You can also add dried fruits or chocolate chips for a unique touch. Just remember that each addition may alter the flavor slightly, but it’s all about personal preference! Indulge in Chocolate Salami: Easy No-Bake Holiday Bliss Chocolate Salami is an easy no-bake dessert that combines rich cocoa flavors with crunchy biscuit and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: PortugueseCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base Mixture200 grams Biscuit Cookies Plain biscotti or classic tea biscuits50 grams Cacao Powder Can be replaced with cocoa powder100 grams Unsalted Butter At room temperature1 can Condensed Milk Or similar sweetened dairy productsFor the Flavor Boost150 grams Dulce de Leche Alternatives like Nutella can be usedFor the Crunch100 grams Pecans Can substitute with almonds or cashews Equipment Food ProcessorMixing Bowlplastic wrapparchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsGather all your ingredients for the Chocolate Salami. Ensure the unsalted butter is at room temperature.In your food processor, add the biscuit cookies and pulse until coarsely chopped.Transfer the cookie mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add unsalted butter, condensed milk, and dulce de leche and blend until incorporated.Fold in the broken pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Scoop the mixture onto the center and shape it into a log.Refrigerate the wrapped Chocolate Salami for at least 4 hours or overnight.Dust the Chocolate Salami with powdered sugar and slice into rounds before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg NotesStore in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
